Selector lever (pic. 1.125).
Pic. 1.125. The scheme of switching modes of the control lever of an automatic transmission
The selected gear is also shown on the instrument panel.
- R: Parking, starting the engine and removing the key.
- R: Reverse.
- N: Neutral position.
- D: Normal mode (with overdrive switch engaged).
- 2: Enhanced engine braking.
- L: Maximum engine braking.
Overdrive switch (pic. 1.126).
Pic. 1.126. overdrive switch
By pressing this switch, you can switch to third gear (overdrive off position) or fourth gear (overdrive engaged position).
Press the switch to disengage the overdrive. indicator lamp «O/D OFF» should turn on. To re-upshift, press the switch again. indicator lamp «O/D OFF» should go out.
Be sure to shift into overdrive for better fuel economy and smoother driving.
If the engine is turned off and restarted while the overdrive switch is on, the overdrive switch will automatically turn on.
Vehicles with cruise control - When using cruise control, even if downshifting by pressing and releasing the high shift 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 position «R» or «N».
2. While pressing the brake pedal, switch the selector lever to the position «D».
If the lever is in position «D», the automatic transmission system selects the optimum gear for the given driving conditions, such as normal driving, uphill climbing, heavy towing, etc.
Be sure to engage the overdrive switch to improve fuel economy and improve ride comfort. When the engine coolant temperature is low, it is not possible to upshift even with the boost switch turned on.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. For a smooth start, slowly depress the accelerator pedal.
Using engine braking
To use engine braking, downshifting is performed as described below.
- Press the overdrive switch. The indicator lamp will light up «O/D OFF» and into third gear.
- 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 position «L». 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.
Attention! Be careful when downshifting on slippery surfaces. Sudden shifting can cause skidding or skidding.
Use of provisions «2» and «L»
Regulations «2» and «L» are used for enhanced engine braking, as previously described.
When switching the selector lever to the position «2» or «L» you can start moving in the same way as with the lever in the position «D».
When switching the selector lever to the position «2» the vehicle will start in first gear and automatically shift to second gear.
If the selector lever is in position «L», the first gear is engaged.
Attention! Be careful not to over-rev the engine. 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.
Engine 1AZ-FE:
- «2» - 103 km / h
- «L» - 57 km / h
Engine 2AZ-FE:
- «2» - 115 km / h
- «L» – 64 km/h
Engine 1MZ-FE:
- «2» - 116 km / h
- «L» – 64 km/h
It is not recommended to continue driving on a long hill or when towing a large mass when the selector lever is in the position «2» or «L». This can cause severe damage to the automatic transmission due to overheating. In such cases, use the «D».
Reversing
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. While pressing the brake pedal, switch the selector lever to the position «R».
Attention! Do not 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 position «R».
Attention! When the vehicle is moving, never attempt to move the selector lever to the «R». This can result in serious 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.
Note. Be sure to use the brake pedal or 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 move the selector lever from the position «R».
If you cannot move the selector lever from the position «R» even with the brake pedal depressed, use the upshift lock button.