2007 Toyota Avalon Owners Manual - Page 583

Shift range positions D "1" (First range): The gear is fixed in first regardless of vehicle speed or driving conditions. This range is to be used when maximum engine braking is necessary. If you attempt to downshift the transmission when it is not possible to downshift due to high vehicle speed, a warning tone sounds twice. Maximum allowable speeds To get on a highway or to pass slower traffic, maximum acceleration may be necessary. Make sure you observe the following maximum allowable speeds in each range: range 1 2 3 km/h 59 106 165 (mph) (37) (66) (103) D "5" (Fifth range): The most suitable gear is selected automatically between first and overdrive (fifth) gears according to the vehicle speed or driving conditions. D "4" (Fourth range): The most suitable gear is selected automatically between first and fourth gears according to the vehicle speed or driving conditions. Slight engine braking will be obtained on a downhill road. Smooth running with less shifting will be obtained on an uphill road. When the "S" mode indicator light does not come on even with the selector lever moved to the sequential position, there may be a problem somewhere in the system. Have your vehicle checked/repaired by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible. In this case, you can drive in the same condition as in the "D" position. (d) Using engine braking To use engine braking, you can downshift the transmission as follows: D When driving in the "D" position- Shift the selector lever to sequential position. When driving in the "5" range within the sequential position- Move the selector lever down to the "−" side to select the "4" range. The transmission will downshift to fourth range and engine braking will be enabled. Vehicles with cruise control or dynamic laser cruise control-When the cruise control is being used, engine braking can not be enabled because the cruise control is not cancelled. D "3" (Third range): The most suitable gear is selected automatically between first and third gears according to the vehicle speed or driving conditions. This range is to be used when stronger engine braking is necessary. NOTICE Do not downshift if you are going faster than the maximum allowable speed for the next lower range. D "2" (Second range): First or second gear will be selected automatically according to the vehicle speed or driving conditions. This range is to be used when engine braking stronger than that of the "3" range position is necessary. 163