Toyota Corolla (2020 year). Owner's manual - part 10

150

4-2. Driving procedures



Continuously variable trans-
mission

1

Stop the vehicle completely.

2

Set the parking brake 
(P.163, 164), and shift the 
shift lever to P.

Check the parking brake indicator 

is illuminated.

3

Press the engine switch.

The engine will stop, and the meter 

display will be extinguished.

4

Release the brake pedal and 
check that “ACCESSORY” or 
“IGNITION ON” is not shown 
on the multi-information dis-
play.



Manual transmission

1

Stop the vehicle completely.

2

Set the parking brake. 
(P.163, 164)

Check the parking brake indicator 

is illuminated.

3

Shift the shift lever to N. 
(P.160)

4

Press the engine switch.

The engine will stop, and the meter 

display will be extinguished.

5

Release the brake pedal and 
check that “ACCESSORY” or 
“IGNITION ON” is not shown 
on the multi-information dis-
play.

WARNING

■

Caution while driving

If engine failure occurs while the 

vehicle is moving, do not lock or 

open the doors until the vehicle 

reaches a safe and complete 

stop. Activation of the steering 

lock in this circumstance may lead 

to an accident, resulting in death 

or serious injury.

NOTICE

■

When starting the engine

●

Do not race a cold engine.

●

If the engine becomes difficult to 

start or stalls frequently, have 

your vehicle checked by your 

Toyota dealer immediately.

■

Symptoms indicating a mal-

function 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.

Stopping the engine

WARNING

■

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.472)

However, do not touch the 

engine switch while driving 

except in an emergency. Turn-

ing 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 diffi-

cult to steer and brake, so you 

should pull over and stop the 

vehicle as soon as it is safe to 

do so.

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4-2. Driving procedures

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Modes can be changed by 
pressing the engine switch with 
brake pedal (continuously vari-
able transmission) or clutch 
pedal (manual transmission) 
released. (The mode changes 
each time the switch is 
pressed.)

1

OFF

*

The emergency flashers can be 
used.

2

ACC

Some electrical components such 
as the audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed 
on the multi-information display.

3

ON

All electrical components can be 
used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on 
the multi-information display.

*

: Vehicles with a continuously vari-

able transmission: If the shift 
lever is in a position other than P 
when turning off the engine, the 
engine switch will be turned to 
ACC, not to off.

■

Auto power off function

Continuously variable transmission: 

If the vehicle is left in ACC for more 

than 20 minutes or ON (the engine 

is not running) for more than an 

WARNING

●

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.

●

Vehicles with a continuously 

variable transmission: To restart 

the engine after performing an 

emergency shutdown, shift the 

shift lever to N and then press 

the engine switch.

●

Vehicles with a manual trans-

mission: To restart the engine 

after performing an emergency 

shutdown, depress the clutch 

pedal and then press the engine 

switch.

Changing engine switch 
modes

152

4-2. Driving procedures

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 ACC or ON for long 

periods of time when the engine is 

not running.
Manual transmission: If the vehicle 

is left in ACC for more than 20 min-

utes or ON (the engine is not run-

ning) for more than an hour, 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 ACC or ON for long 

periods of time when the engine is 

not running.

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 ACC. Perform the fol-
lowing procedure to turn the 
switch off:

1

Check that the parking brake 
is set.

2

Shift the shift lever to P.

3

Check that “ACCESSORY” is 
displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display and press the 
engine switch shortly and 
firmly.

4

Check that “ACCESSORY” 
or “IGNITION ON” on the 
multi-information display are 
off.

NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

●

Do not leave the engine switch 

in ACC or ON for long periods of 

time without the engine running.

●

If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION 

ON” is displayed on the 

multi-information display, the 

engine switch is not off. Exit the 

vehicle after turning the engine 

switch off.

When stopping the engine 
with the shift lever in a 
position other than P 
(vehicles with a continu-
ously variable transmis-
sion)

NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

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 ACC 

mode. If the vehicle is left in ACC, 

battery discharge may occur.

