Push the shift release button on the shift knob while shifting the gears with the engine switch in the “ON position and the brake pedal depressed*.
automobiles equipped with a smart key system
- Push the shift release button on the shift knob while shifting the shift lever with the engine switch in the IGNITION ON position and the brake pedal depressed*.
- Push the shift release button on the shift knob while shifting with the shift lever.
- Use the shift lever normally to shift.
- Make sure the car is totally stopped and the brake pedal is depressed before moving the shift lever between P and D.
*: The brake pedal must be depressed before pressing the shift release button in order for the car to be shifted from P. The shift lock will not be released if the shift release button is pushed first.
*1: By moving to the D position, the system may choose the best gear for the road circumstances. For everyday driving, the D setting on the gear lever is advised. *2: Choosing shift ranges in S mode limits the maximum range of gears that can be used, regulates engine braking force, and stops unneeded upshifting.
The shift lever or paddle shift switches (if installed) can be used as follows while the shift lever is in the S position:
- Upshifting
- Downshifting
According to vehicle speed, the starting shift range in S mode is automatically set to 4, 5, or 6. However, if AI-SHIFT has been used with the shift lever in the D position, the default shift range may be set to 3.
Depending on the vehicle’s speed and the road’s circumstances, an automatic gear selection between 1 and the desired gear is made.
In comparison to a higher shift range, a lower shift range will offer stronger engine braking forces.
Use the paddle shift switch to pick a temporary shift range while driving. The “-” and “+ paddle shift switches can then be used to select the shift range. By altering the shift range, it is possible to restrict the highest gear, avoid upshifting, and choose the amount of engine braking force.
The multi-information display will show the chosen shift range, either D or the range from 1 to 8.
shift range selection is automatically disabled while you are in the D position (vehicles with paddle shift switches)
The following circumstances will result in the deactivation of shift range selection in the D position:
- The “+ The paddle shift switch is depressed for a while.
- as soon as the car stops
- Whenever the accelerator pedal is pressed for a prolonged period of time
- when the D position of the shift lever is not selected
- Holding the shift lever toward you while the shift range is 7 or below “+ changes the shift range to be 8.
- Upshifting may happen automatically to stop the engine from revving too high.
- A feature that automatically chooses a higher shift range when the fluid temperature is high has been incorporated to protect the automatic gearbox.
There may occasionally be restrictions on downshifting operation to help assure safety and driving performance. Even when using the paddle shifters or the shift lever, downshifting might not always be an option. (Twice, a buzzer will sound.)
When using dynamic radar while driving full-speed range cruise control, dynamic radar cruise control, or cruise control engaged
Engine braking won’t happen even if the subsequent actions are taken with the intention of allowing it because cruise control, dynamic radar cruise control with full speed range, or dynamic radar cruise control won’t be disabled.
- Downshifting to 7, 6, 5, or 4 while in D or S mode.
- while driving in the D position, when switching the driving mode to sport mode.
The shift lock device guards against unintentional use of the shift lever during ignition.
Only when the brake pedal is depressed, the shift release button is pushed, the engine switch is in the “ON position (in vehicles without a smart key system) or IGNITION ON mode (in vehicles with a smart key system), and the shift lever can be moved from P.
To begin with, make sure the brake pedal is being applied. The shift lock mechanism may be malfunctioning if the shift lever cannot be moved despite the brake pedal being depressed and the shift release button being pushed. Have your local Toyota dealer check out the car right away. To ensure that the shift lever can be moved in an emergency, take the following actions.
Setting the shift lock free:
- Parking brake set.
- For automobiles lacking a smart key system, set the engine switch to “LOCK. Vehicles equipped with a smart key system: Shut off the engine.
- To stop, apply the brakes.
- With a flathead screwdriver or similar instrument, pry the lid up. Cover the tip of the screwdriver with a towel to prevent damage to the cover.
- Push the button on the shift knob after pressing and holding the shift lock override button. While pressing both buttons, the shift lever can be moved.
Even after sliding the shift lever to S, if the S indicator does not turn on or the D indicator is displayed,
This can be a sign that the automatic transmission isn’t working properly. Have your local Toyota dealer check out the car right away. (In this case, the transmission will function just as it does when the shift lever is in the D position.)
Depending on the driving situation and the performance of the driver, the AI-SHIFT automatically chooses the best gear.
When the shift lever is in the D position, the AI-SHIFT activates automatically. (The action is stopped by moving the shift lever to the S position or by using the paddles.)
- Never abruptly accelerate or change gears.
- The car could spin or slide as a result of abrupt engine braking, which could lead to an accident.
- Make sure to set the parking brake and depress the brake pedal before pressing the shift lock override button.
- When the shift lock override button is engaged and the shift lever is moved out of P, the vehicle may rapidly start if the accelerator pedal is unintentionally depressed instead of the brake pedal. This could result in an accident that causes death or serious damage.
In This Article...
Is driving a Toyota Camry simple?
The Camry has always been a smooth ride, which explains why millions of buyers still consider it to be the best vehicle on the market today.
The Toyota Camry’s conventional four-cylinder engine ensures that it travels quite smoothly and readily, while not being a high-horsepower sports car. The four-cylinder engine produces 204 horsepower, while a V6 engine is available with a maximum output of 301 horsepower.
If your only goal is to regularly navigate the city, a four-cylinder engine will do. However, the V6 engine option, which offers more performance, is an alternative if you want a little bit more speed.
One of the key strengths of the Toyota Camry is its composed handling. The Camry has superb driving manners and very quick brakes, though it isn’t quite the best at this.
Is driving the Toyota Camry enjoyable?
