1998 Lexus SC 300 Owners Manual - Page 169

STARTING AND DRIVING To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the transmission in the way described below: 1 Shift into the "4" position. The transmission will downshift to the fourth gear and engine braking will be obtained. When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift from "D" to "4", engine braking will not be applied because the cruise control is not cancelled. If you need to decrease the vehicle speed, see page 172. 2 Shift into the "3" position. The transmission will downshift to the third gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower than 149 km/h (93 mph) and more powerful engine braking will be obtained. 4 3 Shift into the "2" position. The transmission will downshift to the second gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower than 97 km/h (61 mph) and more powerful engine braking than that of "3" position will be obtained. Shift into the "L" position. The transmission will downshift to the first gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower than 18 km/h (11 mph) and maximum engine braking will be applied. CAUTION Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. The abrupt change in engine speed could cause the vehicle to spin or skid. 152