2001 Lexus RX 300 Owners Manual - Page 207

STARTING AND DRIVING (c) Using engine braking 2 Shift into the "2" position. The transmission will downshift to second gear when the vehicle speed drops down to or lower than the following speed, and stronger engine braking will be enabled. Two-wheel drive models 113 km/h (70 mph) 106 km/h (65 mph) Four-wheel drive models 31R045 3 Shift into the "L" position. The transmission will downshift to first gear when the vehicle speed drops down to or lower than the following speed, and maximum engine braking will be enabled. Two-wheel drive models 51 km/h (31 mph) 48 km/h (29 mph) Four-wheel drive models 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 190. CAUTION Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. The abrupt change in engine speed could cause the vehicle to spin or skid. 184 2001 MY RX300_U (OM48431U)