Toyota Camry (2024 year). Manual in english

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4-1. Before driving



P. 209, 211

With the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever to D.
(



P. 217)

Release the parking brake. (



P. 224, 225)

Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelera-
tor pedal to accelerate the vehicle.

With the shift lever in D, depress the brake pedal.

If necessary, set the parking brake.

If the vehicle is to be stopped for an extended period of time, shift the shift
lever to P or N. (



P. 217)

With the shift lever in D, depress the brake pedal.

Set the parking brake (



P. 224, 225), and shift the shift lever to P

(



P. 217).

Vehicles without a smart key system:
Turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position to stop the engine.

Vehicles with a smart key system:
Press the engine switch to stop the engine.

Lock the door, making sure that you have the key on your person.

If parking on a hill, block the wheels as needed.

Make sure that the parking brake is set and shift the shift lever to D.

Gently depress the accelerator pedal.

Release the parking brake.

Driving the vehicle

The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe
driving:

Starting the engine

Driving

Stopping

Parking the vehicle

Starting off on a steep uphill

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When the following unusual operation is performed with the accelera-
tor pedal depressed, the engine output may be restrained.

• When the shift lever is shifted to R

• When the shift lever is shifted from P or R to forward drive shift

position such as D

When the system operates, a message appears on the multi-informa-
tion display. Read the message and follow the instruction.

: Depending on the situation, the shift position may not be changed.

■

When starting off on a uphill

The hill-start assist control will activate. (



P. 323)

■

Driving in the rain

●

Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the win-
dows may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.

●

Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be espe-
cially slippery.

●

Refrain from high speeds when driving on an expressway in the rain,
because there may be a layer of water between the tires and the road sur-
face, preventing the steering and brakes from operating properly.

■

Engine speed while driving

In the following conditions, the engine speed may become high while driving.
This is due to automatic up-shifting control or down-shifting implementation to
meet driving conditions. It does not indicate sudden acceleration.

●

The vehicle is judged to be driving uphill or downhill

●

When the accelerator pedal is released

■

Restraining the engine output (Brake Override System)

●

When the accelerator and brake pedals are depressed at the same time, the
engine output may be restrained.

●

A warning message is displayed on the multi-information display while the
system is operating.

■

Drive-Start Control (DSC)

When the TRAC is turned off (



P. 325), sudden start restraint control also

does not operate. If your vehicle have trouble escaping from the mud or fresh
snow due to sudden start restraint control operation, deactivate TRAC (



325) so that the vehicle may become able to escape from the mud or fresh
snow.

Sudden start restraint control (Drive-Start Control [DSC])

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■

Breaking in your new Toyota

To extend the life of the vehicle, observing the following precautions is recom-
mended:

●

For the first 186 miles (300 km):
Avoid sudden stops.

●

For the first 621 miles (1000 km):

• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in low gears.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.

■

Drum-in-disc type parking brake system

Your vehicle has a drum-in-disc type parking brake system. This type of brake
system needs bedding-down of the brake shoes periodically or whenever the
parking brake shoes and/or drum are replaced. Have your Toyota dealer per-
form the bedding down operation.

■

Operating your vehicle in a foreign country

Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability
of the correct fuel. (



P. 590)

■

Eco-friendly driving



P. 109, 126, 131

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WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

When starting the vehicle

Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the engine

running. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accel-

erator pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake

pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident.

• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a diffi-

culty in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.

• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the

vehicle only slightly. This allows you to depress the brake and accelera-

tor pedals properly.

• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake

pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, result-

ing in an accident.

●

Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials.

The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. These hot

parts may cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.

●

During normal driving, do not turn off the engine. Turning the engine off

while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the

power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to

steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it

is safe to do so.

However, in the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible

to stop the vehicle in the normal way:



P. 517

●

Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving

down a steep hill.

Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose

effectiveness. (



P. 218)

●

Do not adjust the display, the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or

the inside or outside rear view mirrors while driving.

Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control.

●

Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body

are not outside the vehicle.

●

AWD models: Do not drive the vehicle off-road.

