Contents: Normal driving ↓ Using engine braking ↓ Using the "2" and "L" positions ↓ Moving backwards ↓ Parking ↓ Rocking a car if it is stuck ↓ If the "O/D OFF" indicator light is…↓
For vehicles with cruise control, when using the cruise control, even if you downshift using the upshift switch, engine braking will not operate because the cruise control is not cancelled.
Normal driving
Start the engine. The transmission should be in position "P" or "N".
While pressing the brake pedal with your foot, shift the selector lever to the "D" position - the automatic transmission system will select the most appropriate gear for operating conditions, such as normal cruising, hill climbing, heavy towing, etc. Always engage the overdrive switch for better fuel economy and a quieter ride. If the engine coolant temperature is too low, the transmission will not shift into overdrive when the overdrive switch is engaged.
Caution: Never place your foot on the accelerator pedal while shifting.
Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Slowly press the accelerator pedal to smoothly start moving.
Using engine braking
To use engine braking, you can downshift the transmission as follows:
Turn off the overdrive switch. Turn on the "O/D OFF" indicator light and the transmission will downshift to third gear.
Shift to position "2". The transmission will downshift to second gear when the speed drops to or below the speed shown here, and more engine braking will be achieved.
| Engine 5S-FE | 101 km/h |
| Engine 1MZ-FE | 122 km/h |
Shift into "L" position. The transmission will downshift to first gear when the speed drops to or below the speed shown here, and maximum engine braking will be achieved.
| Engine 5S-FE | 47 km/h |
| Engine 1MZ-FE | 55 km/h |
For vehicles with cruise control: If the cruise control is used, even if you downshift using the upshift switch, engine braking will not operate because the cruise control is not cancelled.
Using the "2" and "L" positions
Positions "2" and "L" are used for strong engine braking, as already described.
When installing the lever, select the "2" or "L" position. You can also start driving the car, as with the lever in the "D" position.
When the selector lever is set to position "2", the car will start moving in first gear and automatically shift to second gear.
When the selector lever is set to the "L" position, the transmission will be engaged in first gear.
Moving backwards
Stop the vehicle completely.
Parking
Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Pull the parking brake lever all the way up to securely engage the parking brake. Press the brake pedal down to set the selector lever to the "P" position.
Caution: Always keep your foot on the brake pedal when stopped with the engine running.
Rocking a car if it is stuck
If your car is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc., you can try to rock it back and forth. Do not attempt this procedure if there are people or objects near the car.
If the "O/D OFF" indicator light is flashing
Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible. There may be a problem with the transmission system.