2000 Toyota Avalon Owners Manual - Page 158

'00 AVALON U (L/O 9908) CAUTION Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. Abrupt shifting could cause the vehicle to spin or skid. (e) Using "2" and "L" positions The "2" and "L" positions are used for strong engine braking as described previously. With the selector lever in "2" or "L", you can start the vehicle in motion as with the lever in "D". With the selector lever in "2", the vehicle will start in the first gear and automatically shift to second gear. With the selector lever in "L", the transmission is engaged in first gear. NOTICE z Be careful not to overrev the engine. Watch the tachometer to keep engine rpm from going into the red zone. The approximate maximum allowable speed for each position is given below for your reference: (g) Parking 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. 2. With the brake pedal pressed down, fully depress the parking brake pedal to apply the parking brake securely. 3. With the brake pedal pressed down, shift the selector lever to the "P" position. "2" ...139 km/h (86 mph) "L" ...76 km/h (47 mph) z Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long time in the "2" or "L" position. This may cause severe automatic transmission damage from overheating. To prevent such damage, "D" position should be used in hill climbing or hard towing. (f) Backing up 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. 2. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the selector lever to the "R" position. CAUTION Never attempt to move the selector lever into "P" position under any circumstances while the vehicle is moving. Serious mechanical damage and loss of vehicle control may result. (h) Good driving practice D If the transmission repeatedly shifts up and down between third gear and overdrive when climbing a gentle slope, the overdrive should be turned off. Be sure to turn the switch on immediately afterward. NOTICE Never shift into reverse while the vehicle is moving. D When towing a trailer, in order to maintain engine braking efficiency, do not use overdrive. 158