2001 TOYOTA SEQUOIA automatic transmission

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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 ªPº position when the
brake pedal is depressed (with the ignition
switch in the ªONº or ªACCº position and
the selector lever pulled toward you).
(a) Selector lever
The shift position is displayed on the in-
strument cluster.
P:Parking, engine starting and
key removal
R:Reverse
N:Neutral
D:Normal driving (with overdrive on)
3, 2: Stronger engine braking
(b) Shift position ªLº switch
(ªSHIFT Lº switch)
To downshift to first gear (ªLº position),
push this switch with the shift lever in the
ª2º position. The ª
Lº is displayed on the
instrument cluster and engine braking will
be maximized.
To shift up to the ª2º position, push this
switch again.
To shift up to a position other than ª2º,
move the selector lever to that position.
Automatic transmission
With the brake pedal depressed,
shift while pulling the selector lever
toward you. (The ignition switch
must be in ªONº or ªACCº position.)
Shift while pulling the
selector lever toward you.
Shift normally.Selector leverOverdrive switch
Shift position
ªLº switch
Push the shift position ªLº switch.
To shift from the ªLº position to a
position other than ª2º, move the
selector lever to that position.

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(c) Overdrive switch
You can select either fourth gear (with
overdrive off) or fifth gear (with overdrive
on) by pushing this switch.
To turn the overdrive off, push the switch.
The ªO/D OFFº indicator light should come
on. To turn the overdrive on again, push
the switch again. The ªO/D OFFº indicator
light should go off.
Always drive your vehicle with the over-
drive on for better fuel economy and
quieter driving.
If the engine is turned off when the over-
drive is off and restarted, the overdrive
will be on automatically.When the cruise control is being used,
even if you downshift the transmission by
pushing and releasing the overdrive
switch, engine braking will not be enabled
because the cruise control is not can-
celled.
For ways to decrease the vehicle speed,
see ªCruise controlº on page 205 in this
Section.
(d) Normal driving
1. Start the engine as instructed in ªHow
to start the engineº on page 362 in
Section 3. The transmission must be in
ªPº or ªNº.
When the front drive control is in ª4LOº
mode (low speed, four±wheel drive), the
driving pattern selector setting has no ef-
fect on gear shift timing. (See ªFour±wheel
drive systemº on page 177 in this Section
for information on the front drive control.)
2. With your foot holding down the brake
pedal, shift the selector lever to ªDº.
When the lever is in the ªDº 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.If the engine coolant temperature is low
or when the front drive control is in ª4LOº
mode (low speed, four±wheel drive), the
transmission will not shift into the over-
drive gear even with the overdrive on.
(See ªFour±wheel drive systemº on page
177 in this Section for information of the
front drive 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 to
shift lever position is set, all doors are
automatically locked when the shift lever
is moved out of ªPº position after the
ignition switch is turned to the ªONº posi-
tion and all the doors are closed. For
details, see ªÐAutomatic door locking and
unlocking functionsº on page 27 in Section
1±2.

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(f) Using the ª3º, ª2º and ªLº, posi-
tions
The ª3º, ª2º and ªLº positions are used for
strong engine braking as described pre-
viously.
With the selector lever in ª3º, ª2º or
ªSHIFT Lº switch depressed, the vehicle
can start just as if the lever was in ªDº.
With the selector lever in ª3º or ª2º, the
vehicle will start in first gear and automat-
ically shift to second gear.
With the ªSHIFT Lº switch depressed, the
transmission is engaged in first gear.NOTICE

Be careful not to over±rev the en-
gine. Watch the tachometer to keep
engine rpm from going into the red
zone. The approximate maximum al-
lowable speed for each position is
given above for your reference:
Two±wheel drive models
ª3º 135 km/h (84 mph). . . . . . .
ª2º 90 km/h (56 mph). . . . . . . .
ªLº 50 km/h (31 mph). . . . . . . .
Four±wheel drive models
ª2WDº or ª4HIº mode
ª3º 135 km/h (84 mph). . . . . . .
ª2º 90 km/h (56 mph). . . . . . . .
ªLº 50 km/h (31 mph). . . . . . . .
ª4LOº mode
ª3º 50 km/h (31 mph). . . . . . . .
ª2º 35 km/h (21 mph). . . . . . . .
ªLº 20 km/h (12 mph). . . . . . . .

