1999 Lexus LS 400 Owners Manual - Page 306

STARTING AND DRIVING CAUTION Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. The abrupt change in engine speed could cause the vehicle to spin or skid. (c) Using the "3", "2" and "L" positions The "3", "2" and "L" positions are used for strong engine braking as described previously. With the selector lever in "3", "2" or "L", you can start the vehicle in motion as with the lever in "D". With the selector lever in "3" or "2", the vehicle will start in the first gear and automatically shift to the third or second gear. With the selector lever in "L", the transmission is engaged in the first gear. NOTICE D Be careful not to overrev the engine. Watch the tachometer to keep engine rpm from going into the red zone. The approximate maximum allowable speed for each position is given below for your reference: "3" ...160 km/h "2" ...104 km/h "L" ...68 km/h (99 mph) (65 mph) (42 mph) D Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long time in the "3", "2" or "L" position. This may cause severe automatic transmission damage from overheating. To prevent such damage, "4" position should be used in hill climbing or hard towing. 290