2010 TOYOTA MATRIX Owners Manual

113 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■Changing engine switch position
“LOCK”
The steering wheel is locked
and the key can be removed.
(Vehicles with an automatic
transmission: The key can be
removed only when the shift
lever is in P.)
“ACC”
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can
be used.
“ON”
All electrical components can
be used.
“START”
For starting the engine.

114 2-1. Driving procedures
■Turning the engine switch from “ACC” to “LOCK”
■Steering lock release
■If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 65)
■Key reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened while the engine switch is in
the “LOCK” position to remind you to remove the key.
CAUTION
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver's seat. Do not depress the
accelerator while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■Caution when driving
Do not turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position while driving. If, in an
emergency, you must turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn the
engine switch only to the “ACC” position.
Shift the shift lever to P (auto-
matic transmission) or N (man-
ual transmission).
(P. 116, 121)
Push in the key and turn to the
“LOCK” position.STEP1
STEP2
When starting the engine, the engine
switch may seem stuck in the “LOCK”
position. To free it, turn the key while turn-
ing the steering wheel slightly in either
direction.

115 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the key in the “ACC” or “ON” position for long periods if the
engine is not running.
■When starting the engine
●2.4 L 4-cylinder (2AZ-FE) engine  Do not crank for more than 30 sec-
onds 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.

116
2-1. Driving procedures
Automatic transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
Standard type
Multi-mode type
While the engine switch is in the “ON” position, depress the
brake pedal and move the shift lever.

: If equipped

117 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■Shift position uses
*1: Shifting to the D position allows the system to select a gear suitable
for driving conditions. Setting the shift lever to the D position is recom-
mended for normal driving.
*2: Selecting shift ranges using S mode restricts the upper limit of the
possible gear ranges, controls engine braking forces, and prevents
unnecessary upshifting.
Shift positionFunction
Standard typeMulti-mode type
P Parking the vehicle or starting the engine
R Reversing
N Neutral
D Normal driving
*1
SS mode driving*2
(P. 1 1 8 )
3Position for engine
braking
2Position for more
powerful engine braking
LPosition for maximum
engine braking

118 2-1. Driving procedures
Changing shift ranges in S mode (multi-mode type)
Shift the shift lever to the S position and operate the shift lever.
Upshifting
Downshifting
The initial shift range in S mode is automatically set to 4 or 5.
5-speed models: When the shift range is “4” or lower, holding the shift
lever toward “+” sets the shift range to “5”.

119 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■Shift ranges and their functions
A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking forces than a
higher shift range.
■Downshifting restrictions (standard type)
The shift lever cannot be downshifted if the following speeds are exceeded.
2.4 L 4-cylinder (2AZ-FE) engine
mph (km/h)
1.8 L 4-cylinder (2ZR-FE) engine
mph (km/h)
Shift rangeFunction
5A gear between 1 and 5 is automatically selected
according to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
4A gear between 1 and 4 is automatically selected
according to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
3A gear between 1 and 3 is automatically selected
according to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
2A gear between 1 and 2 is automatically selected
according to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
1 Setting the gear at 1.
DownshiftingMaximum speed
32 64 (104)
2L 32 (52)
DownshiftingMaximum speed
32 57 (92)
2L 27 (44)

120 2-1. Driving procedures
■Downshifting restrictions (multi-mode type)
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may
sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be
possible even when the shift lever is operated. (The warning buzzer will
sound twice.)
■When driving with the cruise control system (if equipped)
Standard type
Engine braking will not occur when downshifting from D to 3. (P. 139)
Multi-mode type
Engine braking will not occur when downshifting from D to 4 range of S, or
from 5 to 4 range of S. (P. 139)
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 384
■If the “S” indicator does not come on even after shifting the shift lever
to S (multi-mode type)
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
(In this situation, the vehicle will operate as if the shift lever is in D.)