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4-2. Driving procedures

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*

: If equipped

*

: To improve fuel efficiency and 

reduce noise, shift the shift lever 
to D for normal driving.

■

When driving with the dynamic 

radar cruise control or dynamic 

radar cruise control with 

full-speed range activated

Even when switching the driving 

mode to sport mode with the intent 

of enabling engine braking, engine 

braking will not occur because 

dynamic radar cruise control or 

dynamic radar cruise control with 

full-speed range will not be can-

celed. (P.249)

■

Restraining sudden start 

(Drive-Start Control)

P.136

■

G AI-SHIFT

G AI-SHIFT automatically selects a 

suitable gear for sporty driving 

according to driver’s input and driv-

ing conditions. G AI-SHIFT operates 

automatically when the shift lever is 

in D and sport mode is selected for 

the driving mode. (Selecting normal 

mode or shifting the shift lever to the 

B position cancels this function.)

■

After recharging/reconnecting 

the battery

P.518

■

Continuously variable transmis-

sion fail-safe control

The system detects malfunctioning 

parts targeted (all of the solenoids 

that perform the shifting function) by 

the On-Board Diagnostics, and per-

forms fail-safe mechanisms, such 

as restricting the shifting function or 

transmission ratio control.

In this event, the malfunction indica-

tor lamp turns on.

Continuously variable 

transmission (vehi-

cles without paddle 

shift switches)

*

Select the shift position 
depending on your purpose 
and situation.

Shift position purpose 
and functions

Shift posi-

tion

Objective or function

P

Parking the vehi-

cle/starting the engine

R

Reversing

N

Neutral

(Condition in which the 

power is not transmit-

ted)

D

Normal driving

*

B

Applying moderate 

engine braking driving 

down hills

WARNING

■

When driving on slippery 

road surfaces

Do not accelerate or shift the shift 

gears suddenly. 

Sudden changes in engine brak-

ing may cause the vehicle to spin 

or skid, resulting in an accident.

154

4-2. Driving procedures

:While the engine switch is in 

ON 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.

■

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 

ON and the brake pedal is being 

depressed.

■

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 

with your foot on the brake pedal, 

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:

1

Set the parking brake.

2

Turn the engine switch off.

3

Depress the brake pedal.

4

Ply the cover up with a flathead 

screwdriver or equivalent tool.

To prevent damaging the cover, 

wrap the tip of the flathead 

screwdriver with a tape. 

5

Press and hold the shift lock 

override button and then push 

the shift release button on the 

shift knob.

The shift lever can be shifted while 

Shifting the shift lever

155

4-2. Driving procedures

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the button is pressed.

P.249

*

: If equipped

*

: To improve fuel efficiency and 

reduce noise, shift the shift lever 
to D for normal driving.

■

To protect the continuously 

variable transmission

If the continuously variable trans-

mission fluid temperature is high, 

“Transmission Oil Temp. High Stop 

in a Safe Place and See Owner’s 

Manual” will be displayed on the 

multi-information display and the 

vehicle will go into transmission pro-

tection mode automatically. Have 

WARNING

■

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 acci-

dentally 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, possi-

bly leading to an accident result-

ing in death or serious injury.

Selecting the driving 
mode

Continuously variable 

transmission (vehi-

cles with paddle shift 

switches)

*

Select the shift position 
depending on your purpose 
and situation.

Shift position purpose 
and functions

Shift posi-

tion

Objective or function

P

Parking the vehi-

cle/starting the engine

R

Reversing

N

Neutral

(Condition in which the 

power is not transmit-

ted)

D

Normal driving

*

M

10-speed sport sequen-

tial shiftmatic mode 

driving (P.158)

156

4-2. Driving procedures

the vehicle inspected by your Toyota 

dealer.

