2001 Lexus RX 300 Owners Manual - Page 205

STARTING AND DRIVING (a) Overdrive switch (b) Normal driving 31R042 31R043 You can select either a third gear (with overdrive off) or fourth gear (with overdrive on) by pushing this switch. To turn the overdrive off, push the switch. The "O/D OFF" indicator light should come on. To turn the overdrive on again, push the switch again. The "O/D OFF" indicator light should go off. Always drive your vehicle with the overdrive on for better fuel economy and quieter driving. If the engine is turned off when the overdrive is off and restarted, the overdrive will automatically be on. 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. For ways to decrease the vehicle speed, see page 190. " 1 "P" (Park) position 2 "N" (Neutral) position 1. Start the engine as instructed in "How to start the engine" on page 179. The transmission must be in "P" or "N". The engine will not start in "R", "2", "L" or "D" position even if the ignition key is turned to "START". The driving pattern is automatically set to "Normal" mode when the engine is started. You can select the driving pattern either "Normal" or "Snow" mode to suit your driving condition. 2. For starting your vehicle in sand, mud, ice or snow, set the "Snow" mode. For details, see "(j) Driving in "Snow" mode" on page 187. 182 2001 MY RX300_U (OM48431U)