Ford Escape: Automatic Transmission / Automatic Return to Park (P)

What Is Automatic Return to Park (P)

Your vehicle shifts into park (P) if you attempt to exit your vehicle without the transmission in park (P).

How Does Automatic Return to Park (P) Work

Your vehicle shifts into park (P) when your vehicle is stationary and any of the following occur:

• You switch the vehicle off.
• You open the driver door with your seatbelt unlatched.
• You unlatch the driver seatbelt when the driver door is open.

Note: Do not use automatic return to park (P) when your vehicle is moving, except in an emergency.

Automatic Return to Park (P) Limitations

Automatic return to park may not work if the door ajar switch is malfunctioning.

See an authorized dealer if any of the following occur:

• Door ajar indicator does not illuminate with the driver door open.
• Door ajar indicator illuminates with the driver door closed.
• Transmission not in park message appears with the driver door closed, after you shift out of park (P).