1999 Lexus ES 300 Owners Manual - Page 287

STARTING AND DRIVING (b) Using engine braking 31E009-2 To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the transmission in the way described below: 1 Turn off the overdrive switch. (This is effective only when you are driving in the "D" position.) The "O/D OFF" indicator light in the instrument cluster will come on and the transmission will downshift to the third gear and engine braking will be obtained. When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift the transmission by turning off the overdrive switch, engine braking will not be applied because the cruise control is not cancelled. If you need to decrease the vehicle speed, see page 277. 2 Shift into the "2" position. The transmission will downshift to the second gear when the vehicle speed is lower than 122 km/h (76 mph) and more powerful engine braking will be obtained. 3 Shift into the "L" position. The transmission will downshift to the first gear when the vehicle speed is lower than 55 km/h (34 mph) and maximum engine braking will be applied. 267