TOYOTA TACOMA 1999 Owners Manual

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Your automatic transmission has a shift
lock system to minimize the possibility of
incorrect operation. This means you can
only shift out of ºPº position when the
brake pedal is depressed (with the ignition
switch in ºONº position and the lock re-
lease button depressed).
(a) Normal driving
1. Start the engine as instructed in ºHow to start the engineº in Part 3. The
transmission must be in ºPº or ºNº.
When the front drive control lever is in
ºL4º (low- speed position, four- wheel
drive), the driving pattern selector setting
has no effect on gear shift timing. (See
ºFour- wheel drive systemº in this chapter
for information of the front drive control
lever.) 2. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the selector lever to ºDº.
In ºDº position, the automatic transmission
system will select the most suitable gear
for running conditions such as normal
cruising, hill climbing, hard towing, etc. Always turn the overdrive switch on for
better fuel economy and quieter driving. If
the engine coolant temperature is low or
when the front drive control lever is in
ºL4º (low- speed position, four- wheel
drive), the transmission will not shift into
the overdrive gear even with the overdrive
switch on. (See ºFour- wheel drive systemº
in this chapter for information of the front
drive control lever.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelera-
tor pedal while shifting.
3. Release the parking brake and brake
pedal. Depress the accelerator pedal
slowly for smooth starting.
(b) Using engine braking
To use engine braking, you can downshift
the transmission as follows: Turn off the overdrive switch. The ºO/D
OFFº indicator light will come on and
the transmission will downshift to the
third gear.
Shift into the º2º position. The trans-
mission will downshift to the second
gear when the vehicle speed drops
down to or lower than the following
speed, and more powerful engine brak-
ing will be obtained.
Front drive control lever in ºH2º and
ºH4º
3RZ- FE engine 106 km/h (66 mph) . . .
5VZ- FE engine 114 km/h (71 mph) . . .
Front drive control lever in ºL4º 3RZ- FE engine 36 km/h (22 mph) . . . .
5VZ- FE engine 38 km/h (24 mph) . . . .
Shift into the ºLº position. The trans-
mission will downshift to the first gear
when the vehicle speed drops down to
or lower than the following speed, and
maximum engine braking will be ap-
plied.
Front drive control lever in ºH2º and
ºH4º
3RZ- FE engine 51 km/h (32 mph) . . . .
5VZ- FE engine 55 km/h (34 mph) . . . .
Front drive control lever in ºL4º 3RZ- FE engine 9 km/h (6 mph) . . . . .
5VZ- FE engine 10 km/h (6 mph) . . . .

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Vehicles with cruise control±When the
cruise control is being used, even if you
downshift the transmission by turning off
the overdrive switch, engine braking will
not be applied because the cruise control
is not cancelled. For ways to decrease
the vehicle speed, see ºCruise controlº in
this chapter.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a
slippery surface. Abrupt shifting
could cause the vehicle to spin or
skid.
(c) Using º2º and ºLº positions
The º2º and ºLº positions are used for
strong engine braking as described pre-
viously.
With the selector lever in º2º or ºLº, you
can start the vehicle in motion as with the
lever in ºDº.
With the selector lever in º2º, the vehicle
will start in the first gear and automatical-
ly shift to the second gear.
With the selector lever in ºLº, the trans-
mission is engaged in the first gear.
NOTICE
Be careful not to overrev the en-
gine. Watch the tachometer to keepengine rpm from going into the redzone. The approximate maximum al-
lowable speed for each position isgiven below for your reference:
Four-wheel drive models Front drive control lever in ºH2º orºH4ºÐ
3RZ- FE engine º2º 109 km/h (68 mph) . . . . . . .
ºLº 60 km/h (37 mph) . . . . . . .
5VZ- FE engine º2º 120 km/h (75 mph) . . . . . . .
ºLº 66 km/h (41 mph) . . . . . . .
Front drive control lever in ºL4ºÐ
3RZ- FE engine º2º 43 km/h (27 mph) . . . . . .
ºLº 22 km/h (14 mph) . . . . . .
5VZ- FE engine º2º 46 km/h (29 mph) . . . . . .
ºLº 25 km/h (16 mph) . . . . . .
Pre Runner
3RZ- FE engineº2º 114 km/h (71 mph) . . . . . . .
ºLº 63 km/h (39 mph) . . . . . . .
5VZ- FE engine º2º 120 km/h (75 mph) . . . . . . .
ºLº 66 km/h (41 mph) . . . . . . .
Do not continue hill climbing for a
long time in the º2º or ºLº posi-
tion. This may cause severe auto-matic transmission damage from overheating. To prevent such dam-
age, use ºDº position for hill climb-ing or hard towing.
(d) 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
ºRº position.
NOTICE
Never shift into reverse while the ve-
hicle is moving.

