2002 Toyota Avalon Owners Manual - Page 134

'02 AVALON U (L/O 0107) When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift the transmission by pushing and releasing the overdrive switch, engine braking will not enabled because the cruise control is not cancelled. For ways to decrease the vehicle speed, see "Cruise control" in this section. (c) Normal driving 1. Start the engine as instructed in "How to start the engine" in Section 3. The transmission must be in "P" or "N". (b) Overdrive switch You can select either third gear (with overdrive off) or fourth gear (with overdrive on) by pushing this switch. To turn the overdrive off, push the switch. The "O/D OFF" indicator light should come on. To turn the overdrive on again, push the switch again. The "O/D OFF" indicator light should go off. Always drive your vehicle with the overdrive on for better fuel economy and quieter driving. If the engine is turned off when the overdrive is off and restarted, the overdrive will automatically be on. 2. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the selector lever to "D". When the lever is in the "D" position, the automatic transmission system will select the most suitable gear for running conditions such as normal cruising, hill climbing, hard towing, etc. Always turn the overdrive on for better fuel economy and quieter driving. If the engine coolant temperature is low, the transmission will not shift into the overdrive gear even with the overdrive on. 3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress the accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting. (d) Using engine braking To use engine braking, you can downshift the transmission as follows: D Push the overdrive switch. The "O/D OFF" indicator light will come on and the transmission will downshift to third gear. D Shift into the "2" position. The transmission will downshift to second gear when the vehicle speed drops down to or lower than 132 km/h (82 mph), and stronger engine braking will be enabled. D Shift into the "L" position. The transmission will downshift to first gear When the vehicle speed drops down to or lower than 59 km/h (36 mph), and maximum engine braking will be enabled. When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift the transmission by pushing and releasing the overdrive switch, engine braking will not enabled because the cruise control is not cancelled. CAUTION Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while shifting. 2002 MY AVALON_U (OM22493U) 133