This automatic transmission has a gear lock system to minimize misoperation
This means that you can only shift from the "P" position with the brake pedal depressed (if the ignition switch is in the "ON" position and the unlock button is pressed).
The selected gear is also shown on the instrument panel.
- P: Park, start engine and remove key.
- R: Reverse.
- N: Neutral position.
- D: Normal mode (with overdrive switch on).
- 2: Enhanced engine braking.
- L: Maximum engine braking.
Overdrive switch (fig. 2).
Pressing this switch shifts to third gear (off overdrive position) or fourth gear (on overdrive position).
To disengage the overdrive, press the switch. The "O/D OFF" indicator light should turn on.
To re-upshift, press the switch again. The "O/D OFF" indicator light should turn off.
Be sure to overdrive for better fuel economy and smoother driving.
If you turn the engine off and start again while the overdrive switch is on, the overdrive switch will automatically turn on.
Vehicles with cruise control - When using cruise control, even when downshifting by pressing and releasing the overdrive switch, engine braking will not be applied because cruise control is not disabled.
Normal driving mode
- 1. Start the engine. The selector lever must be in the "P" or "N" position.
- 2. While depressing the brake pedal, shift the selector lever to the "D" position.
When the lever is in the "D" position, the automatic transmission system selects the optimal gear for the given driving conditions, for example: normal mode, uphill, heavy towing, etc.
Be sure to turn on the overdrive switch for better fuel economy and smoother driving.
When the engine coolant temperature is low, it is not possible to upshift even with the boost switch on.
- 3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. For a smooth start, depress the accelerator pedal slowly.
Using engine braking
To use engine braking, downshift as described below.
- – Press the overdrive switch. The "O/D OFF" indicator light will come on and third gear will be engaged.
- - Switch to position "2". When the vehicle speed drops to or below the next speed, second gear will be engaged and enhanced engine braking will be activated.
- Engine 1AZ-FE.....93 km/h
- Engine 2AZ-FE.....106 km/h
- Engine 1MZ-FE.....111 km/h
- Switch to "L" position. When the vehicle speed drops to or below the next speed, first gear will be engaged and maximum engine braking will be activated.
- Engine 1AZ-FE.....46 km/h
- Engine 2AZ-FE.....52 km/h
- Engine 1MZ-FE.....50 km/h
Vehicles with cruise control - When using cruise control, even when downshifting by pressing and releasing the overdrive switch, engine braking will not be applied because cruise control is not disabled.
Be careful when downshifting on slippery surfaces. Sudden shifting can cause skidding or skidding.
Using the "2" and "L" positions
Positions "2" and "L" are used for heavy engine braking, as previously described.
When shifting the selector lever to position "2" or "L", you can start driving in the same way as with the lever in position "D".
When shifting the selector lever to position "2", the car will start moving from the first gear and automatically shift to the second gear.
If the selector lever is in the "L" position, then first gear is engaged.
Be careful prickly to not give the engine too much speed.
Watch the tachometer to keep the engine RPM from going into the red zone.
For reference, the following are approximate values for the maximum allowable speed for each position.
1AZ-FE engine
- "2".....103 km/h
- "L".....57 km/h
2AZ-FE engine
- "2".....115 km/h
- "L".....64 km/h
1MZ-FE engine
- "2".....116 km/h
- "L".....64 km/h
It is not recommended to continue driving on long hills or when towing a large mass when the selector lever is in the "2" or "L" position.
This can cause serious damage to the automatic transmission due to overheating. In such cases, use the "D" position.
Reverse
- 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
- 2. While pressing the brake pedal, shift the selector lever to the "R" position. It is forbidden to shift into reverse gear while the vehicle is moving.
Parking
- 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
- 2. To securely apply the parking brake, pull the parking brake lever all the way.
- 3. While pressing the brake pedal, switch the selector lever to the “P” position.
Never try to move the selector lever to the "P" position while the vehicle is moving.
This can cause severe mechanical damage and loss of vehicle control.
Driving techniques
- When climbing a gentle slope, frequently upshifting and downshifting between third and overdrive, turn off the overdrive switch.
Be sure to turn this switch on immediately after you finish lifting.
- When towing a trailer, do not overdrive to maintain engine braking efficiency.
Be sure to use the brake pedal or the parking brake to hold the vehicle uphill.
Do not attempt to hold the vehicle with the accelerator pedal, as this may cause the transmission to overheat.
If you cannot shift the selector lever from the "P" position.
If you cannot shift the selector lever out of the "P" position even with the brake pedal depressed, use the upshift lock button.