This is not an AWD vehicle designed for off-road driving. Proceed with all

due caution if it becomes unavoidable to drive off-road.

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WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-

mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-

speed capability tires. Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire

failure, loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer

to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high-speed capability

tires or not before driving at such speeds.

■

When driving on slippery road surfaces

●

Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and

reduce your ability to control the vehicle.

●

Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shifting, or changes in engine

speed could cause the vehicle to skid.

●

After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make

sure that the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent

the brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet

and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected.

■

When shifting the shift lever

●

Do not let the vehicle roll backward while the shift lever is in a driving posi-

tion, or roll forward while the shift lever is in R.

Doing so may cause the engine to stall or lead to poor brake and steering

performance, resulting in an accident or damage to the vehicle.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to P while the vehicle is moving.

Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle

control.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to R while the vehicle is moving forward.

Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle

control.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to a driving position while the vehicle is moving

backward.

Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle

control.

●

Shifting the shift lever to N while the vehicle is moving will disengage the

engine from the transmission. Engine braking is not available when N is

selected.

●

Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.

Shifting the shift lever to a gear other than P or N may lead to unexpected

rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an accident and result in

death or serious injury.

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WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indica-

tors)

Have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Toyota dealer as soon

as possible.

Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads

and/or those of the brake discs are exceeded.

■

When the vehicle is stopped

●

Do not race the engine.

If the shift lever is any position other than P or N, the vehicle may acceler-

ate suddenly and unexpectedly, causing an accident.

●

In order to prevent accidents due to the vehicle rolling away, always keep

depressing the brake pedal while the engine is running, and apply the

parking brake as necessary.

●

If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, in order to prevent accidents caused

by the vehicle rolling forward or backward, always depress the brake pedal

and securely apply the parking brake as needed.

●

Avoid revving or racing the engine.

Running the engine at high speed while the vehicle is stopped may cause

the exhaust system to overheat, which could result in a fire if combustible

material is nearby.

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WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

When the vehicle is parked

●

Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters, spray cans, or soft drink cans in

the vehicle when it is in the sun.

Doing so may result in the following:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may lead to a

fire.

• The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic lenses and

plastic material of glasses to deform or crack.

• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray over the

interior of the vehicle, and may also cause a short circuit in the vehicle’s

electrical components.

●

Do not leave cigarette lighters in the vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a

place such as the glove box or on the floor, it may be lit accidentally when

luggage is loaded or the seat is adjusted, causing a fire.

●

Do not attach adhesive discs to the windshield or windows. Do not place

containers such as air fresheners on the instrument panel or dashboard.

Adhesive discs or containers may act as lenses, causing a fire in the vehi-

cle.

●

Do not leave a door or window open if the curved glass is coated with a

metallized film such as a silver-colored one. Reflected sunlight may cause

the glass to act as a lens, causing a fire.

●

Always apply the parking brake, shift the shift lever to P, stop the engine

and lock the vehicle.

Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running.

If the vehicle is parked with the shift lever in P but the parking brake is not

set, the vehicle may start to move, possibly leading to an accident.

●

Do not touch the exhaust pipes while the engine is running or immediately

after turning the engine off.

Doing so may cause burns.

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WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

When taking a nap in the vehicle

Always turn the engine off. Otherwise, if you accidentally move the shift

lever or depress the accelerator pedal, this could cause an accident or fire

due to engine overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly

ventilated area, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle, leading to

death or a serious health hazard.

■

When braking

●

When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously.

Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and this may cause

one side of the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also, the

parking brake may not securely hold the vehicle.

●

If the brake booster device does not operate, do not follow other vehicles

closely and avoid hills or sharp turns that require braking.

In this case, braking is still possible, but the brake pedal should be

depressed more firmly than usual. Also, the braking distance will increase.

Have your brakes fixed immediately.

●

Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.

Each push on the brake pedal uses up the reserve for the power-assisted

brakes.

●

The brake system consists of 2 individual hydraulic systems; if one of the

systems fails, the other will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal

should be depressed more firmly than usual and the braking distance will

increase.

