Toyota 4Runner 2003 Operating Manual page 139

(b) Normal driving
1. Start the engine as instructed in "How
to start the engine" on page 256 in
Section 3. The transmission must be in
"P" or "N".
When the multi–mode control switch knob
is in "L4" (low–speed position, four–wheel
drive, center differential locked), the driv-
ing pattern selector setting has no effect
on gear shift timing. (See "Four–wheel
drive system (multi–mode four–wheel drive
models)" on page 139 in this section for
information of the multi–mode control.)
2. With your foot holding down the brake
pedal, shift the selector lever to "D".
When the lever is in the "D" position, the
automatic transmission system will select
the most suitable gear for running condi-
tions such as normal cruising, hill climb-
ing, hard towing, etc.
'03 4Runner_U (L/O 0211)
Always use the "D" position for better fuel
economy and quieter driving. If the engine
coolant temperature is low or when the
multi–mode control switch knob is in "L4"
(low–speed position, four–wheel
center differential locked), the transmission
will not shift into the overdrive gear even
in the "D" position. (See "Four–wheel drive
system (multi–mode four–wheel drive mod-
els)" on page 139 in this section for in-
formation of the multi–mode control.)
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.
If the automatic locking operation linked
with the shift position is set, all the side
doors and back door are automatically
locked when the shift lever is moved out
of the "P" position with the engine running
(including ignition switch in the "ON" posi-
tion) and all the side doors and back door
are closed. For details, see "—Automatic
door locking and unlocking functions" on
page 17 in Section 1–2.
(c) Using engine braking
To use engine braking, you can downshift
the transmission as follows:
D
Shift into the "3" position. The trans-
drive,
mission will downshift to third gear.
D
Shift into the "2" position. The trans-
mission will downshift to second gear
when the vehicle speed drops down to
or lower than the following speed, and
stronger engine braking will be en-
abled.
Two–wheel drive models
123 km/h (76 mph)
Four–wheel drive models
Multi–mode control switch knob at
"H4"
123 km/h (76 mph)
Multi–mode control switch knob at
"L4"
2003 4RUNNER from Oct. '02 Prod. (OM35804U)
41 km/h (25 mph)
133