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(e) Parking
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Pull the parking brake lever fully to securely apply the parking brake.
3. With the brake pedal pressed down, shift the selector lever to the ºPº posi-
tion.
CAUTION
While the vehicle is moving, never
attempt to move the selector lever
into ºPº position under any circum-
stances. Serious mechanical damage
and loss of vehicle control may re-
sult.
(f) Good driving practice
If the transmission is repeatedly up-
shifted and downshifted between third
gear and overdrive when climbing a
gentle slope, the overdrive switch
should be turned off. Be sure to turn
the switch on immediately afterward.
When towing a trailer, in order to main-
tain engine braking efficiency, do not
use overdrive.
CAUTION
Always keep your foot on the brake
pedal while stopped with the engine
running. This prevents the vehicle
from creeping.
NOTICE
Do not hold the vehicle on an up-
grade with the accelerator pedal. Itcan cause the transmission to over- heat. Always use the brake pedal or
parking brake.
(g) Driving in ºPOWERº mode
In the ºPOWERº mode, the transmission
is shifted up and down at a higher vehicle
speed than in the ºNORMALº mode and a
more powerful acceleration is achieved. To
set the ºPOWERº mode, push in the driv-
ing pattern selector button. The POWER
mode indicator light comes on.
For ordinary driving, Toyota recommends
using the ºNORMALº mode to improve fuel
economy. (h) Rocking your vehicle if stuck
CAUTION
If your vehicle becomes stuck in
snow, mud, sand, etc., then you may
attempt to rock the vehicle free by
moving it forward and backward. Do
not attempt this procedure if people
or objects are anywhere near the ve-
hicle. During the rocking operation
the vehicle may suddenly move for-
ward or backward as it becomes un-
stuck, causing injury or damage to
nearby people or objects.

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NOTICE
If you rock your vehicle, observe the following precautions to prevent dam-age to the transmission and otherparts.
Do not depress the accelerator ped-al while shifting the selector lever or before the transmission is com-
pletely shifted to forward or reversegear.
Do not race the engine and avoidspinning the wheels.
If your vehicle remains stuck after
rocking the vehicle several times,consider other ways such as tow-
ing.
(i) If you cannot shift the selector le- ver out of ºPº position
If you cannot shift the selector lever from
the ºPº position even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock
override lever. For instructions, see ºIf you
cannot shift automatic transmission selec-
tor leverº in Part 4. Manual transmission
The shift pattern is as shown above.
Press the clutch pedal down fully while
shifting, and then release it slowly. Do not
rest your foot on the pedal while driving,
because it will cause clutch trouble. And
do not use the clutch to hold the vehicle
when stopped on an uphill grade±use the
parking brake.
Recommended shifting speeds
The transmission is fully synchronized and
upshifting or downshifting is easy.
For the best compromise between fuel
economy and vehicle performance, you
should upshift or downshift at the following
speeds:2RZ- FE engine
Low altitude
Ð1219 m (4000 ft) or lower gear km/h (mph)
1 to 2 or 2 to 1 24 (15)
2 to 3 or 3 to 2 40 (25)
3 to 4 or 4 to 3 64 (40)
4 to 5 or 5 to 4 72 (45)
High altitude
ÐHigher than 1219 m (4000 ft) Upshifting gear
km/h (mph)
1 to 2
24 (15)
2 to 3
40 (25)/58 (36) *
3 to 4
64 (40)/72 (45) *
4 to 5
72 (45)/85 (53) *
Downshifting gear km/h (mph)
2 to 1 24 (15)
3 to 2 40 (25)
4 to 3 64 (40)
5 to 4 72 (45)
* : Applicable under heavy acceleration
conditions.

