Toyota bZ4X Owner's Manual: Changing the Shift Position: Guidelines and Best Practices

Selecting the correct shift position according to your driving purpose and current conditions is essential for safe vehicle operation. The functionality of the shift control system varies depending on the power switch mode and the status of the "READY" indicator.

Changing the Shift Position in Each Power Switch Mode

• When the power switch is in ACC or off, the shift position cannot be changed.
• When the power switch is in ON and the "READY" indicator is not illuminated, you can change the shift position only to Neutral (N).
• When the "READY" indicator is illuminated, you may change the shift position from Park (P) to Drive (D), Neutral (N), or Reverse (R).
• If the "READY" indicator is flashing, the shift position cannot be changed from Park to any other mode. In this case, wait until the indicator stabilizes before operating the rotary shifter again.

Shifting from Park (P) to Other Positions

• Always depress the brake pedal firmly while operating the rotary shifter. If you operate the shifter without holding the brake, a buzzer will sound and the shift change will be disabled.
• Verify that the selected shift position is correctly displayed on the instrument cluster.

Situations When the Shift Position Cannot Be Changed

The system will emit a buzzer sound if you attempt to change the shift position under the following circumstances. In these cases, use the proper procedure to retry the shift change:

• Attempting to shift from Park (P) without having the brake pedal depressed.
• Trying to shift from Park (P) while the accelerator pedal is pressed.
• Attempting to change the shift from Neutral (N) when the vehicle is stopped or moving extremely slowly without depressing the brake pedal.
• Attempting to change the shift from Neutral (N) while the accelerator pedal is pressed.
• Pressing the P position switch while the vehicle is in motion.

When driving at an extremely low speed, the shift position may automatically revert to Park (P).

Automatic Changes to Neutral (N)

The system may automatically change the shift position to Neutral (N) when you attempt to shift into Reverse (R) while the vehicle is moving forward. Similarly, if you try to shift to Drive (D) while the vehicle is moving backward, the system might revert to Neutral (N). In such cases, a buzzer will sound to alert you, and you should retry the shift with the correct procedure.

Operating in Neutral (N) While Driving

If you need to select Neutral (N) while traveling at a speed above a certain level, maintain the rotary shifter in the N position until the desired condition changes.

Reverse Warning

When shifting into Reverse (R), a warning buzzer will sound to indicate that the vehicle is now in reverse gear. This serves as an important reminder to check your surroundings before proceeding.

Automatic Park (P) Position Selection Function

Under certain conditions, the vehicle will automatically change the shift position to Park (P). Examples include:

• When you press the power switch while the vehicle is stopped, the power switch is in ON mode, and the current shift position is not Park. In this case, after the shift position changes to Park, the power switch will turn off automatically.
• If the driver's door is opened while the following conditions are met and the shift position is not Park:
  • The power switch is in ON mode.
  • The driver is not wearing a seat belt.
  • The brake pedal is not depressed.
• The shift position may also automatically change to Park if the vehicle has been stopped after an emergency shutdown of the EV system or if the voltage of the 12-volt battery drops while the shift position is not in Park.

When operating the power switch at extremely low speeds, such as immediately before coming to a complete stop, the system may automatically change to Park. Always ensure that the vehicle is completely stopped before pressing the power switch.

If the Shift Position Cannot Be Changed from Park

If you are unable to shift out of Park, it may indicate that the 12-volt battery is discharged. In such cases, check the battery and address the issue before attempting further operation.

Customization

Some aspects of the shift control system can be customized to suit your driving habits and preferences. Consult your authorized service center for details on available options.

This detailed guide on shift position management is designed to assist you in operating your vehicle safely and efficiently. Understanding the conditions under which shift changes are allowed, as well as the automatic safety features built into the system, helps ensure smoother driving and preserves critical vehicle components. Proprietary technologies in advanced electric vehicles, such as those from Toyota, illustrate how modern engineering integrates safety with performance in every aspect of vehicle control.