Get Driving -> Automatic transmission Guide for Toyota Avalon 4 Door Fourth Generation (2013-2018)

165

4-2. Driving procedures

Automatic transmission

Shifting the shift lever

While the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode, move the

shift lever with the brake pedal depressed.

4

When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the

vehicle is completely stopped.

Shift position purpose

Shift position

Objective or function

Parking the vehicle/starting the engine

Reversing

P

R

N

D

S

Neutral

Normal driving*¹

S mode driving*²(→P. 166)

*¹: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noises, set the shift lever in the D

position for normal driving.

*²: Selecting shift ranges using S mode restricts the upper limit of the possible

gear ranges, controls engine braking force, and prevents upshifting above

the selected range.

166

4-2. Driving procedures

Changing shift ranges in S mode

When the shift lever is in the S position, the shift lever or paddle shift

switches can be operated as follows:

 Shift lever

 Paddle shift switches

Upshifting

Downshifting

1

2

The initial shift range in S mode is set automatically to “4” or “5”

according to vehicle speed. However, the initial shift range may be set

to “3” if AI-SHIFT has operated while the shift lever was in the D posi-

tion. (→P. 168)

■ Shift ranges and their functions

● The vehicle is allowed to shift up and down to provide the most

suitable gear selection based on your driving situation. (e.g. S4:

1 to 4 or, 4 to 1)

● You can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.

A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking force than

a higher shift range, and the engine speed will also increase.

● You can choose the gear range you want for different levels of

acceleration. (e.g. uphill, sporty driving, etc.)

167

4-2. Driving procedures

Selecting shift ranges in the D position

To drive using temporary shift range selection, operate the “-” paddle

shift switch. The shift range can then be selected by operating the “-”

and “+” paddle shift switches. Changing the shift range allows restric-

tion of the highest gear, preventing upshifting and enabling the level of

engine braking force to be selected.

Upshifting

1

Downshifting

2

The selected shift range, from “1”

to “5”, or D will be displayed in the

meter.

To return to normal D position

driving, the “+” paddle shift switch

must be held down for a period of

time.

4

When a shift range higher than “5” is selected, the shift range will

return to the normal D position.

When the vehicle comes to a stop, the shift range will return to the

normal D position.

168

4-2. Driving procedures

■S mode

●When the shift range is “4” or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets

the shift range to “6”.

●To prevent the engine from over-revving, upshifting may automatically

occur.

●To protect the automatic transmission, a function is adopted that automati-

cally shifts to the top range when the temperature is too hot.

■AI-SHIFT

AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver input and

the driving situation.

AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D position.

(Shifting the shift lever to the S position or paddle shifting cancels the func-

tion.)

■When driving with cruise control or radar cruise control activated

When downshifting to 5 or 4 by shifting the shift lever to the S position or pad-

dle shifting, cruise control or radar cruise control will not be canceled.

(→P. 222, 235)

■Shift lock system

The shift lock system is a system to prevent accidental operation of the shift

lever in starting.

The shift lever can be shifted from P only when the engine switch is in ON

mode and the brake pedal is being depressed.

169

4-2. Driving procedures

■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P

First, check whether the brake pedal is being depressed.

If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your foot on the brake pedal, there may

be a problem with the shift lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by your

Toyota dealer immediately.

The following steps may be used as an emergency measure to ensure that

the shift lever can be shifted.

Releasing the shift lock:

1

Set the parking brake.

2

3

4

Turn the engine switch is off.

Depress the brake pedal.

Pry the cover up with a flathead screw-

driver or equivalent tool.

To prevent damage to the cover, cover

the tip of the screwdriver with a rag.

4

5

Press the shift lock override button.

The shift lever can be shifted while the

button is pressed.

■If the “S” indicator does not come on or the “D” indicator is displayed

even after shifting the shift lever to S

This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have

the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

(In this situation, the transmission will operate in the same manner as when

the shift lever is in D.)

■Downshift restriction warning buzzer (S mode or paddle shifting)

To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may

sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be

possible even when the shift lever or paddle shift switches are operated. (A

buzzer will sound twice.)

170

4-2. Driving procedures

WARNING

■When driving on slippery road surfaces

Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly.

Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,

resulting in an accident.

■To prevent an accident when releasing the shift lock

Before pressing the shift lock override button, make sure to set the parking

brake and depress the brake pedal.

If the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed instead of the brake pedal

when the shift lock override button is pressed and the shift lever is shifted

out of P, the vehicle may suddenly start, possibly leading to an accident

resulting in death or serious injury.

Driving -> Automatic transmission for Your Toyota Avalon 4 Door Fourth Generation (2013-2018)

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