2004 Lexus RX 330 Owners Manual - Page 471

STARTING AND DRIVING 3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress the accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting. In normal cruising, the vehicle will start in first gear and automatically shift up to the most suitable gear. On inclines, declines or winding roads, etc., the vehicle shifts up and down automatically according to the running conditions to obtain the suitable driving power and engine braking. If you need to accelerate rapidly while driving, depress the accelerator pedal to the full throttle position. This provides more acceleration by automatically downshifting the transmission to the next lower gear or beyond, depending on the vehicle speed. If engine braking is needed, such as in descending a long hill, see "(c) Using engine braking". " 1 Brake pedal 2 "D" (Drive) position 2. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the selector lever to "D" position. Always use the "D" position to improve fuel economy and quiet driving. In this position, shifting into the overdrive gear is possible. However, while the engine coolant temperature is low, the transmission will not shift into the overdrive gear even in the "D" position. (See "(c) Using engine braking" and "(f) Good driving practice" for exceptions.) CAUTION Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while shifting. 448