2008 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual - Page 173

'08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802) (d) 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 the "2" or "L" position, you can start the vehicle in motion as with the lever in the "D" position. With the selector lever in the "2" position, the vehicle will start in first gear and automatically shift to second gear. With the selector lever in the "L" position, 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, the "3" position should be used in hill climbing or hard towing. (e) 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. (f) 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. CAUTION Never attempt to move the selector lever into the "P" position under any circumstances while the vehicle is moving. Serious mechanical damage and loss of vehicle control may result. (g) Good driving practice 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: Two−wheel drive models "2" ...126 km/h (78 mph) "L" ...70 km/h (43 mph) Four −wheel drive models "2" ...120 km/h (74 mph) "L" ...67 km/h (41 mph) NOTICE Never shift into reverse while the vehicle is moving. D If the transmission repeatedly shifts up and down between third gear and overdrive when climbing a gentle slope, shift the selector lever to the "3" position. Be sure to shift the selector lever to the "D" position immediately afterward. D When towing a trailer, in order to maintain engine braking efficiency, do not use the "D" position. 145 2008 RAV4 from Feb. '08 Prod. (OM42726U)