Have your brakes fixed immediately.

■

If the vehicle becomes stuck (AWD models)

Do not spin the wheels excessively when any of the tires is up in the air, or

the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, etc. This may damage the driveline com-

ponents or propel the vehicle forward or backward, causing an accident.

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NOTICE

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during

driving, as this may restrain the engine output.

●

Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake

pedals at the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.

■

When parking the vehicle

Always set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P. Failure to do so

may cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if

the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed.

■

Avoiding damage to vehicle parts

●

Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for

an extended period of time.

Doing so may damage the power steering.

●

When driving over bumps on the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid

damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.

■

If you get a flat tire while driving

A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering

wheel firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehi-

cle.

●

It may be difficult to control your vehicle.

●

The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.

●

The vehicle will lean abnormally.

Information on what to do in case of a flat tire (



P. 543)

■

When encountering flooded roads

Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may

cause the following serious damage to the vehicle:

●

Engine stalling

●

Short in electrical components

●

Engine damage caused by water immersion

In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be

sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following:

●

Brake function

●

Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, tran-

saxle, transfer (AWD models), rear differential (AWD models), etc.

●

Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-

ble), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

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Cargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.

(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) — (Total weight of occupants)

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit —

(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and

cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s
placard.

(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that

will be riding in your vehicle.

(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from

XXX kg or XXX lbs.

(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and lug-

gage load capacity.

For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400



750 (5



150) =

650 lbs.)

(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded

on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.

(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be

transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.

(



P. 206)

Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your
vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.

Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load:

Capacity and distribution

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Cargo capacity

Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight) (



P. 574)

When 2 people with the combined weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in
your vehicle, which has a total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight)
of B lb. (kg), the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity
will be C lb. (kg) as follows:

lb. (kg) - A

lb. (kg) = C

lb. (kg)

: A =Weight of people

: B =Total load capacity

: C =Available cargo and luggage load

In this condition, if 3 more passengers with the combined weight of D
lb. (kg) get on, the available cargo and luggage load will be reduced E
lb. (kg) as follows:

C lb. (kg) - D

lb. (kg) = E

lb. (kg)

: D =Additional weight of people

: E =Available cargo and luggage load

As shown in the example above, if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and luggage load will be reduced by an amount
that equals the increased weight due to the additional occupants. In
other words, if an increase in the number of occupants causes an
excess of the total load capacity (combined weight of occupants plus
cargo and luggage load), you must reduce the cargo and luggage on
your vehicle.

Calculation formula for your vehicle

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WARNING

■

Things that must not be carried in the trunk

The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk:

●

Receptacles containing gasoline

●

Aerosol cans

■

Storage precautions

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly,

may block the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or

passengers, possibly causing an accident.

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible.

●

To prevent cargo and luggage from sliding forward during braking, do

not stack anything in the enlarged trunk. Keep cargo and luggage low,

as close to the floor as possible.

●

Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver

• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)

• On the package tray

• On the instrument panel

• On the dashboard

• Tray that has no lid

●

Secure all items in the occupant compartment.

●

Fold-down type rear seat: When you fold down the rear seats, long

items should not be placed directly behind the front seats.

●

Fold-down type rear seat: Never allow anyone to ride in the enlarged

trunk. It is not designed for passengers. They should ride in their seats

with their seat belts properly fastened.

■

Capacity and distribution

●

Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle

weight rating.

●

Even if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less

than the total load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper

loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which

may cause death or serious injury.

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◆

Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight):



P. 574

Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo

and luggage.

◆

Seating capacity:



P. 575

Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose

estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.

◆

Towing capacity

Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.

◆

Cargo capacity

Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight

and the number of occupants.

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity

These details are also described on the tire and loading information label.

(



P. 487)

Vehicle load limits

Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,

towing capacity and cargo capacity.

WARNING

■

Overloading the vehicle

Do not overload the vehicle.

It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering

and braking ability, resulting in an accident.

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Dinghy towing

Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels

on the ground) behind a motor home.

