2004 Lexus IS 300 Owners Manual - Page 262

03 07.09 STARTING AND DRIVING Warning tone sounds twice in any of the following cases: D You attempt to downshift the transmission when it is not possible to downshift due to the high vehicle speed. D You attempt to downshift from "2" position. D You attempt to upshift from "5" position. If the "M" indicator flashes, there is a problem somewhere in the system. In this case, it should be noted that you cannot downshift or upshift the transmission using the switches on the steering wheel. Consult with your Lexus dealer as soon as possible. The transmission works exactly in the same way as when you put the selector lever in the "D" position. (c) Using engine braking SV31023 CAUTION Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. The abrupt change in engine speed could cause the vehicle to spin or skid. 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 "5" to "4", engine braking will not be enabled because the cruise control is not cancelled. If you need to decrease the vehicle speed, see page 251. 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 stronger engine braking will be obtained. 243