Understanding your SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST) gearshift lever

Understanding your SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST) gearshift lever  - Automatic transmission operation - Driving - Lincoln MKZ Owners Manual - Lincoln MKZ

This vehicle is equipped with a

This vehicle is equipped with a SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST) gearshift lever.

SST is an automatic transmission with the ability for the driver to change gears up or down (without a clutch) as desired. By moving the gearshift lever from drive position (D) to the right into Manual (M) you now have control of selecting the gear you desire.

Initially when moving the lever to the manual mode (M), the message center will display the current selected gear you are in. Only by moving the lever in the forward (-) or backward (+) position will the transmission utilize the manual mode for select shifting.

To manually downshift the transmission:

To manually downshift the transmission:

1. Move the gearshift lever forward to (-).

2. Release the lever, and it will return to the M position. The transmission will downshift.

To manually upshift the transmission:

1. Move the gearshift lever rearward into (+).

2. Release the lever, and it will return to the M position. The transmission will upshift.

When selecting the appropriate gear in SST mode, the message center display on the instrument cluster will show the current selected gear you are in.

In order to prevent the engine from running at too low an RPM, which may cause it to stall, the SST will still automatically make some downshifts if it has determined that you have not downshifted in time.

Although the SST will make some downshifts for you, it will still allow you to downshift at any time as long as the SST determines that the engine will not be damaged from over-revving.

The SST will not automatically upshift, even if the engine is approaching the RPM limit. It must be shifted manually by moving the gearshift lever back toward (+) and releasing.

Engine damage may occur if excessive engine revving is held without shifting.

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