2000 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual - Page 98

Rav4(U) 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 Section 3. The transmission must be in "P" or "N". 2. After starting the engine, always push in the overdrive switch. 3. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the selector lever to "D". With the selector lever in the "D" position and the overdrive switch in the "ON" position, the automatic transmission will shift automatically from the first gear through the fourth gear and select the most suitable gear meeting the driving condition. Even during ordinary driving, keep the overdrive switch turned on. (At this time, the "O/D OFF" indicator light on the instrument cluster will be off.) Always keep the overdrive switch turned on for better fuel economy and quieter driving. If you have turned off the overdrive switch, be sure to turn the overdrive switch on again. If the engine coolant temperature is low, the transmission will not shift into the overdrive gear even with the overdrive switch on. 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 Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while shifting. 4. 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 enabled. 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. CAUTION Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. Abrupt shifting could cause the vehicle to spin or skid. 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 stronger engine braking will be enabled. 2000 RAV4 (OM42479U) 98