2012 TOYOTA CAMRY Owners Manual

161
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Shift positionMeter displayFunctionPurpose
Normal “D”
position driv-
ing
Gears
between “1”
and “6” are
automati-
cally
selected
according to
driving con-
ditions
(paddle shift
switches acti-
vated)
Shift range
selection
(
P. 163)Allows opti-
mum use of
engine brak-
ing
Shift range
selection
(P. 162)
Allows the
driver to
select gears
for sporty
driving

162 2-1. Driving procedures
Changing shift ranges in S modeWhen the shift lever is in the S posit ion, the shift lever or paddle shift
switches can be operated as follows:
Shift lever
Upshifting
Downshifting
Paddle shift switches Upshifting
Downshifting
The initial shift range in S mode is set automatically to “5” or “4”
according to vehicle speed. However, the initial shift range may be
set to “3” if AI-SHIFT has operated while the shift lever was in the D
position. ( P. 157)

163
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Selecting shift ranges in the “D” position
To drive using temporary shift range selection, operate the “-”paddle
shift switch. The shift range can then be selected by operating the “-”
and “+” paddle shift switches. Changing the shift range allows restric-
tion of the highest gear, preventing unnecessary upshifting and
enabling the level of engine braking force to be selected. Upshifting
Downshifting
The selected shift range, from “1”
to “5”, or “D” will be displayed in
the meter.
To return to normal “D” position
driving, the “+” paddle shift
switch must be held down for a
period of time.
When a shift range higher than
“5” is selected, the shift range
will return to the normal D posi-
tion.
■ Shift ranges and their functions
●You can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.
● A lower shift range will provide greater engine br aking force than
a higher shift range, and the engine speed will also increase.

164 2-1. Driving procedures
■S mode
●When the shift range is “4” or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets
the shift range to “6”.
● To prevent the engine from over-revving, upshifting may automatically
occur.
● To protect the automatic transmission, a function is adopted that auto-
matically shifts to the top range when the temperature is too hot.
■ AI-SHIFT
AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver perfor-
mance and driving conditions.
AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D position.
(Shifting the shift lever to the S position cancels the function.)
■ When driving with cruise control activated
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling
engine braking, engine braking will not activate while driving in D or S mode
and downshifting to 5 or 4 because cruise control will not be canceled. ( P.
199)
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 449
■ If the “S” indicator does not come on or the “D” indicator is displayed
even after shifting the shift lever to S
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
(In this situation, the transmission will operate in the same manner as when
the shift lever is in D.)
■ Downshift restriction warning buzzer
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 or paddle shift switches are operated. (A
buzzer will sound twice.)

165
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,
resulting in an accident.

166
2-1. Driving procedures
Tur n signal lever
■Turn signals can be operated when
Vehicles without a smart key system: The engine switch is in the “ON” posi-
tion.
Vehicles with a smart key system: The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in
IGNITION ON mode.
■ If the indicators flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.
The turn signal lever can be used to show the following intentions
of the driver:
Right turn
Left turn
Lane change to the right
(push and hold the lever
partway)
The right hand signals will
flash until you release the
lever.
Lane change to the left
(push and hold the lever
partway)
The left hand signals will flash
until you release the lever.

167
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Parking brake
■Usage in winter time
See “Winter driving tips” for parking brake usage in winter time. (P. 218)
NOTICE
■Before driving
Fully release the parking brake.
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake
wear.
To set the parking brake, fully
depress the parking brake
pedal with your left foot while
depressing the brake pedal
with your right foot.
(Depressing the pedal again
releases the parking brake.)
U.S.A. Canada

168
2-1. Driving procedures
Hor n
■After adjusting the steering wheel
Make sure that the steering wheel is securely locked.
The horn may not sound if the steering wheel is not securely locked.
(P. 76)
To sound the horn, press on or
close to the mark.