2001 Lexus IS 300 User Guide 1 - Page 186

STARTING AND DRIVING (c) Using engine braking 3 Shift into the "2" position. The transmission will downshift to second gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower than the speed listed below and more powerful engine braking than that of "3" position will be obtained. Shift into the "L" position. The transmission will downshift to first gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower than the speed listed below and maximum engine braking will be enabled. "4" "3" "2" "L" 168 km/h 122 km/h 82 km/h 17 km/h (104 mph) ( 76 mph) ( 51 mph) ( 11 mph) 4 SV31023 To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the transmission in the way described below: 1 Shift into the "M" position, and you push the transmission down shift switch. The transmission will downshift to fourth gear and engine braking will be obtained. This is effective only when you are driving in the "D" position or in fifth gear ("M" position). When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift from "D" to "M", engine braking will not be enabled because the cruise control is not cancelled. If you need to decrease the vehicle speed, see page 179. 2 Shift into the "3" position. The transmission will downshift to third gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower than the speed listed below and more powerful engine braking will be obtained. CAUTION Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. The abrupt change in engine speed could cause the vehicle to spin or skid. 172