1999 Lexus RX 300 User Guide 1 - Page 189

STARTING AND DRIVING (b) Using engine braking 2 Shift into the "2" position. The transmission will downshift to the second gear when the vehicle speed drops down to or lower than the following speed, and more powerful engine braking will be obtained. Two-wheel drive models 105 km/h (65 mph) 98 km/h (61 mph) Four-wheel drive models 31R009c 3 Shift into the "L" position. The transmission will downshift to the first gear when the vehicle speed drops down to or lower than the following speed, and maximum engine braking will be applied. Two-wheel drive models 48 km/h (30 mph) 45 km/h (28 mph) Four-wheel drive models 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 180. CAUTION Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. The abrupt change in engine speed could cause the vehicle to spin or skid. 174