1998 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual - Page 94

'98 Rav4U Your automatic transmission has a shift lock system to minimize the possibility of incorrect operation. This means you can only shift out of "P" position when the brake pedal is depressed (with the ignition switch in "ON" position and the lock release button depressed). (a) Normal driving 1. Start the engine as instructed in "How to start the engine" in Part 3. The transmission must be in "P" or "N". 2. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the selector lever to "D". In "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 switch 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 switch on. 3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress the accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting. (b) Using engine braking To use engine braking, you can downshift the transmission as follows: D Shift into the "L" position. The transmission will downshift to the first gear when the vehicle speed drops down to or lower than the following speed, and maximum engine braking will be applied. Two- wheel drive models 50 km/h (31 mph) Four- wheel drive models 215/70R16 tires 44 km/h (27 mph) 235/60R16 tires 42 km/h (26 mph) D Turn off the overdrive switch. The "O/D OFF" indicator light will come on and the transmission will downshift to the third gear. D Shift into the "2" position. The transmission will downshift to the second gear when the vehicle speed drops down to or lower than the following speed, and more powerful engine braking will be obtained. Two- wheel drive models 110 km/h (68 mph) Four- wheel drive models 215/70R16 tires 100 km/h (62 mph) 235/60R16 tires 97 km/h (60 mph) CAUTION Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. Abrupt shifting could cause the vehicle to spin or skid. (c) Using the "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". CAUTION Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while shifting. 94