TOYOTA xB 2009 Owners Manual (in English)
Page 121 of 291
111
Shift range positions
“4” (Fourth range):
The most suitable gear is selected au-
tomatically between first and overdrive
(fourth) gears according to the vehicle
speed or driving conditions.
“3” (Third range):
The most suitable gear is selected au-
tomatically between first and third
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.
“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 stronger engine
braking is necessary.
“1” (First range):
The gear is fixed in first regardless of
vehicle speed or driving conditions.
This range is to be used when maxi-
mum engine braking is necessary.
If you attempt to downshift the transmis-
sion 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 nec-
essary. Make sure you observe the follow-
ing maximum allowable speeds in each
range:
range km/h (mph)1 59 (37)
2 115 (71)
3 181 (113)
NOTICE
Do not downshift if you are going
faster than the maximum allowable
speed for the next lower range.
When the “S” mode indicator light does
not come on even with the selector lever
moved to the “S” position, there may be
a problem somewhere in the system. Have
your vehicle checked/repaired by your
Scion 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:
When driving in the “D” position—
Shift the selector lever to “S” posi-
tion.
When driving in the “4” range within
the “S” position— Move the selector lever down to
the “ −” side to select the “3” range.
The transmission will downshift to
third range when the vehicle speed
drops down to or lower than 172 km/h
(107 mph), and engine braking will be
enabled.
When the cruise control is being used,
engine braking will not be enabled be-
cause the cruise control is not can-
celled.
For decreasing the vehicle speed, see
“Cruise control” on page 125.
Move the selector lever down to the
“ − ” side to select the “2” range. The
transmission will downshift to second
range when the vehicle speed drops
down to or lower than 107 km/h (66
mph), and stronger engine braking will
be enabled.
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11 2
Move the selector lever down to the
“
− ” side to select the “1” range. The
transmission will downshift to first
range when the vehicle speed drops
down to or lower than 53 km/h (33
mph), and maximum engine braking will
be enabled.
(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.
NOTICE
Never shift into reverse while the ve-
hicle is moving.
(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” posi-
tion.
CAUTION
Never attempt to move the selector
lever into “P” position under any cir-
cumstances while the vehicle is mov-
ing. Serious mechanical damage and
loss of vehicle control may result.
(g) Good driving practice
If the transmission repeatedly shifts up
and down between third gear and over-
drive when climbing a gentle slope, shift
the selector lever into sequential position.
CAUTION
Always keep your foot on the brake
pedal while stopped with the engine
running. This prevents the vehicle
from creeping.
NOTICE
Always use the brake pedal or the
parking brake to hold the vehicle on
an upgrade. Do not attempt to hold
the vehicle using the accelerator ped-
al, as this can cause the transmission
to overheat.
(h) If you cannot move the selector le-
ver out of “P” position
If you cannot shift the selector lever from
“P” position even though the brake pedal
is depressed, use the shift lock override
button. For instructions, see “If you cannot
shift automatic transmission selector lever”
on page 215.
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11 3
Manual transmission
The shift pattern is conventional 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. Do
not use the clutch to hold the vehicle
when stopped on an uphill grade—use the
parking brake.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:
gear km/h (mph)147 (29)
281 (50)
3125 (77)
4 172 (106)
NOTICE
Do not downshift if you are going
faster than the maximum allowable
speed for the next lower gear.
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.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a
slippery surface. Abrupt shifting
could cause the vehicle to skid or
spin.
NOTICE
Do not use any gears other than
first gear when starting off and
moving forward. Doing so may dam-
age the clutch.
Make sure the vehicle is completely
stopped before shifting into reverse.
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11 4
The traction control system automatical-
ly helps prevent the spinning of front
wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the engine switch is turned to “ON”
position, the system automatically turns
on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road condi-
tions, full traction of the vehicle and
power against front wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction
control system is in operation. Do not
drive the vehicle under any speed or
maneuvering conditions which may
cause the vehicle to lose traction
control. In situations where the road
surface is covered with ice or snow,
your vehicle should be fitted with
snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious
speed for the present road condi-
tions.
NORMAL DRIVING MODE
Leave the system on during the ordi-
nary driving so that it can operate
when needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds just after
the vehicle begins to move. This means
that the traction control system is in the
self−check mode, but does not indicate a
malfunction. When the traction control system is oper-
ating, the following conditions occur:
The system controls the spinning of the
front wheels. At this time, the slip indi-
cator light blinks.
You may feel vibration or noise in your
vehicle, caused by operation of the
brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the engine switch is turned
to “ON” position. If the indicator light does
not come on when the engine switch is
turned on, contact your Scion dealer.
Traction control system
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11 5
TRACTION CONTROL OFF MODE
If your wheels get stuck in a ditch
when you are driving on a severe off
road and sand, turn off the traction
control system or vehicle stability con-
trol system. (See page 117 to turn off
the vehicle stability control system.)
These systems control engine perfor-
mance that interferes with the process
of freeing your wheels.
To turn off: Push “VSC OFF” switch
briefly.
The slip indicator light will come on.
When the engine switch is turned to “ON”
position, the traction control system and
vehicle stability control system always turn
on.
Traction control system turns back on
when the vehicle reaches to the certain
speed.
To turn on: Push “VSC OFF” switch
once again.
The slip indicator light will go off.
CAUTION
When traction control and vehicle sta-
bility control system are off, be espe-
cially careful and drive at a speed
appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are systems to ensure vehicle
stability and driving force, do not
turn off traction control and vehicle
stability control system unless neces-
sary.
In the following cases, contact your Scion
dealer:
The slip indicator light does not come
on when the engine switch is turned to
“ON” position.
The slip indicator light remains on after
the engine switch is turned to “ON”
position.
The slip indicator light comes on in the
normal driving mode while driving.