Transmission 211 – FORD 2013 Flex v.1 User Manual

Page 211

D (Drive) with Grade Assist (if equipped)

Press the transmission control
switch on the side of the gearshift
lever to activate grade assist.

Grade assist:
• Improves driving experience in hilly terrain or mountainous areas by

providing additional grade (engine) braking and extends lower gear
operation on uphill climbs.

• Provides additional engine braking through the automatic transmission

shift strategy which reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle acceleration,
accelerator pedal, brake pedal and vehicle speed).

• Allows the transmission to select gears that will provide the desired

engine braking based on the vehicle inputs mentioned above. This will
increase engine RPM during engine braking.

• The grade assist lamp in the instrument cluster is

illuminated.

Grade assist is designed to provide optimal gear selection in hilly terrain
or mountainous areas. It is recommended that you return to D (Drive) on
flat terrain to provide the best fuel economy and transmission function.

Press the transmission control switch again to return to O/D (overdrive
mode).
• The grade assist lamp in the instrument cluster will not be illuminated.
• The transmission will operate in gears one through six.
L (Low)
• Provides maximum engine braking
• Will downshift to the lowest available gear for the current vehicle

speed; allows for first gear when vehicle reaches lower speeds

• Is not intended for use under extended or normal driving conditions

and results in lower fuel economy.

Transmission

211

2013 Flex (471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA (fus)