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95
(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 second gear.
With the selector lever in “L”, the trans-
mission is engaged in first gear.
NOTICE
Be careful not to over rev the en-
gine. The approximate maximum al-
lowable speed for each position is
given below for your reference:
“2” 107 km/h (66 mph) . . . . . . . . . 
“ L” 58 km/ h ( 36 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, “D” position should be used in
hill climbing.
(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 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
While the vehicle is moving, never
attempt to move the selector lever
into “P” position under any circum-
stances. Serious mechanical damage
and loss of vehicle control may re-
sult.
(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 switch should be turned off. Be
sure to turn the switch on immediately
afterward.
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. 
     
        
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147
NOTICE
Do not crank for more than 30 se-
conds at a time. This may overheat
the starter and wiring systems.
 Do not race a cold engine.
 If the engine becomes difficult to
start or stalls frequently, have the
engine checked immediately.
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds.
This will allow you much better control.
Drive slowly onto curbs and, if pos-
sible, at a right angle. Avoid driving
onto high, sharp −edged objects and
other road hazards. Failure to do so
can lead to severe tire damage such
as a tire burst.
Drive slowly when passing over bumps
or travelling on a bumpy  road. Other-
wise, the impact could cause severe
damage to the tires and/or wheels.
When parking on a hill, turn the front
wheels until they  touch the curb so
that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the
parking brake, and place the transmis-
sion in “P” (automatic) or in first or
reverse (manual). If necessary, block
the wheels.
Washing your vehicle or driving through
deep water may get the brakes wet. To
see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you, and then
press the pedal lightly. If you do not
feel a normal braking force, the brakes
are probably wet. To dry them, drive
the vehicle cautiously while lightly
pressing the brake pedal with the park-
ing brake applied. If  they still do not
work safely, pull to the side of the road
and call a Scion dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the
parking brake is fully released and
the parking brake reminder  light is
off.
Do not leave your vehicle unat-
tended while the engine is running.
Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. It can cause
dangerous overheating, needless
wear, and poor fuel economy.
To drive down a long or steep hill,
reduce your speed and downshift.
Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and
not work properly.
Be careful when accelerating, up-
shifting, downshifting or braking on
a slippery surface. Sudden accelera-
tion or engine braking could cause
the vehicle to skid or spin.
Tips for driving in various
conditions 
     
        
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151
Tr ailer to win g
31A004
Scion does not recommend towing a
trailer with your vehicle. Scion also
does not recommend the installation of
a tow hitch or the use of a tow hitch
carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bi-
cycle, etc. Your Scion is not designed
for trailer towing or for the use of tow
hitch mounted carriers.Improving fuel economy is easy–just 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
203 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
driving—but 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 “Automatic
transmission” on page 93.)
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 clutch
or brake pedal.  This causes needless
wear, overheating and poor  fuel econo-
my.
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.
How to save fuel and make
your vehicle last longer, too