2007 Toyota Matrix Owners Manual - Page 131

D Shift into the "L" position. The transmission will downshift to first gear when the vehicle speed drops down to or lower than 46 km/h (28 mph), and maximum engine braking will be enabled. 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 130 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: CAUTION Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. Abrupt shifting could cause the vehicle to skid or spin. NOTICE Never shift into reverse while the vehicle is moving. "2" ...110 km/h (68 mph) "L" ...60 km/h (37 mph) 119