2000 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual - Page 99

Rav4(U) (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". 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: Two−wheel drive models "2" ...130 km/h (80 mph) "L" ...72 km/h (44 mph) Four −wheel drive models 215/70R16 tires "2" ...121 "L" ...67 235/60R16 tires "2" ...118 "L" ...65 km/h (75 mph) km/h (41 mph) km/h (73 mph) km/h (40 mph) (d) 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. NOTICE Never shift into reverse while the vehicle is moving. (e) Parking 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. 2. Pull the parking brake lever up fully to securely apply the parking brake. 3. With the brake pedal pressed down, shift the selector lever to the "P" position. 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. 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. 2000 RAV4 (OM42479U) 99