2009 TOYOTA CAMRY transmission

175
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■
Before towing
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( →P. 344)
● Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer's rec-
ommendation.
● All trailer lights must work in order to be legal.
● Confirm all lights work each time you connect them.
● Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer
is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper
tongue load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
● Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded.
● Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial
or local regulations. If they do not, inst all rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
■ Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with any
new power train components (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bear-
ings, etc.) to tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of driving.
■ Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance
due to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner's Manual Supplement”.)
● Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approxi-
mately 600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

179
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
●
In order to maintain efficient engi ne braking and electrical charging
performance, do not use overdrive (automatic transmission) or the
5th gear (manual transmission).
● Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle's engine may
overheat on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when
driving up a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, immedi ately turn off the air condition-
ing (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
( → P. 421)
● Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and the trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the
transmission in P (automatic transmission) or in first or R (manual
transmission). Avoid parking on a sl ope, but if unavoidable, do so
only after performing the following:
Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and
trailer wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in pl ace, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Shift into first or R (manual transmission) or P (automatic
transmission) and turn off the engine.
● When restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in the P position (automatic transmis-
sion) or the clutch pedal (m anual transmission) depressed,
start the engine. On vehicles with an automatic transmission,
be sure to keep the brake pedal pressed.
Shift into a forward gear. If reversing, shift into the R position.
Release the parking brake (also brake pedal on vehicles with
automatic transmission), and sl owly pull or back away from
the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

181
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Dinghy towing (automatic transmission)
NOTICE
■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on
the ground) behind a motor home.

182
2-5. Driving information
Dinghy towing (manual transmission)
Towing your vehicle with 4 wheels on the groundTo prevent damage to your vehicle, perform the following procedures
before towing. Shift the shift lever to neutral.
Switch to “ACC” position. (→ P. 130)
Ensure that the audio system and other powered devices have been
turned off.
Release the parking brake.
After towing, run the engine in idle for at least 3 minutes before driv-
ing the vehicle.
■Necessary equipment and accessories
Specialized equipment and accessories are required for dinghy towing. Con-
tact the service branch of the motor home manufacturer regarding recom-
mended equipment.
Your vehicle can be dinghy towed in a forward direction (with 4
wheels on the ground) behind a motor home.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

270 3-5. Using the storage features
Cup holdersManual transmission Lift the lid.
Automatic transmission (type A) Lift the lid.
Automatic transmission (type B) To open, press down and
release the right side of the cup
holder lid.
Cup holders

306 4-2. Maintenance
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal • Moves smoothly (without uneven
pedal effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission “Park”
mechanism • Can the vehicle be held securely
on an incline with the shift lever in
P?
Brake pedal • Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clear-
ance and correct amount of free
play?
Brakes • Not pull to one side when
applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints • Move smoothly and lock
securely?
Indicators/buzzers • Function properly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?
Parking brake • Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on
an incline?
Seat belts • Does the seat belt system oper-
ate smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats • Do the seat controls operate
properly?
Steering wheel • Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?

310 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
ItemsParts and tools
Fuses ( →P. 357)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original
Power steering fluid
level ( →P. 328)• Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON
 II or III
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding power steering fluid)
Radiator and condenser (→P. 326) ⎯
Tire inflation pressure (
→P. 344) • Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(→P. 333) • Water washer fluid containing
antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel

315
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■
When raising your vehicle
Make sure to observe the following to reduce the possibility of death or seri-
ous injury.
●Do not use the jack that was supplied with your vehicle.
● Do not put any part of your body or get underneath the vehicle supported
only by the floor jack.
Always use automotive jack stands on a solid, level surface.
● Do not start the engine while the vehicle is supported by the floor jack.
● Stop the vehicle on level firm ground, firmly set the parking brake and put
the shift lever in P (automatic transmission) or R (manual transmission).
● Make sure to set the floor jack properly at the jack point.
Raising the vehicle with an improperly positioned floor jack will damage
the vehicle and may cause the vehicle to fall off the floor jack.
● Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in the vehicle.
● When raising the vehicle, do not place any objects on top of or underneath
the floor jack.
●Lift up the vehicle using a floor jack
such as the one shown in the illustra-
tion.