NOTICE

■

To avoid serious damage to your vehicle

Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.

■

To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission (2WD models)

■

To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission and AWD sys-

tem (AWD models)

Never tow this vehicle from the rear with

the front wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the

transmission.

Never tow this vehicle with any of the

wheels on the ground.

This may cause serious damage to the

transmission and AWD system.

209

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4-2. Driving procedures

Check that the parking brake is set.

Check that the shift lever is in P.

Firmly depress the brake pedal.

Turn the engine switch to the “START” position and start the
engine.

“LOCK”

The steering wheel is locked and
the key can be removed. (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.

■

Turning the key from “ACC” to “LOCK”

Shift the shift lever to P. (



P. 217)

■

If “Not Ready to Drive” is displayed on the multi-information display

Depress the brake pedal and then turn the engine switch to the “START”
position to start the engine.

Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without a

smart key system)

Starting the engine

Changing the engine switch positions

Push in the key and turn it to the
“LOCK” position.

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■

When “Check Fuel Cap” is displayed on the multi-information display



P. 247

■

If the engine does not start

The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (



P. 80)

Contact your Toyota dealer.

■

When the steering lock cannot be released

■

Key reminder function

A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened while the engine switch is in

the “LOCK” or “ACC” position to remind you to remove the key.

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 left and

right.

WARNING

■

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.

■

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 to stop the engine. An accident

may result if the engine is stopped while driving. (



P. 517)

NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

Do not leave the engine switch in the “ACC” or “ON” position for long peri-

ods of time without the engine running.

■

When starting the engine

●

Do not crank the engine for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may

overheat the starter and wiring system.

●

Do not race a cold engine.

●

If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehi-

cle checked by your Toyota dealer immediately.

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Check that the parking brake is set.

Check that the shift lever is in P.

Firmly depress the brake pedal.

and a message will be displayed on the multi-information display.

If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be started.

Press the engine switch shortly
and firmly.

When operating the engine switch,
one short, firm press is enough. It
is not necessary to press and hold
the switch.

The engine will crank until it starts
or for up to 30 seconds, whichever
is less.

Continue depressing the brake
pedal until the engine is completely
started.

The engine can be started from
any engine switch mode.

Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles with a

smart key system)

Performing the following operations when carrying the elec-
tronic key on your person starts the engine or changes engine
switch modes.

Starting the engine

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Stop the vehicle.

Set the parking brake (



P. 224, 225), and shift the shift lever to P.

Press the engine switch.

Driving-related data will be displayed on the multi-information display.

■

Automatic engine shut off feature

●

The vehicle is equipped with a feature that automatically shuts off the
engine when the shift lever is in P with the engine running for an extended
period.

●

The engine will automatically shut off after approximately 1 hour if it has
been left running while the shift lever is in P.

●

The timer for the automatic engine shut off feature will reset if the brake
pedal is depressed or if the shift lever is in a position other than P.

●

After the vehicle is parked, if the door is locked with the door lock switch
(



P. 151) from the inside or the mechanical key (



P. 559) from the outside,

the automatic engine shut off feature will be disabled. The timer for the auto-
matic engine shut off feature will be re-enabled if the driver’s door is
opened.

Stopping the engine

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Modes can be changed by pressing the engine switch with the brake
pedal released. (The mode changes each time the switch is pressed.)

Off

The emergency flashers can be
used.

The multi-information display will
not be displayed.

ACCESSORY mode

Some electrical components such
as the audio system can be used.

A message indicating how to start
the engine will be displayed on the
multi-information display.

IGNITION ON mode

All electrical components can be used.

: If the shift lever is in a position other than P when turning off the engine,

the engine switch will be turned to ACCESSORY mode, not to off.

If the engine is stopped with the shift lever in a position other than P,
the engine switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to
ACCESSORY mode. Perform the following procedure to turn the
switch off:

Check that the parking brake is set.

Shift the shift lever to P.

Check that “Turn Power Off” is displayed on the multi-information
display and then press the engine switch once.

