2001 Lexus RX 300 Owners Manual - Page 208

STARTING AND DRIVING (d) Using the "2" and "L" positions The "2" and "L" positions are used for strong engine braking as described previously. With the selector lever in "2" or "L", you can start the vehicle in motion as with the lever in "D". With the selector lever in "2", the vehicle will start in first gear and automatically shift to second gear. With the selector lever in "L", the transmission is engaged in first gear. (e) Backing up 31R046 NOTICE D Be careful not to over-rev the engine. Watch the tachometer to keep engine rpm from going into the red zone. The approximate maximum allowable speed for each position is given below for your reference. " 1 Brake pedal 2 "R" (Reverse) position 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. 2. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the selector lever to the "R" position. Two-wheel drive models: "2" ...125 km/h (78 mph) "L" ...70 km/h (43 mph) Four-wheel drive models: "2" ...117 km/h (73 mph) "L" ...65 km/h (40 mph) D Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long time in the "2" or "L" position. This may cause severe automatic transmission damage from overheating. To prevent such damage, "D" position should be used in hill climbing or hard towing. NOTICE Never shift into reverse while the vehicle is moving. 2001 MY RX300_U (OM48431U) 185