■

When driving with dynamic 

radar cruise control with 

full-speed range activated

Even when switching the driving 

mode to sport mode with the intent 

of enabling engine braking, engine 

braking will not occur because 

dynamic radar cruise control with 

full-speed range will not be can-

celed. (P.249)

■

Restraining sudden start 

(Drive-Start Control)

P.136

■

G AI-SHIFT

G AI-SHIFT automatically selects a 

suitable gear for sporty driving 

according to driver’s input and driv-

ing conditions. G AI-SHIFT operates 

automatically when the shift lever is 

in D and sport mode is selected for 

the driving mode. (Selecting normal 

mode or shifting the shift lever to the 

M position cancels this function.)

■

After recharging/reconnecting 

the battery

P.518

:While the engine switch is in 

ON 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.

WARNING

■

When driving on slippery 

road surfaces

Do not accelerate or shift the shift 

gears suddenly. 

Sudden changes in engine brak-

ing may cause the vehicle to spin 

or skid, resulting in an accident.

Shifting the shift lever

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4-2. Driving procedures

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■

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 

ON and the brake pedal is being 

depressed.

■

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 

with your foot on the brake pedal, 

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:

1

Set the parking brake.

2

Turn the engine switch off.

3

Depress the brake pedal.

4

Ply the cover up with a flathead 

screwdriver or equivalent tool.

To prevent damaging the cover, 

wrap the tip of the flathead 

screwdriver with a tape. 

5

Press and hold the shift lock 

override button and then push 

the shift release button on the 

shift knob.

The shift lever can be shifted while 

the button is pressed.

P.249

To drive using temporary shift 
range selection, operate the “-” 
or “+” paddle shift switch. 
When the “-” paddle shift switch 
is operated, the shift range 
switches to a range that enables 
engine braking force that is suit-
able to driving conditions. When 
the “+” paddle shift switch is 
operated, the shift range 
switches to a range that is one 

WARNING

■

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 acci-

dentally 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, possi-

bly leading to an accident result-

ing in death or serious injury.

Selecting the driving 
mode

Selecting shift ranges in 
the D position

158

4-2. Driving procedures

range higher than the current 
range. 
Changing the shift range allows 
restriction of the highest gear, 
preventing unnecessary upshift-
ing and enabling the level of 
engine braking force to be 
selected.

1

Upshifting

2

Downshifting

The selected shift range, from D1 to 
D10, will be displayed on the 
multi-information display.

■

Gear step functions

●

You can choose from 10 levels of 

engine braking force.

●

A lower gear step will provide 

greater engine braking force than 

a higher gear step, and the engine 

speed will also increase.

■

Deactivation of temporary 

10-speed Sport Sequential 

Shiftmatic mode

In the following situations, tempo-

rary 10-speed Sport Sequential 

Shiftmatic mode will be deactivated:

●

When the vehicle is stopped

●

If the accelerator pedal is 

depressed continuously for more 

than a certain amount of time 

while in one gear range

●

If the accelerator pedal is 

depressed abruptly and heavily

●

When the shift lever is shifted to a 

position other than D

●

When the “+” paddle shift switch is 

operated for a certain amount of 

time continuously

To enter 10-speed sport 
sequential shiftmatic mode, shift 
the shift lever to M position. 
Gear steps can then be selected 
by operating the shift lever or 
paddle shift switches, allowing 
you to drive in the gear step of 
your choosing.

1

Upshifting

2

Downshifting

The gear changes once every time 
the shift lever or paddle shift switch 
is operated.
The selected gear step, from M1 to 
M10, will be displayed on the 
multi-information display.

However, even when in the M 
position, the gear steps will be 
automatically changed if the 

Changing gears in the M 
position

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4-2. Driving procedures

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engine speed is too high, or too 
low.

■

Gear step functions

●

You can choose from 10 levels of 

engine braking force.

●

A lower gear step will provide 

greater engine braking force than 

a higher gear step, and the engine 

speed will also increase.

■

When the vehicle comes to a 

stop with the shift lever in the M 

position

●

The transmission will automati-

cally downshift to M1 once the 

vehicle is stopped.

