2003 Toyota 4Runner Owners Manual - Page 1230

'03 4Runner_U (L/O 0305) (b) Normal driving 1. Start the engine as instructed in "How to start the engine" on page 260 in Section 3. The transmission must be in "P" or "N". When the four-wheel drive control switch knob is in "L4" (low-speed position, center differential locked), the driving pattern selector setting has no effect on gear shift timing. (See "Four-wheel drive system (full-time four-wheel drive models)" on page 138 in this Section for information of the four-wheel drive control.) 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 use the "D" position for better fuel economy and quieter driving. If the engine coolant temperature is low or when the four-wheel drive control switch knob is in "L4" (low-speed position, center differential locked), the transmission will not shift into the overdrive gear even in the "D" position. (See "Four-wheel drive system (full- time four-wheel drive models)" on page 138 in this Section for information of the four-wheel drive control.) (c) Using engine braking To use engine braking, you can downshift the transmission as follows: D Shift into the "4" position. The transmission will downshift to fourth gear and engine braking will be enabled. D Shift into the "3" position. The transmission will downshift to third gear when the vehicle speed drops down to or lower than the following speed, and stronger engine braking will be enabled. Two-wheel drive models 133 km/h (83 mph) Four-wheel drive models Four-wheel drive control switch knob at "H4" 133 km/h (83 mph) Four-wheel drive control switch knob at "L4" 52 km/h (32 mph) CAUTION Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while shifting. 3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress the accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting. If the automatic locking operation linked with the shift position is set, all the side doors and back door are automatically locked when the shift lever is moved out of the "P" position with the engine running (including ignition switch in the "ON" position) and all the side doors and back door are closed. For details, see "-Automatic door locking and unlocking functions" on page 17 in Section 1-2. 130 2003 4RUNNER from Apr. '03 Prod. (OM35820U)