Operating instructions
Shifting the shift lever
1. Fully depress the clutch pedal before moving the shift lever. Keep the pedal firmly pressed while selecting the next gear.
2. Move the shift lever into the desired gear position.
Change gears only in sequential order. Following the proper gear sequence helps avoid excessive engine speed and unnecessary stress on the Toyota Tacoma manual transmission.
3. Release the clutch pedal gradually after the gear has been engaged, allowing power to be transferred smoothly.
If R is difficult to engage, first move the shift lever to N. Momentarily release the clutch pedal, depress it again, and then attempt to shift into R once more.
Maximum allowable speeds
When maximum acceleration is required, do not exceed the specified maximum allowable speed for each gear. Staying within these limits prevents the engine from being driven beyond the intended speed range during hard acceleration.
Reverse warning buzzer
When the shift lever is moved into R, a warning buzzer sounds to notify the driver that reverse gear has been selected.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the vehicle
Observe the following precautions whenever changing gears. Incorrect shifting techniques can place excessive load on the engine, manual transmission, or clutch and may result in component damage.
- Never attempt to move the shift lever into a gear without first depressing the clutch pedal fully.
- Engage R only after the Toyota Tacoma has come to a complete stop. Selecting reverse while the vehicle is still moving can damage the transmission.
- Do not rest your hand on the shift lever or continuously hold it while driving. Touch the lever only when an actual gear change is being made.
- Always change gears sequentially so that an inappropriate gear selection does not cause the engine to overrev.
- Release the clutch pedal progressively rather than letting it out abruptly, as a sudden release can produce unnecessary shock through the drivetrain.
iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission)
The iMT system coordinates engine speed with the driver's clutch pedal and shift lever operation. By adjusting engine speed to suit the gear-change process, it can make shifts in the Toyota Tacoma feel smoother and more controlled.
When the clutch pedal is operated, iMT can also reduce the shock that sometimes accompanies a gear change. This can make repeated shifting feel lighter and more natural when traveling on winding roads or driving on an incline.
Press the "iMT" switch to activate the system.
The iMT indicator illuminates green while the function is active.
Press the "iMT" switch again when you want to cancel the function.
The iMT may not operate when
Under the conditions listed below, iMT may temporarily refrain from operating. This behavior by itself does not mean that the system has malfunctioned.
- The clutch pedal has not been depressed completely.
- The clutch pedal has not been fully released, such as when the driver's foot remains resting on the pedal.*
- A gear change is attempted after the vehicle has been coasting with the shift lever in N.
- The clutch pedal has been depressed for an extended period before the shift lever is operated.
*: After moving the shift lever, remove your foot completely from the clutch pedal. If the pedal remains even partially depressed, iMT may not operate during the next shift and engine speed may not be adjusted appropriately for the upcoming gear change.
To restore normal iMT operation, release the clutch pedal completely. Then depress it again before moving the shift lever for the next gear change.
If the warning message for iMT is shown on the multi-information display
If an iMT warning appears on the multi-information display, the system may be temporarily unavailable or a malfunction may have occurred. Have the Toyota Tacoma inspected by your Toyota dealer.
WARNING
Limitations of the iMT
iMT does not prevent an incorrect shift lever operation and cannot guarantee that the engine will never overrev.
System operation can vary with driving conditions and driver input, and there may be situations in which iMT does not provide the expected assistance or a gear change is not completed smoothly. The driver remains responsible for correct clutch and shift lever operation. Excessive reliance on iMT could contribute to an unexpected vehicle response and increase the risk of an accident.
