Second Generation Ford Probe

Operating Instructions

Automatic Gear Selector

1) Gear Selector Release Button

Press and hold to move the Gear Selector Lever (4) to a different gear selection. In order to move the Gear Selector Lever (4), the brake pedal must be pressed down.

2) Overdrive Off Button

During normal driving, the transaxle will upshift and downshift automatically as required. When the vehicle is driven at a constant speed for any length of time, the transaxle will shift into overdrive, or fourth gear. This fourth gear will increase fuel economy when traveling at cruising speeds. Under certain driving conditions, such as hilly terrain when the transaxle is constantly shifting back and forth between third and fourth gear, the overdrive gear can be turned off. To turn off the overdrive gear and lock out fourth gear, press the Overdrive Off Button on the Gear Selector Lever (4). The Overdrive Off Indicator will illuminate on the Analog Instrument Cluster. To turn the overdrive gear back on, press the Overdrive Off Button again.

3) Gear Position Marker

A marker will denote which gear the Gear Selector Lever (4) is currently in.

• P: Park
• R: Reverse
• N: Neutral
• D: Drive
• 2: Second Gear
• 1: First Gear

4) Gear Selector Lever

Used to select between the six gears available. The Gear Selector Release Button (1) must first be depress with the brake pedal pressed down in order to move the selector. Selected gear can be checked by viewing the marker position on the Gear Position Marker (3). Selectable gears are as follows:

• Park: When in park, the transaxle is locked which keeps the front wheels from rotating. The vehicle must be stopped before shifting into park.
• Reverse: In reverse, the vehicle moves backward only. The vehicle must be stopped before shifting into reverse.
• Neutral: In neutral, the transaxle is not locked. The vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline, unless the Parking Brake or brakes are applied.
• Drive: When in drive, the transaxle upshifts and downshifts automatically through the four drive gears as the vehicle's speed increases or decreases. When overdrive is cancelled via the Overdrive Off Button (2), the transaxle will upshift and downshift automatically through the first three drive gears without going into the fourth gear (overdrive).
• Second: Second gear can be used to help drive up moderately steep hills. It prevents the transaxle from frequently shifting up and down. It also gives more engine braking than the Drive position when going down hills. Do not go faster than 67 mph (107 km/h) with the gear in this position. If you shift from the Drive position to Second because of hilly terrain, your engine will automatically downshift in the proper sequence.
• First: First gear provides better engine braking to slow your car than the Drive position on downgrades. Do not go faster than 29 mph (46 km/h) with the gear in this position. You can upshift from First into drive at any speed. If you shift from the Drive position to First because of hilly terrain, your engine will automatically downshift in the proper sequence.

5) Shift Lock Override Button

The Automatic Gear Selector has a shift lock, which prevents shifting the transaxle out of Park without first stepping on the brake pedal when the ignition is turned on. To override this feature, and shift out of Park without stepping on the brake pedal when the ignition is turned on, press and hold the Shift Lock Override Button while shifting from Park.