Check that “Turn Power Off” on the multi-information display is
turned off.

Changing engine switch modes

When stopping the engine with the shift lever in a position other
than P

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■

Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or IGNI-
TION ON mode (with the engine is not running) for more than an hour with
the shift lever in P, the engine switch will automatically turn off. However, this
function cannot entirely prevent battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle
with the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode for long peri-
ods of time when the engine is not running.

■

Electronic key battery depletion



P. 145

■

Conditions affecting operation



P. 163

■

Notes for the entry function



P. 164

■

If the engine does not start

●

The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (



P. 80)

Contact your Toyota dealer.

●

Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The engine may not start if the
shift lever is displaced out of P.

■

When “Check Fuel Cap” is displayed on the multi-information display



P. 247

■

When a message requesting the smart key system be inspected is dis-
played on the multi-information display

The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately.

■

If the electronic key battery is depleted



P. 494

■

Operation of the engine switch

●

If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the engine switch mode may
not change or the engine may not start.

●

If attempting to restart the engine immediately after turning the engine
switch off, the engine may not start in some cases. After turning the engine
switch off, wait a few seconds before restarting the engine.

■

If the smart key system has been deactivated in a customized setting



P. 559

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WARNING

■

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.

■

Stopping the engine in an emergency

●

If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle,

press and hold the engine switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it

briefly 3 times or more in succession. (



P. 517)

However, do not touch the engine switch while driving except in an emer-

gency. Turning the engine off while driving will not cause loss of steering

or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost. This

will make it more difficult to steer and brake, so you should pull over and

stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

●

If the engine switch is operated while the vehicle is running, a warning

message will be shown on the multi-information display and a buzzer

sounds.

●

When restarting the engine after it was turned off while driving, shift the

shift lever to N and press the engine switch.

■

When parking

Exhaust gases include harmful carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless

and odorless. Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may cause exhaust gases to enter the vehicle and may

lead to an accident caused by light-headedness, or may lead to death or a

serious health hazard.

●

If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area or a closed area, such as a

garage, stop the engine.

●

Do not leave the vehicle with the engine running for a long time. If such a

situation cannot be avoided, park the vehicle in an open space and ensure

that exhaust fumes do not enter the vehicle interior.

●

Do not leave the engine running in an area with snow build-up, or where it

is snowing. If snowbanks build up around the vehicle while the engine is

running, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle.

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4-2. Driving procedures

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NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

●

Do not leave the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode

for long periods of time without the engine running.

●

Do not stop the engine when the shift lever is in a position other than P. If

the engine is stopped in another shift lever position, the engine switch will

not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If the vehi-

cle is left in ACCESSORY mode, battery discharge may occur.

■

When starting the engine

●

Do not race a cold engine.

●

If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehi-

cle checked by your Toyota dealer immediately.

■

Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the engine switch

If the engine switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual,

such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact

your Toyota dealer immediately.

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Vehicles without a smart key system:

While the engine switch is in the “ON” position and the brake
pedal depressed

, shift the shift lever while pushing the shift

release button on the shift knob.

Vehicles with a smart key system:

While the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode and the
brake pedal depressed

, shift the shift lever while pushing the

shift release button on the shift knob.

Shift the shift lever while pushing the shift release button on
the shift knob.

Shift the shift lever normally.

When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the
vehicle is completely stopped and the brake pedal is depressed.

: For the vehicle be able to be shifted from P, the brake pedal must be

depressed before the shift release button is pushed. If the shift
release button is pushed first, the shift lock will not be released.

Automatic transmission

Shifting the shift lever

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4-2. Driving procedures

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: 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.

: Selecting shift ranges using S mode restricts the upper limit of the possible

gear ranges, controls engine braking force, and prevents unnecessary
upshifting.