●

After a stop, the vehicle will start 

off in M1.

●

When the vehicle is stopped, the 

transmission is set at M1.

■

Downshifting restriction warn-

ing buzzer

To help ensure safety and driving 

performance, downshifting opera-

tion may sometimes be restricted. In 

some circumstances, downshifting 

may not be possible even when the 

shift lever or paddle shift switch is 

operated. (A buzzer will sound 

twice.)

■

If the 10-speed sport sequential 

shiftmatic mode indicator does 

not come on even after shifting 

the shift lever to M

This may indicate a malfunction in 

the continuously variable transmis-

sion 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.)

■

Continuously variable transmis-

sion fail-safe control

The system detects malfunctioning 

parts targeted (all of the solenoids 

that perform the shifting function) by 

the On-Board Diagnostics, and per-

forms fail-safe mechanisms, such 

as restricting the shifting function or 

transmission ratio control.

In this event, the malfunction indica-

tor lamp turns on.

160

4-2. Driving procedures

*

: If equipped

■

Shifting the shift lever

1

Depress the clutch pedal 
firmly.

2

Shift the shift lever to the 
desired gear.

Make sure to only shift gears 

sequentially.

3

Gradually release the clutch 
pedal.

It is difficult to shift in R, shift the 
lever to N, release the clutch pedal 
momentarily, and then try again.

■

Shifting the shift lever to R

Shift the shift lever to R while lift-
ing up the ring section.

■

Maximum allowable speeds

Observe the following maximum 

allowable speeds in each gear when 

maximum acceleration is necessary.



1.8 L 4-cylinder (2ZR-FAE) engine



2.0 L 4-cylinder (M20A-FKS) 

engine

Manual transmission

*

Operating instructions

Shift posi-

tion

Maximum speed

mph (km/h)

1

30 (48)

2

57 (91)

3

83 (133)

Shift posi-

tion

Maximum speed

mph (km/h)

1

35 (56)

2

61 (98)

3

91 (146)

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4-2. Driving procedures

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The iMT optimally controls the 
engine speed to suit the driver’s 
operation of the clutch pedal 
and shift lever, helping the driver 
to shift gears more smoothly.
Additionally, when the clutch 
pedal is operated, the iMT helps 
reduce shift shock, allowing for 
lighter shift operations when 
driving on a winding road or 
incline.
Press the “iMT” switch.

The iMT indicator will illuminate in 
green.
Press the switch again to cancel 
iMT.

■

The iMT may not operate when

In the following situations, iMT may 

not operate. However, this does not 

indicate a malfunction.

●

The clutch pedal is not fully 

depressed

●

The clutch pedal is not fully 

released, such as if a foot is rest-
ing on the clutch pedal

*

●

Shift operation is performed after 

the vehicle has been coasting with 

the shift lever in N

NOTICE

■

To prevent damage to the 

vehicle

When shifting gears, observe the 

following precautions. Failure to 

do so may cause damage to the 

engine, manual transmission, 

and/or clutch.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to R 

without depressing the clutch 

pedal.

●

Do not lift up the ring section 

except when shifting the lever to 

R.

●

Shift the shift lever to R only 

when the vehicle is stationary.

●

Do not rest your hand on or hold 

the shift lever any time other 

than when shifting.

●

In order to not cause the engine 

to overrev, make sure to only 

shift gears sequentially.

●

Do not release the clutch pedal 

suddenly.

iMT (Intelligent Manual 
Transmission) (if 
equipped)

162

4-2. Driving procedures

●

The shift lever is not operated for 

a long time after the clutch pedal 

is depressed

*

: After the shift lever is moved, 

unless your foot is completely 
removed from the clutch pedal, 
the iMT may not operate and the 
engine speed may not be con-
trolled optimally for the next gear 
change.
To enable the iMT, release the 
clutch pedal completely and then 
depress it again before operating 
the shift lever.

■

If the iMT indicator illuminates 

in amber

The iMT may be temporarily 

unavailable or malfunctioning. Have 

the vehicle inspected at your Toyota 

dealer. 

