Lexus RX300 2003, Owner'S Manual

Page: 218 / 354

2003 RX300 from Aug. 02’ Prod. (OM48442U)
When the lever is in the “D” position, the automatic
transmission system will select the most suitable gear for the
running conditions such as hill climbing, hard towing, etc.
If you need to accelerate rapidly while driving, push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor. The transmission will
automatically downshift to third, second or first gear, according
to the vehicle speed.
If engine braking is needed, such as in descending a long hill,
see “(c) Using engine braking”.
(c) Using engine braking
31R045
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 205.