2002 TOYOTA TACOMA transmission

’02 Tacoma U (L/O 0109)
1242002 MY TACOMA_U (OM35786U)
(b) Overdrive switch
You can select either third gear (with
overdrive off) or fourth gear (with over-
drive on) by pushing this switch.
To turn the overdrive off, push the switch.
The “O/D OFF” indicator light should come
on. To turn the overdrive on again, push
the switch again. The “O/D OFF” 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.Vehicles with cruise control—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 cancelled.
For ways to decrease the vehicle speed,
see “Cruise control” in this section.
(c) Normal driving
1. Start the engine as instructed in “How to start the engine” in Section 3. The
transmission must be in “P” or “N”.
When the front drive control lever is in
“L4” (lowspeed position, fourwheel
drive), the driving pattern selector setting
has no effect on gear shift timing. (See
“Fourwheel drive system” in this section
for information of the front drive control
lever.)
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. 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
“L4” (lowspeed position, fourwheel
drive), the transmission will not shift into
the overdrive gear even with the overdrive
on. (See “Fourwheel drive system” in this
section 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.
(d) Using engine braking
To use engine braking, you can downshift
the transmission as follows:
Push the overdrive switch. The “O/D
OFF” indicator light will come on and
the transmission will downshift to third
gear.

’02 Tacoma U (L/O 0109)
1252002 MY TACOMA_U (OM35786U)
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.
Twowheel drive models except Pre
Runner2RZFE engine 105 km/h (65 mph)
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourwheel drive models and Pre Run-
ner Front drive control lever in “H2” and
“H4”3RZFE engine 106 km/h (66 mph)
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
5VZFE engine
114 km/h (71 mph)
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front drive control lever in “L4” 3RZFE engine 36 km/h (22 mph)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5VZFE engine 38 km/h (24 mph)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shift into the “L” position. The trans-
mission will downshift to first gear
when the vehicle speed drops down to
or lower than the following speed, and
maximum engine braking will be en-
abled.
Twowheel drive models except Pre
Runner
2RZFE engine 55 km/h (34 mph)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourwheel drive models and Pre Run-
ner Front drive control lever in “H2” and
“H4”3RZFE engine 51 km/h (32 mph)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5VZFE engine
55 km/h (34 mph)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front drive control lever in “L4” 3RZFE engine 9km/h (6mph)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5VZFE engine 10 km/h (6 mph)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicles with cruise control—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 cancelled. For ways to decrease the vehicle speed,
see “Cruise control” in this section.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a
slippery surface. Abrupt shifting
could cause the vehicle to spin or
skid.
(e) Using “2” and “L” positions
The “2” and “L” positions are used for
strong engine braking as described pre-
viously.
With the selector lever in “2” or “L”, you
can start the vehicle in motion as with the
lever in “D”.
With the selector lever in “2”, the vehicle
will start in first gear and automatically
shift to the second gear.
With the selector lever in “L”, the trans-
mission is engaged in first gear.

’02 Tacoma U (L/O 0109)
1262002 MY TACOMA_U (OM35786U)
NOTICE
Be careful not to overrev 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 below for your reference:
Twowheel drive models except Pre
Runner 2RZFE engine “2” 122 km/h (75 mph) . . . . . . .
“L” 64 km/h (39 mph) . . . . . . . .
Fourwheel drive models Front drive control lever in “H2” or
“H4”—
3RZFE engine“2” 113 km/h (70 mph) . . . . . . .
“L” 62 km/h (38 mph) . . . . . . . .
5VZFE engine “2” 119 km/h (73 mph) . . . . . . .
“L” 65 km/h (40 mph) . . . . . . . .
Front drive control lever in “L4”—
3RZFE engine“2” 44 km/h (27 mph) . . . . . . . .
“L” 24 km/h (14 mph) . . . . . . . .
5VZFE engine “2” 65 km/h (40 mph) . . . . . . . .
“L” 25 km/h (16 mph) . . . . . . . .
Pre Runner models
3RZFE engineRegular cab“2” 119 km/h (73 mph) . . . . .
“L” 65 km/h (40 mph) . . . . . .
Xtracab and double cab “2” 113 km/h (70 mph) . . . . .
“L” 62 km/h (38 mph) . . . . . .
5VZFE engine “2” 119 km/h (73 mph) . . . . . . .
“L” 65 km/h (40 mph) . . . . . . . .
 Do not continue hill climbing for a
long time in the “2” or “L” posi-
tion. This may cause severe auto-
matic transmission damage from
overheating. To prevent such dam-
age, use “D” position for hill climb-
ing or hard towing.(f) 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.
(g) 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 “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.

’02 Tacoma U (L/O 0109)
1272002 MY TACOMA_U (OM35786U)
(h) Good driving practice
If the transmission repeatedly shifts up
and down between third gear and over-
drive when climbing a gentle slope, the
overdrive should be turned off. Be sure
to turn the switch on immediately after-
ward.
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. It
can cause the transmission to over-
heat. Always use the brake pedal or
parking brake.
(i) Driving in “POWER” mode (fourwheel drive models and Pre
Runner)
In the “POWER” mode, the transmission
is shifted up and down at a higher vehicle
speed than in the “NORMAL” mode and a
more powerful acceleration is achieved. To
set the “POWER” mode, push in the driv-
ing pattern selector button. The POWER
mode indicator light comes on.
For ordinary driving, Toyota recommends
using the “NORMAL” mode to improve fuel
economy. (j) 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.