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3RZ- FE engine
Upshifting gear km/h (mph)
1 to 2 24 (15)
2 to 3 40 (25)/58 (36) *
3 to 4 64 (40)/72 (45) *
4 to 5 72 (45)/85 (53) *
Downshifting gear km/h (mph)
2 to 1 24 (15)
3 to 2 40 (25)
4 to 3 64 (40)
5 to 4 72 (45)
* : Applicable under heavy acceleration
conditions.
5VZ- FE engine
gear km/h (mph)
1 to 2 or 2 to 1 24 (15)
2 to 3 or 3 to 2 40 (25)
3 to 4 or 4 to 3 64 (40)
4 to 5 or 5 to 4 72 (45)
Downshift to the appropriate gear if accel-
eration is needed when you are cruising
below the above downshifting speeds. Upshifting too soon or downshifting too
late will cause lugging, and possibly ping-
ing. Regularly revving the engine to maxi-
mum speed in each gear will cause ex-
cessive engine wear and high fuel
consumption.
Maximum allowable speeds
To get on a highway or to pass slower
traffic, maximum acceleration may be nec-
essary. Make sure you observe the follow-
ing maximum allowable speeds in each
gear:
Two- wheel drive models
2RZ- FE engine
gear km/h (mph)1 48 (30)
2 88 (55)
3 136 (85)
4 165 (103)
5VZ- FE engine gear km/h (mph)
1 54 (34)
2 101 (63)
3 144 (89)
4 165 (103) Four- wheel drive models
3RZ- FE engine gear km/h(mph)
ºH2º and ºH4º ºL4º
1 46 (29) 17 (11)
2 86 (53) 33 (21)
3 135 (84) 52 (32)
4 165 (103) 66 (41)
5VZ- FE engine
gear km/h (mph)ºH2º and ºH4º ºL4º
1 48 (30) 18 (11)
2 88 (55) 34 (21)
3 128 (80) 49 (30)
4 165 (103) 72 (45)
NOTICE
Do not downshift if you are going
faster than the maximum allowablespeed for the next lower gear.

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Good driving practice
If it is difficult to shift into reverse, put
the transmission in neutral, release the
clutch pedal momentarily, and then try
again.
When towing a trailer, in order to main-
tain engine braking efficiency, do not
use the fifth gear.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a
slippery surface. Abrupt shifting
could cause the vehicle to spin or
skid.
NOTICE
Make sure the vehicle is completely
stopped before shifting into reverse.
Use the front drive control lever to se-
lect the following transfer modes.
ºH2º (high speed position, two- wheel
drive): Lever at ºH2º
Use this for normal driving on dry hard-
surfaced roads. This position gives greater
economy, quietest ride and least wear.
ºH4º (high speed position, four- wheel
drive): Lever at ºH4º
Use this for normal driving on wet, icy or
snow- covered roads. This position pro-
vides greater traction than two- wheel
drive. ºNº (neutral position):
Lever at ºNº
No power is delivered to the wheels. The
vehicle must be stopped.
ºL4º (low speed position, four- wheel
drive): Lever at ºL4º
Use this for maximum power and traction.
Use ºL4º for climbing or descending steep
hills, off- road driving, and hard pulling in
sand, mud or deep snow.
The four- wheel drive indicator light comes
on when the ºH4º, ºNº or ºL4º mode is
selected.
See º(d) Shifting procedure (lever type)º
for further instructions.
Four- wheel drive systemÐ
(a) Front drive control
(lever type)

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Use the front drive control lever and
º4WDº button to select the following
transfer modes.
ºH2º (high speed position, two- wheel
drive): Lever at ºHº, º4WDº button left out
Use this for normal driving on dry hard-
surfaced roads. This position gives greater
economy, quietest ride and least wear.
ºH4º (high speed position, four- wheel
drive): Lever at ºHº, º4WDº button pushed
in.
Use this for normal driving on wet, icy or
snow- covered roads. This position pro-
vides greater traction than two- wheel
drive. ºNº (neutral position):
Lever at ºNº
No power is delivered to the wheels. The
vehicle must be stopped.
ºL4º (low speed position, four- wheel
drive): Lever at ºL4º
Use this for maximum power and traction.
Use ºL4º for climbing or descending steep
hills, off- road driving, and hard pulling in
sand, mud or deep snow.
The four- wheel drive indicator light comes
on when the ºH4º, ºNº or ºL4º mode is
selected.
See º(d) Shifting procedure (lever/button
type)º for further instructions. (b) Free- wheeling hubsTo engage the free- wheeling hubs, turn
the hubs to ºLOCKº. To disengage, turn
the hubs to ºFREEº.
Make sure the triangle mark on the hub
aligns with the other one at the side you
wish to set.
Setting the free- wheeling hubs in ºFREEº
allows you to disengage the front axle and
driveshaft so that they are not revolving.
This reduces noise and wear when the
vehicle is in two- wheel drive.
You should drive with the hubs in ºLOCKº
for at least 16 km (10 miles) each month.
This will assure that the front drive com-
ponents are lubricated.
(a) Front drive control
(lever/button type)