Do not continue hill climbing or
hard towing for a long time in the
ª3º, ª2º or ªLº position. This may
cause severe automatic transmis-
sion damage from overheating. To
prevent such damage, ªDº position
should be used in hill climbing or
hard towing.
(g) 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
ªRº position.
NOTICE
Never shift into reverse while the ve-
hicle is moving.
(h) Parking
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the brake pedal pressed down,
fully depress the parking brake pedal
to apply the parking brake securely.
3. With the brake pedal pressed down,
shift the selector lever to the ªPº posi-
tion.
CAUTION
Never attempt to move the selector
lever into ªPº position under any cir-
cumstances while the vehicle is mov-
ing. Serious mechanical damage and
loss of vehicle control may result.

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If the automatic unlocking operation linked
to shift lever position is set, all doors are
automatically unlocked when the selector
lever is moved to ªPº position after the
ignition switch is turned to ªONº position.
For details, see ªÐAutomatic door locking
and unlocking functionsº on page 27 in
Section 1±2.
(i) Good driving practice

If the transmission repeatedly shifts up
and down between fourth gear and
overdrive when climbing a gentle slope,
the overdrive 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
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.
Front drive control switches
Center differential lock switch
Four±wheel drive systemÐ
(a) Front drive control

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ª4LOº mode (low speed, four±wheel
drive, center differential locked)
To select this mode, press the ª4LOº
switch, and then press the center differen-
tial lock switch. The ª4LOº and the center
differential lock indicator lights come on.
Use this for maximum power and traction.
Use this for hard pulling in situations the
vehicle cannot negotiate even in ª4LOº
(low speed, four±wheel drive, center differ-
ential unlocked) mode. Also, using this
mode when driving down steep off±road
inclines will help contribute to increased
vehicle stability.
The indicator light tells when the differen-
tial lock is engaged. Note that the differ-
ential is not still locked as long as the
indicator light remains off.
When the operation is not completed, the
indicator blinks. If the indicator light does
not go off when you push out the center
differential lock switch, drive straight
ahead while accelerating or decelerating,
or drive in reverse.
If the center differential lock system op-
eration is not completed within 5 seconds
while the cruise control system is set,
cancel the cruise control system. To can-
cel the cruise control system, see ªCruise
controlº on page 205 in Section 1±7.If the indicator blinks even if doing so,
contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. There may be a trouble in the
center differential lock system.
See ª(c) Shifting procedureº for further in-
structions.
Advice for driving on slippery roads in
ª4LOº (low speed, four±wheel drive)
mode
If you press the ª4LOº switch and shift
the automatic transmission lever to ª2º
when you drive in steep off±road areas,
the output of the brake can be controlled
effectively by the active traction control
system, which assists the driver to control
the driving power of 4 wheels.
Use the ªLº position of the automatic
transmission for maximum power and trac-
tion when your wheels get stuck or when
you drive down a steep incline. The output
of the brake can be controlled by the
active traction control system if the engine
speed is under 3000 rpm (normally engine
speed is under 3000 rpm when the wheels
get unstuck), in the following cases:

The front drive control in ª4LOº mode
and the automatic transmission in ªLº
or the automatic transmission in ªDº,
ª3º or ª2º with the transmission down-
shifting to the first gear

The front drive control in ª4LOº mode
and the automatic transmission in ªRº
(As for the automatic transmission shift
positions, see ªAutomatic transmissionº on
page 173 in this Section.)

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Ti r e relat ed ter mMeaning
Accessory weight
the combined weight (in excess of those standard items which may be
replaced) of automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that these items
are available as factory±installed equipment (whether installed or not)
Cold tire inflation pressure
tire inflation pressure when the vehicle has been parked for at least 3
hours or more, or it has not been driven more than 1.5 km or 1 mile
under that condition
Curb weight
the weight of a motor vehicle with standard equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped, air
conditioning and additional weight optional engine
Intended outboard sidewall
(A) the sidewall that contains a whitewall, bears white lettering or bears
manufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding that is higher or
deeper than the same molding on the other sidewall of the tire, or
(B) the outward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that has a particular
side that must always face outward when mounted on a vehicle
Maximum inflation pressurethe maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire may be inflated and it
is shown on the sidewall of the tire
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
the sum ofÐ
(a) curb weight;
(b) accessory weight;
(c) vehicle capacity weight; and
(d) production options weight
ÐGlossary of tire terminology

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Improving fuel economy is easyÐjust take
it easy. It will help make your vehicle last
longer, too. Here are some specific tips
on how to save money on both fuel and
repairs:

Keep your tires inflated at the cor-
rect pressure. Underinflation causes
tire wear and wastes fuel. See page
429 in Section 7±2 for instructions.

