2013 TOYOTA VERSO Owners Manual

209 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
VERSO_WE_OM64550E_EURO5
Driving in the “M” position
By shifting the shift lever into the “M” position, 7 stages of gear step
can be switched between.
Upshifting
Downshifting
Unless the shift lever or paddle
shift switches are operated, the
gear step displayed on the meter
cluster is fixed.
However, even when in the “M” position, the gear steps will be
automatically changed if the engine speed is too high, or too low.

210 2-1. Driving procedures
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Paddle shift switch
When the paddle shift switch is operated in the “D” position, a gear step
will be automatically selected according to the vehicle speed and driving
conditions.
Automatic deactivation of gear step selection in the “D” position.
Gear step selection in the “D” position will be deactivated in the following
situations:
• The “+” paddle shift switch is held down for a period of time
• When the vehicle comes to a stop
• If the accelerator pedal is depressed for longer than a certain period of
time in one gear step
Downshifting restrictions 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.
(The warning buzzer will sound twice.)
When driving with cruise control activated (if equipped)
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling
engine braking, engine braking will not activate because cruise control will
not be canceled.
• While driving in “D” or 7-speed sport sequential shiftmatic mode, down-
shifting to “6”, “5” or “4”. (P. 208, 209)
• When switching the driving mode to “SPORT” mode while driving in “D”
position. (P. 207)

211 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
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Automatic deactivation of “SPORT” mode
Vehicles without smart entry & start system
If the engine switch is turned to the “LOCK” position after driving in
“SPORT” mode, the mode is automatically deactivated.
Vehicles with smart entry & start system
If the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned OFF after driving in
“SPORT” mode, the mode is automatically deactivated.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from “P”
P. 547
If the “M” indicator is not displayed after shifting the shift lever to the
“M” position
If the display does not change to “M” on an occasion other than that
described above, it may indicate a malfunction in the transmission system.
Have your vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional immediately.
Automatic gear step selection
When the vehicle comes to a stop, the transmission will automatically down-
shift to allow you to start off in 1st step.

212
2-1. Driving procedures
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Automatic transmission
: If equipped
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
Shifting the shift lever
Vehicles without smart entry & start system
While the engine switch is in the “ON” position, move the
shift lever with the brake pedal depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between “P” and “D”, make sure that
the vehicle is completely stopped.
Vehicles with smart entry & start system
While the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION
ON mode, move the shift lever with the brake pedal
depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between “P” and “D”, make sure that
the vehicle is completely stopped.

213 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
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Selecting a shift position
*1: Shifting to the “D” position allows the system to select a gear suitable
for the driving conditions.
Setting the shift lever to the “D” position is recommended for normal
driving.
*2: If equipped, by selecting shift ranges using paddle shift switches, you
can control engine braking forces.
Selecting a driving mode
Press the switch.
For powerful acceleration and
driving in mountainous
regions.
Press the switch once more to
return the normal mode.
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle or starting the engine
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1 or temporary shift range selection
driving
*2
M“M” mode driving (P. 215)

214 2-1. Driving procedures
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Driving in the “D” position
Shift lever
If the shift lever is shifted into the “D” position, the appropriate gear
is automatically selected, as determined by the driving conditions.
Paddle shift switches
While the shift lever is in the “D” position, engine braking force can
be temporarily switched to.
By firstly operating the “-” paddle shift switch, the “-” and “+”
switches can be used to freely switch the shift range.
Changing the shift range allows restriction of the highest gear, pre-
venting unnecessary upshifting and enabling the level of engine
braking force to be selected.
Upshifting
Downshifting
DisplayRange

215 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
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Driving in the “M” position
By shifting the shift lever into the “M” position, 6 stages of gear can be
switched between.
Upshifting
Downshifting
However, even when in the “M” position, the gear will be automati-
cally changed in the following situations:
When the vehicle speed drops (downshift only)
When the automatic transmission fluid temperature is extremely
high (upshift only)

216 2-1. Driving procedures
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Paddle shift switch
When the “-” paddle shift switch is operated in the “D” position, a shift
range will be automatically selected. The highest gear of the first shift
range will be one gear lower than the gear in use during normal “D” posi-
tion driving.
Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the “D” position.
Shift range selection in the “D” position will be deactivated in the follow-
ing situations:
• The “+” paddle shift switch is held down for a period of time
• When the vehicle comes to a stop
• If the accelerator pedal is depressed for longer than a certain period of
time in one shift range
Downshifting restrictions 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.
(The warning buzzer will sound twice.)
When driving with cruise control activated (if equipped)
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling
engine braking, engine braking will not activate because cruise control will
not be canceled.
• While driving in “D” or “M” mode, downshifting to “5” or “4”.
(P. 214215)
• When switching the driving mode to “SPORT” mode while driving in “D”
position. (P. 213)
Automatic deactivation of “SPORT” mode
Vehicles without smart entry & start system
If the engine switch is turned to the “LOCK” position after driving in
“SPORT” mode, the mode is automatically deactivated.
Vehicles with smart entry & start system
If the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned OFF after driving in
“SPORT” mode, the mode is automatically deactivated.