chefduane Posted January 13, 2017 Report Share Posted January 13, 2017 My '11 AWD Limited has a manual shift mode option. I have searched various sites looking for a simple explanation of how it works, with limited luck. I know its not like a paddle shift. Is I like dropping down into 2nd or low on a column shifter? I admit that I have not attempted to use manual shift, or experimented with it, as just leaving the trans in 'drive' seems to meet my driving needs. (Pretty flat here in DFW.) I do plan on driving to the E. Tn. Smoky Mtns in March and would like to understand how to use manual mode before we go. Thanks for any info! Sorry if this is posted in the wrong forum. Mods may move as necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted January 13, 2017 Report Share Posted January 13, 2017 Did you not look in the owners manual? It's all explained in great detail so you don't have to go searching. I assume you have manual mode PRNDM with the plus and minus buttons on the shifter? If so they work exactly like the paddles. In the mountains, put it in M and use the buttons to shift up and down as needed. When going down a steep long hill keep it in first or second gear to provide engine braking and stay off the brakes as much as possible. If you just have PRNDL with grade assist, put it in Low and use grade assist. It will work pretty well in most cases but not quite as good as being able to select and hold specific gears. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chefduane Posted January 13, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2017 Manual schmanual. I ain't lookin' in no stinking manual!! (Just kidding...) I will do that for an in depth description, but your info was very helpful. Yes, I do have PRNDM with the shift buttons. Thanks! (PS: I have been in a hard cast on my right ankle for about a month and have not driven in that time, and I've been a lazy ass about going to the garage. And my wife's been driving the Edge instead of her Trailblazer while I'm rehabbing. <I could probably come up with a few more excuses for not RTFM if needed.>) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted January 13, 2017 Report Share Posted January 13, 2017 (edited) www.motorcraftservice.com -> free resources -> owner information. Online PDFs which are searchable. No need to go to the garage or open the glovebox. Edited January 13, 2017 by akirby 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishx65 Posted January 13, 2017 Report Share Posted January 13, 2017 I would guess that .000005% of owners ever use manual shift mode. 80% have probably hit the buttons by accident and wondered what the hack was going on!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted January 13, 2017 Report Share Posted January 13, 2017 I hope almost all owners are using them when descending a steep grade, otherwise they're cooking the brakes. Outside of that I've found it mostly useful for downshifting prior to accelerating to pass. I had one of the first selectshift Ford vehicles - a 2000 Lincoln LS. It was more of a novelty back then but the pros and cons are still basically the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macbwt Posted January 14, 2017 Report Share Posted January 14, 2017 I would guess that .000005% of owners ever use manual shift mode. 80% have probably hit the buttons by accident and wondered what the hack was going on!!! I have at times hit the lever all the way to M and took off and soon realized my mistake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burrcold Posted January 14, 2017 Report Share Posted January 14, 2017 (edited) The paddle shifters are just a novelty, unless used for down shifting on a hill like akirby said. If they aren't rev matching, there is so little advantage of having them. Edited January 14, 2017 by Burrcold Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mirage52 Posted April 18, 2017 Report Share Posted April 18, 2017 (edited) Yeah I use them on steep hills. Sometimes I just use it for fun. Otherwise, the Sport mode basically does the same thing without having to remember to shift. The gears reset to 1st when you come to a stop and sometimes I forget I'm in manual and the engine revs really high before I remember. LOL My wife has an EOS with the DSG transmission and THAT'S like driving a real manual. Edited April 18, 2017 by Mirage52 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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