Do not carry unneeded weight in
your vehicle. Excess weight puts a
heavier load on the engine, causing
greater fuel consumption.

Avoid lengthy warm±up idling. Once
the engine is running smoothly, begin
drivingÐbut gently. Remember, howev-
er, that on cold winter days this may
take a little longer.

Keep the automatic transmission
overdrive turned on when engine
braking is not required. Driving with
the overdrive off will reduce the fuel
economy. (For details, see ªAutomatic
transmissionº on page 173 in Section
1±7.)

Accelerate slowly and smoothly.
Avoid jackrabbit starts. Get into high
gear as quickly as possible.

Avoid long engine idling. If you have
a long wait and you are not in traffic,
it is better to turn off the engine and
start again later.

Avoid engine lugging or over±rev-
ving. Use a gear position suitable for
the road on which you are travelling.

Avoid continuous speeding up and
slowing down. Stop±and±go driving
wastes fuel.

Avoid unnecessary stopping and
braking. Maintain a steady pace. Try
to time the traffic signals so you only
need to stop as little as possible or
take advantage of through streets to
avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper dis-
tance from other vehicles to avoid sud-
den braking. This will also reduce wear
on your brakes.

Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams
whenever possible.

Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal. This causes premature wear,
overheating and poor fuel economy.

Maintain a moderate speed on high-
ways. The faster you drive, the greater
the fuel consumption. By reducing your
speed, you will cut down on fuel con-
sumption.

Keep the front wheels in proper
alignment. Avoid hitting the curb and
slow down on rough roads. Improper
alignment not only causes faster tire
wear but also puts an extra load on
the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.

Keep the bottom of your vehicle free
from mud, etc. This not only lessens
weight but also helps prevent corro-
sion.

Keep your vehicle tuned±up and in
top shape. A dirty air cleaner, improp-
er valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil
and grease, brakes not adjusted, etc.
all lower engine performance and con-
tribute to poor fuel economy. For longer
life of all parts and lower operating
costs, keep all maintenance work on
schedule, and if you often drive under
severe conditions, see that your vehicle
receives more frequent maintenance.
(For scheduled maintenance informa-
tion, please refer to the ªScheduled
Maintenance Guideº or ªOwner 's Manu-
al Supplementº.)
How to save fuel and make
your vehicle last longer

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If towing is necessary, we recom-
mended you have it done by your
Toyota dealer or a commercial tow
truck service. In consultation with them,
have your vehicle towed using either (a)
or (b).
Only when you cannot receive a towing
service from a Toyota dealer or com-
mercial tow truck service, tow your ve-
hicle carefully in accordance with the
instructions given in ªÐEmergency tow-
ingº on page 399 in this Section.
Proper equipment will help ensure that
your vehicle is not damaged while being
towed. Commercial operators are generally
aware of the state/provincial and local
laws pertaining to towing.
Your vehicle can be damaged if it is
towed incorrectly. Although most operators
know the correct procedure, it is possible
to make a mistake. To avoid damage to
your vehicle, make sure the following pre-
cautions are observed. If necessary, show
this page to the tow truck driver.TOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Use a safety chain system for all towing,
and abide by the state/provincial and local
laws. The wheels and axle on the ground
must be in good condition. If they are
damaged, use a towing dolly.
CAUTION
Vehicles with rear height control air
suspension system: When your ve-
hicle is towed, set the vehicle height
to ªNº in automatic control mode,
then select manual control mode by
pushing the mode select switch.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may
change because of the automatic lev-
eling function, resulting in an acci-
dent. For details, see ªRear height
control air suspensionº on page 189
in Section 1±7.
Two±wheel drive modelsÐ
(a) Towing with wheel lift type truck
From frontÐ
Use a towing dolly under the rear wheels.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle from the front
with the rear wheels on the ground,
as this may cause serious damage to
the transmission.
From rearÐ
Place the ignition key in the ªACCº posi-
tion.
NOTICE

When lifting wheels, take care to
ensure adequate ground clearance
for towing at the opposite end of
the raised vehicle. Otherwise, the
bumper and/or underbody of the
towed vehicle will be damaged dur-
ing towing.

Do not tow with the key removed or
in the ªLOCKº position, as the
steering lock mechanism is not
strong enough to hold the front
wheels straight while towing.