1996 Toyota Camry Owners Manual - Page 79

Manual transmission Recommended shifting speeds The transmission is fully synchronized and upshifting or downshifting is easy. For the best compromise between fuel economy and vehicle performance, you should upshift or downshift at the following speeds: gear km/h (mph) 1 to 2 or 2 to 1 24 (15) 2 to 3 or 3 to 2 40 (25) 3 to 4 or 4 to 3 64 (40) 4 to 5 or 5 to 4 72 (45) Downshift to the appropriate gear if acceleration is needed when you are cruising below the above downshifting speeds. Upshifting too soon or downshifting too late will cause lugging, and possibly pinging. Regularly revving the engine to maximum speed in each gear will cause excessive engine wear and high fuel consumption. Maximum allowable speeds To get on a highway or to pass slower traffic, maximum acceleration may be necessary. Make sure you observe the following maximum allowable speeds in each gear: gear km/h (mph) 1 49 (30) 2 89 (55) 3 140 (87) NOTICE Do not downshift if you are going faster than the maximum allowable speed for the next lower gear. Good driving practice S If it is difficult to shift into reverse, put the transmission in neutral, release the clutch pedal momentarily, and then try again. S When towing a trailer, in order to maintain engine braking efficiency, do not use the fifth gear. The shift pattern is conventional as shown above. Press the clutch pedal down fully while shifting, and then release it slowly. Do not rest your foot on the pedal while driving, because it will cause clutch trouble. And do not use the clutch to hold the vehicle when stopped on an uphill grade-use the parking brake. 73