1

Right turn

2

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

The right hand signals will flash 3 
times.

3

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

The left hand signals will flash 3 
times.

4

Left turn

■

Turn signals can be operated 

when

The engine switch is in ON.

■

If the indicator flashes faster 

than usual

Check that a light bulb in the front or 

rear turn signal lights has not 

WARNING

■

Limitations of the iMT

iMT is not a system that prevents 

shift lever operation error or 

engine overrevving.

Depending on the situation, iMT 

may not operate normally and the 

shift position may not be changed 

smoothly. Overly relying on iMT 

may cause an unexpected acci-

dent.

Turn signal lever

Operating instructions

163

4-2. Driving procedures

4

Dr

iv

ing

burned out.

*

: If equipped

U.S.A.
Canada

1

To set the parking brake, fully 
pull the parking brake lever 
while depressing the brake 
pedal.

2

To release the parking brake, 
slightly raise the lever and 
lower it completely while 
pressing the button.

■

Parking the vehicle

P.134

■

Parking brake engaged warning 

buzzer

If the vehicle is driven at a speed of 

approximately 3 mph (5 km/h) or 

more with the parking brake 

engaged, a buzzer will sound.
“Release Parking Brake” will be dis-

played on the multi-information dis-

play.

Parking brake

*

Operating instructions

164

4-2. Driving procedures

■

Usage in winter time

P.255

*

: If equipped

■

Using the manual mode

The parking brake can be set 
and released manually.

U.S.A.
Canada

1

Pull the switch to set the 
parking brake

The parking brake indicator and 
parking brake light will turn on.

NOTICE

■

Before driving

Fully release the parking brake. 

Driving the vehicle with the park-

ing brake set will lead to brake 

components overheating, which 

may affect braking performance 

and increase brake wear.

Electric parking 

brake

*

The parking brake can be 
set or released automati-
cally or manually.

In automatic mode, the 
parking brake can be set or 
released automatically. 
Also, even in automatic 
mode, the parking brake can 
be set or released manually.

Operating instructions

165

4-2. Driving procedures

4

Dr

iv

ing

Pull and hold the parking brake 
switch if an emergency occurs and 
it is necessary to operate the park-
ing brake while driving.

2

Push the switch to release 
the parking brake

• Operate the parking brake switch 

while depressing the brake pedal.

• Using the parking brake auto-

matic release function, the park-
ing brake can be released by 
depressing the accelerator pedal. 
When using this function, slowly 
depress the accelerator pedal.

Make sure that the parking brake 
indicator and parking brake light 
turn off.

■

Turning automatic mode on

While the vehicle is stopped, 
pull and hold the parking brake 
switch until a message   is 
shown on the multi-information 
display (vehicles with a continu-
ously variable transmission) or 
auto EPB OFF indicator   turn 
off (vehicles with a manual 
transmission)

When the automatic mode is 
turned on, the parking brake 
operates as follows.



Vehicles with a continuously 
variable transmission



When the shift lever is moved 
out of P, the parking brake will 
be released, and the parking 
brake indicator and parking 
brake light will turn off.



When the shift lever is moved 
into P, the parking brake will 
be set, and the parking brake 
indicator and parking brake 
light will turn on.

Operate the shift lever with the 
vehicle stopped and the brake 
pedal depressed.

The parking brake may not operate 
automatically if the shift lever is 
moved quickly.
In this case, it is necessary to oper-
ate the parking brake switch. 
(P.164)



Vehicles with a manual trans-
mission

When the engine is off, the park-
ing brake will be set, and the 
parking brake indicator and 
parking brake light turn on.

■

Turning automatic mode off

While the vehicle is stopped and 
depressing the brake pedal, 
press and hold the parking 
brake switch until a message   
is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display (vehicles with a con-
tinuously variable transmission) 
or auto EPB OFF indicator   
comes on (vehicles with a man-
ual transmission)