’02 Tacoma U (L/O 0109)
1282002 MY TACOMA_U (OM35786U)
NOTICE
If you rock your vehicle, observe the
following precautions to prevent dam-
age to the transmission and other
parts.
Do not depress the accelerator ped-
al while shifting the selector lever
or before the transmission is com-
pletely shifted to forward or reverse
gear.
 Do not race the engine and avoid
spinning the wheels.
 If your vehicle remains stuck after
rocking the vehicle several times,
consider other ways such as tow-
ing.
(k) If you cannot shift the selector le-
ver out of “P” position
If you cannot shift the selector lever from
the “P” position even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock
override lever. For instructions, see “If you
cannot shift automatic transmission selec-
tor lever” in Section 4.
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: 2RZFE engine
Low altitude
—1219 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
—Higher 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)/88 (55)∗
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.
Manual transmission

’02 Tacoma U (L/O 0109)
1302002 MY TACOMA_U (OM35786U)
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 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.
“H2” (high speed position, twowheel
drive): Lever at “H2”
Use this for normal driving on dry hard
surfaced roads. This position gives greater
economy, quietest ride and least wear.
“H4” (high speed position, fourwheel
drive): Lever at “H4”
Use this for normal driving on wet, icy or
snowcovered roads. This position pro-
vides greater traction than twowheel
drive. “N” (neutral position): Lever at “N”
No power is delivered to the wheels. The
vehicle must be stopped.
“L4” (low speed position, fourwheel
drive):
Lever at “L4”
Use this for maximum power and traction.
Use “L4” for climbing or descending steep
hills, offroad driving, and hard pulling in
sand, mud or deep snow.
The fourwheel drive indicator light comes
on when the “H4”, “N” or “L4” mode is
selected.
See “(c) Shifting procedure (lever type)”
for further instructions.
Fourwheel drive system—
(a) Front drive control
(lever type)

’02 Tacoma U (L/O 0109)
1322002 MY TACOMA_U (OM35786U)
SHIFTING BETWEEN “H2” AND “H4”
To shift from “H2” to “H4”, 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 “H4” to “H2”, 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 “H2”, drive
straight ahead while accelerating or decel-
erating, or drive in reverse. SHIFTING BETWEEN “H4” AND “L4”
To shift from “H4” to “L4”,
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 “L4” to “H4”, depress the
clutch pedal and move the front drive con-
trol lever.
This can be done at any vehicle speed. SHIFTING BETWEEN “H2” AND “H4”
To shift from “H2” to “H4”,
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 “H4” to “H2”, 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 “H2”, drive
straight ahead while accelerating or decel-
erating, or drive in reverse.
SHIFTING BETWEEN “H4” AND “L4”
To shift between “H4” and “L4”, stop
the vehicle and put the transmission in
“N”. With your foot holding down the
brake pedal, move the front drive control
lever.
(c) Shifting procedure (lever
type with manual transmission) (c) Shifting procedure
(lever type with automatic
transmission)

’02 Tacoma U (L/O 0109)
1332002 MY TACOMA_U (OM35786U)
SHIFTING BETWEEN “H2” AND “H4”
To shift from “H2” to “H4”, reduce your
speed to less than 100 km/h (62 mph)
and push in the “4WD” button. You need
not depress the clutch pedal.
If the indicator light does not come on
when you push in the “4WD” button, drive
straight ahead while accelerating or decel-
erating.
If the indicator light flashes and the buzz-
er sounds when you push in the “4WD”
button, reduce your speed or stop the
vehicle and reset.
CAUTION
Never push the “4WD” button if
wheels are slipping. Stop the slipping
or spinning before shifting.
To shift from “H4” to “H2”, push the
“4WD” 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 “H2”, drive
straight ahead while accelerating or decel-
erating, or drive in reverse. SHIFTING BETWEEN “H2” OR “H4” AND
“L4”
To shift from “H2” or “H4” to “L4”,
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 pedal and move the front drive con-
trol lever.
To shift from “L4” to “H2” or “H4”,
depress the clutch pedal and move the
front drive control lever. When the “4WD”
button is pushed in, the transfer shifts into
“H4”; when the button is left out, the
transfer shifts into “H2”.
This can be done at any vehicle speed.
If the indicator light does not go off when
you shift the transfer into “H2”, drive
straight ahead while accelerating or decel-
erating, or drive in reverse.
SHIFTING BETWEEN “H2” AND “H4”
To shift from “H2” to “H4”,
reduce your
speed to less than 100 km/h (62 mph)
and push in the “4WD” button.
If the indicator light does not come on
when you push in the “4WD” button, drive
straight ahead while accelerating or decel-
erating.
If the indicator light flashes and the buzz-
er sounds when you push in the “4WD”
button, reduce your speed or stop the
vehicle and reset.
CAUTION
Never push the “4WD” button if
wheels are slipping. Stop the slipping
or spinning before shifting.
To shift from “H4” to “H2”, push the
“4WD” button again to turn it off.
This can be done at any vehicle speed.
If the indicator light does not go off when
you shift the transfer into “H2”, drive
straight ahead while accelerating or decel-
erating, or drive in reverse.
(c) Shifting procedure
(lever/button type with manual
transmission) (c) Shifting procedure
(lever/button type with
automatic transmission)