Lexus RX300 2003, Owner'S Manual

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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)
Four–wheel drive models 106 km/h (65 mph)
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)
Four–wheel drive models 48 km/h (29 mph)
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface.
The abrupt change in engine speed could cause the
vehicle to spin or skid.
(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.
NOTICE
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.
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) . . . . . . . . . .
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.