2005 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual - Page 123

'05 Rav4_U (L/O 0409) D Shift into the "L" position. The transmission will downshift to 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 53 km/h (33 mph) Four- wheel drive models 50 km/h (31 mph) Vehicles with cruise control-When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift the transmission by pushing and releasing the overdrive switch, engine braking will not be enabled because the cruise control is not cancelled. For ways to decrease the vehicle speed, see "Cruise control" on page 135 in this Section. (e) Using "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 first gear and automatically shift to second gear. With the selector lever in "L", the transmission is engaged in first gear. 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. (f) 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 z Be careful not to over- rev 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: NOTICE Never shift into reverse while the vehicle is moving. CAUTION Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. Abrupt shifting could cause the vehicle to skid or spin. Two- wheel drive models "2" ...119 km/h (74 mph) "L" ...66 km/h (41 mph) Four- wheel drive models "2" ...110 km/h (68 mph) "L" ...61 km/h (38 mph) 123 2005 RAV4 from Sep. '04 Prod. (OM42570U)