STARTING AND DRIVING
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(b) Using engine braking
To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the
transmission in the way described below:
1
Shift into the “3” position. The transmission will downshift
to the third gear.
2
Shift into the “2” position. The transmission will downshift
to the second gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes
lower than 134 km / h (83 mph) and more powerful engine
braking will be obtained.
3
Shift into the “L” position. The transmission will downshift
to the first gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes
lower than 73 km / h (45 mph) and maximum engine
braking will be applied.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed could cause the vehicle
to spin or skid.
NOTICE
Be careful not to overrev 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:
“2”... 134 km / h (83 mph)
“L”... 73 km / h (45 mph)
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, “3” position should be
used in hill climbing or hard towing.
