2001 Lexus ES 300 User Guide 1 - Page 309

STARTING AND DRIVING To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the transmission in the way described below: 1 Push 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 third gear. When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift the transmission by pushing and releasing the overdrive switch, engine braking will not be enabled because the cruise control is not cancelled. If you need to decrease the vehicle speed, see page 300. 2 Shift into the "2" position. The transmission will downshift to second gear when the vehicle speed is lower than 120 km/h (75 mph) and stronger engine braking will be enabled. 3 Shift into the "L" position. The transmission will downshift to first gear when the vehicle speed is lower than 55 km/h (34 mph) and maximum engine braking will be enabled. CAUTION Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. The abrupt change in engine speed could cause the vehicle to spin or skid. 291