Toyota Corolla Owners Manual: Changing gear steps in the M position

To enter 7-speed sport sequential shiftmatic mode, shift the shift lever to M. Gear steps can then be selected by operating the shift lever, allowing you to drive in the gear step of your choosing.

1 Upshifting
2 Downshifting

The gear changes once every time the shift lever is operated.

The selected gear step, from M1 to M7, will be displayed in the meter.

However, even when in the M position, the gear steps will be automatically changed if the engine speed is too high, or too low.

■Gear step functions

●You can choose from 7 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.

■If the “M” indicator flashes or a buzzer beeps after shifting the shift lever to M

This may indicate a malfunction in the continuously variable 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.) ■When the vehicle comes to a stop with the shift lever in the M position

●The transmission will automatically 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.

■When driving with cruise control activated

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, downshifting to 6, 5 or 4.
●When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in D position.

■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 is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.) ■Sport mode automatic deactivation

Sport mode is automatically deactivated if the engine switch is turned off after driving in sport mode.

■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P

CAUTION

■When driving on slippery road surfaces

Be careful of downshifting and sudden acceleration, as this could result in the vehicle skidding to the side or spinning.