2018 Ford Explorer V6 3.5L – How to Operate an Automatic Transmission

As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The automatic transmission in the 2018 Ford Explorer is designed to provide a smooth and efficient driving experience. This system provides for effortless gear shifting, enabling the vehicle to adapt to various driving conditions and speeds without the need for manual intervention. The automatic transmission enhances comfort by eliminating the need for constant gear changes, making it particularly advantageous in heavy traffic or when navigating hilly terrain. Additionally, the system optimizes engine performance and fuel efficiency by selecting the appropriate gear ratio for the driving situation. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to effectively operate the automatic transmission in a 2018 Ford Explorer V6 3.5L.

Procedure

Warning

• When parking and exiting the vehicle, always apply the parking brake fully and ensure the transmission is shifted into park (P). Failure to do so could result in personal injury or death.
• Avoid pressing the brake pedal and accelerator simultaneously. Applying both pedals for more than a few seconds will limit engine performance, potentially causing difficulty maintaining speed in traffic and increasing the risk of serious injury.

Understanding the Positions of Automatic Transmission

The Automatic Transmission in a 2018 Ford Explorer V6 3.5L offers the following gear positions:

Park (P)

Locks the transmission to prevent the wheels from turning.

Reverse (R)

Moves the vehicle backward. Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of reverse (R).

Neutral (N)

Allows the vehicle to start and roll freely. Keep the brake pedal pressed when in this position.

Drive (D)

The standard driving position for optimal fuel economy. Automatic upshifts and downshifts occur through gears one to six.

Sport (S)

Moving the gearshift lever to sport (S):

• Engages additional grade (engine) braking and extends lower gear engagement as managed by the automatic transmission shift strategy for improved performance on inclines, hilly terrain, or mountainous areas, increasing engine RPM during engine braking.
• Gear shifts occur more quickly and at higher engine speeds.

How to place the transmission in gear

Step 1: Fully press the brake pedal.

Step 2: Press and hold the button on the front of the gearshift lever.

Step 3: Move the gearshift lever to the desired gear/position.

Step 4: Release the button to lock the transmission in the selected gear.

Note: Shifting out of park (P) may not be possible unless the intelligent access key is inside the vehicle.

SelectShift Automatic™ Transmission

The vehicle is equipped with a SelectShift Automatic transmission, allowing manual gear changes without a clutch. This system provides the flexibility to shift up or down as needed.

To prevent stalling at low RPM, SelectShift automatically makes certain downshifts if it detects an overdue shift. While automatic downshifts may occur to protect the engine, manual downshifting is still possible when SelectShift determines it will not lead to over-revving. SelectShift, however, does not automatically upshift when nearing the RPM limit; manual upshifting is required by pressing the + button. The shift indicator lamp signals optimal shift points for efficient performance and fuel economy.

Note:

• Prolonged high engine revving without upshifting may cause engine damage.
• Vehicles may feature either steering wheel-mounted or gearshift lever controls.

SelectShift operating guides:

• Activate SelectShift by pulling the + paddle on the steering wheel or pressing the + button on the gearshift lever.

• SelectShift in drive (D): Enables a temporary manual mode, useful for enhanced control during maneuvers like towing or overtaking. This mode holds the selected gear temporarily, based on driver input (e.g., steering or acceleration).
• SelectShift in sport (S): Engages a permanent manual gear selection mode, giving full control over gear changes.
• To exit SelectShift, move the transmission out of SelectShift mode (e.g., back to Drive [D]).
• The instrument cluster displays the currently selected gear. If a requested gear is unavailable due to conditions (e.g., low speed or high engine RPM), the selected gear flashes three times.

Note: At full accelerator pedal travel, the transmission downshifts automatically for peak performance.

For optimal fuel economy, follow the recommended gear shifting sequence when using SelectShift:

Recommended Upshifts When Accelerating for Optimal Fuel Efficiency

Back To Blog Academy