Page 179 of 688
1792-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) CAUTION■ When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the
accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ While driving
Do not turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position.
If in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the key only to the “ACC” position.
NOTICE■ To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the key in the “ACC” or “ON” position for long periods without
the engine running.
■ When starting the engine
● Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may overheat the
starter and wiring systems.
● Do not race the cold engine.
● If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine
checked immediately.
Page 180 of 688
1802-1. Driving procedures
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U)Automatic transmission Select a shift positi on appropriate for the driving conditions.
■ Shifting the shift lever
Vehicles with smart key system:
While the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION
ON mode, depress the brake pedal and move the shift
lever.
Vehicles without smart key system:
While the engine switch is in the “ON” position, depress the
brake pedal and move the shift lever.
Page 181 of 688
1812-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) ■ Shift position uses
* 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
: Selecting shift ranges using S mode restricts the upper limit of the pos-
sible gear ranges, controls engine braking forces, and prevents unnec-
essary upshifting.Shift position Function
P Parking the vehicle or starting the engine
R Reversing
N Neutral
D Normal driving
* 1
S S mode driving
* 2
( P. 182)
Page 183 of 688
1832-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) ■ Shift ranges and their functions
● Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 6 according to
vehicle speed and driving conditio n. (However the gear is limited
according to selected shift range.)
● 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.■ S mode
● When the shift range is 5 or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets
the shift range to 6.
● To prevent excessive engine speed, a function was adopted that auto-
matically selects a higher shift range before engine speed becomes too
high.
● To protect the automatic transmission, a function is adopted that auto-
matically selects a higher shift range when the fluid temperature is high.
Page 184 of 688

1842-1. Driving procedures
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) ■ Downshifting restrictions wa rning buzzer (in the S mode)
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 cruise control system
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling
engine braking, engine braking will not activate while driving in S mode and
downshifting to 5 or 4 because cruise control will not be canceled. ( P. 231)
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 593
■ If the S indicator does not come on even after shifting the shift lever to
S mode driving position
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.)
■ 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 mode driving position cancels the function.)
Page 185 of 688
1852-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) Tur n signal lever
■ Turn signals can be operated when
Vehicles with smart key system
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
Vehicles without smart key system
The engine switch is in the “ON” position.
■ If the indicators flash faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out. Right turn
Left turn
Move and hold the lever
partway to signal a lane
change. The right hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.
Move and hold the lever
partway to signal a lane
change. The left hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.
Page 188 of 688
188
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) 2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters
Vehicles with smart key system
The following gauges, meters a nd display illuminate when the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
Vehicles without smart key system
The following gauges, meters and displays illuminate when the
engine switch is in the “ON” position.
Tachometer Displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute.
Speedometer Displays the vehicle speed.
Fuel gauge Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.
Engine coolant temperature gauge Displays the engine coolant temperature.
Page 190 of 688
1902-2. Instrument cluster
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) NOTICE■ To prevent damage to the engine and its components
● Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which
indicates the maximum engine speed.
● The engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is
in the red zone (“H”). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
place, and check the engine after it has cooled completely. ( P. 603)