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Steel wheels
Aluminum wheels The A.D.D. can be engaged or disen-
gaged by the shifting operations de-
scribed in º(d) Shifting procedureº.
You should drive in four- wheel drive for
at least 16 km (10 miles) each month.
This will assure that the front drive com-
ponents are lubricated.
SHIFTING BETWEEN ºH2º AND ºH4º
With free- wheeling hubs
To shift from ºH2º to ºH4º,
move the
front drive control lever. Also, engage both
the free- wheeling hubs.
This can be done when the vehicle is
stopped, or moving straight ahead at
speeds of 40 km/h (25 mph) or less. You
need not depress the clutch pedal. If you
have trouble shifting, depress or release
the accelerator pedal momentarily while
pushing the front drive control lever.
CAUTION
Never move the front drive control
lever if wheels are slipping. Stop
the slipping or spinning before
shifting.
Never drive with only one hub en-gaged.
To shift from ºH4º to ºH2º, simply move
the front drive control lever. Also, disen-
gage both the free- wheeling hubs for con-
tinued ºH2º use.
This can be done at any vehicle speed.
You need not depress the clutch pedal.
(c) A.D.D. (automatic
disconnecting differential)
(d) Shifting procedure
(lever type with manual
transmission)

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If the indicator light does not go off when
you shift the transfer into ºH2º, drive
straight ahead while accelerating or decel-
erating, or drive in reverse.
With A.D.D.
To shift from ºH2º to ºH4º,
reduce your
speed to less than 80 km/h (50 mph) and
move the front drive control lever. You
need not depress the clutch pedal.
If you have trouble shifting in cold weath-
er, reduce your speed or stop the vehicle
and reshift.
CAUTION
Never move the front drive control
lever if wheels are slipping. Stop the
slipping or spinning before shifting.
To shift from ºH4º to ºH2º, simply move
the front drive control lever.
This can be done at any vehicle speed.
You need not depress the clutch pedal.
If the indicator light does not go off when
you shift the transfer into ºH2º, drive
straight ahead while accelerating or decel-
erating, or drive in reverse. SHIFTING BETWEEN ºH4º AND ºL4º
To shift from ºH4º to ºL4º,
stop the
vehicle or reduce your speed to less than
8 km/h (5 mph). With your foot off the
accelerator pedal, depress the clutch ped-
al and move the front drive control lever.
To shift from ºL4º to ºH4º, depress the
clutch pedal and move the front drive con-
trol lever.
This can be done at any vehicle speed. SHIFTING BETWEEN ºH2º AND ºH4º
With free- wheeling hubs
To shift from ºH2º to ºH4º,
move the
front drive control lever. Also, engage both
the free- wheeling hubs.
This can be done when the vehicle is
stopped, or moving straight ahead at
speeds of 40 km/h (25 mph) or less. If
you have trouble shifting, depress or re-
lease the accelerator pedal momentarily
while pushing the front drive control lever.
CAUTION
Never move the front drive control
lever if wheels are slipping. Stop
the slipping or spinning before
shifting.
Never drive with only one hub en-gaged.
To shift from ºH4º to ºH2º, simply move
the front drive control lever. Also, disen-
gage both the free- wheeling hubs for con-
tinued ºH2º use.
This can be done at any vehicle speed.
(d) Shifting procedure
(lever type with automatic
transmission)

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If the indicator light does not go off when
you shift the transfer into ºH2º, drive
straight ahead while accelerating or decel-
erating, or drive in reverse.
With A.D.D.
To shift from ºH2º to ºH4º,
reduce your
speed to less than 80 km/h (50 mph) and
move the front drive control lever.
If you have trouble shifting in cold weath-
er, reduce your speed or stop the vehicle
and reshift.
CAUTION
Never move the front drive control
lever if wheels are slipping. Stop the
slipping or spinning before shifting.
To shift from ºH4º to ºH2º, simply move
the front drive control lever.
This can be done at any vehicle speed.
If the indicator light does not go off when
you shift the transfer into ºH2º, drive
straight ahead while accelerating or decel-
erating, or drive in reverse. SHIFTING BETWEEN ºH4º AND ºL4º
To shift between ºH4º and ºL4º,
stop
the vehicle and put the transmission in
ºNº. With your foot holding down the
brake pedal, move the front drive control
lever. SHIFTING BETWEEN ºH2º AND ºH4º
To shift from ºH2º to ºH4º,
reduce your
speed to less than 100 km/h (62 mph)
and push in the º4WDº button. You need
not depress the clutch pedal.
If the indicator light does not come on
when you push in the º4WDº button, drive
straight ahead while accelerating or decel-
erating.
If the indicator light flashes and the buzz-
er sounds when you push in the º4WDº
button, reduce your speed or stop the
vehicle and reset.
CAUTION
Never push the º4WDº button if
wheels are slipping. Stop the slipping
or spinning before shifting.
To shift from ºH4º to ºH2º, push the
º4WDº button again to turn it off.
This can be done at any vehicle speed.
You need not depress the clutch pedal.
If the indicator light does not go off when
you shift the transfer into ºH2º, drive
straight ahead while accelerating or decel-
erating, or drive in reverse.
(d) Shifting procedure
(lever/button type with manual
transmission)