The Camry offers a smooth ride and is surprisingly fun to drive. The interiors of some midsize cars are more premium, but this Toyota is spacious, has comfortable seats, and has easy-to-use technology.
Honda Civic (2012-2016)
With a winning combination of affordability, features, safety, dependability, and resale value, the Honda Civic has been one of the best-selling small vehicles in the United States for years. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that it is one of the top used vehicles for teenagers.
Since the start of the model’s ninth generation in 2012, practically every variation of the car has received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. The sedan was an IIHS Top Safety Pick every year from 2009 to 2017. (NHTSA).
The Civic has excellent gas mileage, with EPA estimates of 31 MPG on average. While it is not impossible to find one for around $10,000, used 2012 model Civics typically have between 50,000 and 100,000 miles on them, which means they are usually past their three-year, 36,000-mile original warranty. Civics with more recent models and lower mileage generally cost over $10,000.
Toyota Camry (2012-2014)
One of the greatest cars for adolescents and one of the best-selling vehicles in the country overall, the Toyota Camry frequently comes in at or near the top of lists. A Camry under $10,000 with low mileage is unfortunately hard to find because Camry owners frequently keep them for a long time.
The EPA estimates that the 2011 model achieves 22 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The 20122014 Camry models received five-star overall safety ratings from the NHTSA, and IIHS put them on its list of Top Safety Picks. The 2011 Camry comes with a three-year, 36,000-mile guarantee with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Toyota Camry is a fantastic first automobile if you can find a used one for sale. It has received high ratings in crash safety testing, and it has remarkable longevity, reliability, and fuel economy.
Hyundai Sonata (2011 or newer)
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata scores an estimated 34 MPG on the highway and has a five-year, 60,000-mile guarantee. Additionally, a hybrid version of the Sonata is available for even better fuel efficiency. Since 2011, all gas-powered Sonatas have received a five-star NHTSA safety rating and, with the exception of 2014, have received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, making them excellent first vehicles for teen drivers.
In comparison to 2016 models, used 2011 Sonatas in this price range typically have just under the warranty mileage cap. Stability control and front and side curtain airbags are included as standard safety equipment on entry-level versions.
Nissan Altima (2014 and newer)
Since 2014, every Nissan Altima model has received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. Bluetooth connectivity and Intelligent Key remote engine start are included even in the entry-level vehicles, and cars made in 2016 and later also come with a rearview camera.
The 2016 model’s four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission have a top highway fuel efficiency of 39 MPG, according to the EPA estimates. Expect to locate 2014 models in this price range with 60,00080,000 miles on them, giving them plenty of mileage to get them through their college years.
Volkswagen Jetta (2016-2017)
The Volkswagen Jetta is the brand’s smallest sedan, making it a fantastic choice for teenagers who might feel intimidated by bigger cars. Vehicle-to-vehicle front accident prevention is available as an optional safety technology on both the 2016 and 2017 models, which were chosen as IIHS Top Safety Picks. Finding a used Jetta with front crash prevention could allay parents’ concerns about youthful drivers who are still learning the ropes.
The 2016 and 2017 Volkswagen Jettas, depending on the individual trim package, achieve between 27 and 33 combined city/highway MPG, so parents won’t have to give their teenagers much in the way of petrol money either. With its hybrid drivetrain, the 2016 Jetta achieves a remarkable 44 combined city/highway MPG. The majority of used Jettas sell for under $10,000, while prices rise as features increase.
Ford Focus (2015-2017)
The 2015 Ford Focus received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation and achieves an EPA combined estimated 31 MPG. Every Ford Focus model, including sedans and hatchbacks, received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA from 2012 to 2018 (Ford terminated the model in 2019). Several Focus versions are available for under $10,000.
The 2015 Focus was the first vehicle to come standard with a back-up camera that also included lane departure and blind-spot warnings. Ford also provides the MyKey program, which lets parents program a key to control the vehicle’s speed, radio volume, and seatbelt notifications. The Ford Focus is one of the best used vehicles for teen drivers in many parents’ eyes, even though young drivers might not be as enthused about the safety features.
Ford Escape (2018-2019)
The Ford Escape is a terrific choice if you would feel more at ease with your teen operating a larger car. Even though this car costs more than our $10,000 limit, it has amenities that might offset the modest price increase.
The 2018 and 2019 Escape models received high marks for roof strength and side crashworthiness, while not being an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The NHTSA has also given both years a 5-star safety rating. Lane departure warning and forward collision warning are also available on both models. It might be easier for parents to feel at ease with their young drivers if they can find a used Ford Escape with one or both of these features.
What year of the Camry should you avoid purchasing?
You should avoid purchasing the secondhand Toyota Camry from the following three years. They are Camrys from the 200720082009 model years. You don’t want to own one of these cars since they have a known engine fault. Burning oil is one symptom of an engine problem. Although some automakers and mechanics will argue that a little oil burning is okay, this issue goes much farther and can result in engine failure.
This Toyota engine flaw is highlighted by CarComplaints in its Camry section. CarComplaints goes so far as to put its “Avoid Like the Plague” and “Beware of the Clunker” stamps of condemnation on these years.
Why won’t my Toyota Camry crank over?
There are a few causes of Toyota Camry non-starters. The top five causes, according to VEHQ, include a dead battery, a faulty alternator, a damaged ignition switch, a clogged fuel filter, or a low gasoline level. Of course, a quick glance at the fuel gauge will eliminate the final problem.
Are Camrys push-to-start vehicles?
With the optional Smart Key System for the Camry, there’s no need to dig around in your pocket or bag. By merely carrying the Smart Key, you can lock and unlock the front doors and even the trunk. Once inside, simply push the simple Push Button Start on the Camry, and you’re off and running.