2018 Ford Focus ST Owners Manual - Automatic Transmission - 6-Speed Automatic Transmission

Automatic Transmission - 6-Speed Automatic Transmission

WARNING:  Do not apply the brake pedal and accelerator pedal simultaneously. Applying both pedals simultaneously for more than a few seconds will limit engine performance, which may result in difficulty maintaining speed in traffic and could lead to serious injury.    WARNING:  When your vehicle is stationary, keep the brake pedal fully pressed when shifting gears. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury, death or property damage.    WARNING:  Apply the parking brake, shift into park (P), switch the ignition off and remove the key before you leave your vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death.

Selector Lever Positions

The instrument cluster displays the current position.

Park (P)

In park (P), power is not transmitted to the driven wheels and the transmission is locked. You can start the engine with the transmission in this position.

Shift into park (P) only when your vehicle is stationary.

Reverse (R)

Shift into reverse (R) only when your vehicle is stationary and the engine is at idle speed.

Neutral (N)

In neutral (N), power is not transmitted to the driven wheels but the transmission is not locked. In neutral (N) your vehicle has the ability to roll freely. You can start the engine with the transmission in this position.

Drive (D)

Drive (D) is the normal position for driving.

Low (L)

Low (L) provides maximum engine braking. You can shift into low (L) at any vehicle speed.

Brake Shift Interlock

About Brake Shift Interlock

Brake shift interlock prevents you from shifting out of park (P) when you have switched the ignition on and not pressed the brake pedal.

Shifting Out of Park (P)

WARNING:  Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the stoplamps are working.    WARNING:  If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Use the brake shift interlock lever to move the selector lever out of park (P) if you cannot start the engine.

In the event of an electrical malfunction, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the stoplamps are not working.   See   Fuse Specification Chart. 

If the vehicle battery has no charge, jump start your vehicle.   See   Jump Starting the Vehicle. 

WARNING:  When doing this procedure, you need to take the transmission out of park (P) which means your vehicle can roll freely. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always fully apply the parking brake prior to doing this procedure. Use wheels chocks if appropriate.

1. Remove the side panel.

1. Locate the access hole.

1. Using a flat-bladed screwdriver, push the brake shift interlock lever toward the front of your vehicle and hold it there.

1. Move the selector lever from park (P) to neutral (N).

1. Install the side panel.

1. Press the brake pedal, start the engine and release the parking brake.

Transmission Not in Park (P) Audible Warning

Sounds when you open the driver door and you have not moved the selector lever to park (P).

Automatic Transmission Information Messages