When the shift lever is in the S position, the shift lever or paddle shift
switches (if equipped) can be operated as follows:

Upshifting

Downshifting

The initial shift range in S mode is set automatically to 4, 5 or 6
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 posi-
tion. (



P. 221)

: Vehicles with 4.2-inch display

: Vehicles with 7-inch display

Shift position purpose

Shift position

Objective or function

Parking the vehicle/starting the engine

Reversing

Neutral

Normal driving

S mode driving

(



P. 218)

Changing shift ranges in S mode



Shift lever



Paddle shift switches (if
equipped)

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■

Shift ranges and their functions

A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking forces than a higher
shift range.

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 upshifting and enabling the level of
engine braking force to be selected.

Upshifting

Downshifting

The selected shift range, from 1 to
8, or D will be displayed on the
multi-information display.

: Vehicles with 4.2-inch display

: Vehicles with 7-inch display

Meter display

Function

S2 - S8

A gear in the range between 1 and the selected
gear is automatically chosen depending on vehicle
speed and driving conditions

Setting the gear at 1

Selecting shift ranges in the D position (vehicles with paddle
shift switches)

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4-2. Driving procedures

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■

Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D position (vehi-
cles with paddle shift switches)

Shift range selection in the D position will be deactivated in the following situ-
ations:

●

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 more than a certain period of time

●

When the shift lever is shifted to a position other than D

■

S mode

●

When the shift range is 7 or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the
shift range to 8.

●

To prevent the engine from over-revving, upshifting may automatically
occur.

●

To protect the automatic transmission, a function is adopted that automati-
cally selects a higher shift range when the fluid temperature is high.

■

Downshift restriction warning buzzer (S mode or paddle shifting)

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.)

■

When driving with dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range or
dynamic radar cruise control activated

Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine
braking, engine braking will not occur because dynamic radar cruise control
with full speed range or dynamic radar cruise control will not be canceled.

●

While driving in D or S mode, downshifting to 7, 6, 5 or 4. (



P. 290, 306)

●

When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in the D posi-
tion. (



P. 375)

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-start Control)



P. 195

■

Shift lock system

The shift lock system is a system to prevent accidental operation of the shift
lever in starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only when the engine switch is in the
“ON” position (vehicles without a smart key system) or IGNITION ON mode
(vehicles with a smart key system), the brake pedal is depressed and the shift
release button is pushed.

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■

If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P

First, check whether the brake pedal is being depressed.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted even though the brake pedal is depressed
and the shift release button is pushed, there may be a problem with the shift
lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
The following steps may be used as an emergency measure to ensure that
the shift lever can be shifted.

Releasing the shift lock:

Set the parking brake.

Vehicles without a smart key system: Turn the engine switch to the “LOCK”
position.
Vehicles with a smart key system: Turn the engine switch off.

Depress the brake pedal.

■

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.)

■

AI-SHIFT

The AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver per-
formance and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in D. (Shifting the
shift lever to the S position or paddle shifting cancels the function.)

Pry the cover up with a flathead screw-
driver or equivalent tool.

To prevent damage to the cover, cover
the tip of the screwdriver with a rag.

Press and hold the shift lock override
button and then push the button on the
shift knob.

The shift lever can be shifted while both
buttons are pressed.

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4-2. Driving procedures

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WARNING

■

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.

■

To prevent an accident when releasing the shift lock

Before pressing the shift lock override button, make sure to set the parking

brake and depress the brake pedal.
If the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed instead of the brake pedal

when the shift lock override button is pressed and the shift lever is shifted

out of P, the vehicle may suddenly start, possibly leading to an accident

resulting in death or serious injury.

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Right turn

Lane change to the right (move
the lever partway and release
it)

The right hand signals will flash 3
times.

Lane change to the left (move
the lever partway and release
it)

The left hand signals will flash 3
times.

Left turn

■

Turn signals can be operated when

Vehicles without a smart key system:

The engine switch is in the “ON” position.

Vehicles with a smart key system:

The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.

■

If the indicator flashes faster than usual

Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.

■

If the turn signals stop flashing before a lane change has been per-
formed

Operate the lever again.

■

To discontinue flashing of the turn signals during a lane change

Operate the lever in the opposite direction.

Turn signal lever

Operating instructions

Toyota Camry (2024 year). Manual in english - page 7