2001 Lexus ES300 Shifting

BE028
Note: When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift the transmi\
ssion by turning off the overdrive switch, engine
braking will not be applied because the cruise control is not cancelled. For th\
e operation to decrease the vehicle speed, see page
300.
Parking, engine starting and key
removal position
Reverse position
Neutral position
Normal driving (with overdrive on)
position
Position for stronger engine braking
Position for maximum engine
braking
With the brake pedal depressed,
shift while holding the lock release
button in. (The ignition switch must
be in ªONº position.)
Shift while holding the lock release
button in.
Shift normally.
Overdrive switch
For selecting either a three±speed or
four±speed transmission
Lock release button (To prevent misshifting)
ªO/D OFFº indicator
light on the instrument
cluster
BASIC OPERATION ± QUICK REFERENCE
3
3. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SWITCHES
38
Shifting the windshield wiper position
12E053

1Rest position 2Retracted position
The wiper blades retract under the hood when the
wipers are turned off. If retraction is obstructed by snow
etc., at the bottom of the windshield, the wipers should
be shifted from the retracted position to the rest position
above the hood level. When the snow season is over,
manually return the wipers to the retracted position
following the procedure given below.

STARTING AND DRIVING
288
31E008

1Brake pedal 2ªDº (Drive) position
2. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift
the selector lever to ªDº.
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while
shifting.

STARTING AND DRIVING
291
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 ªDº position.) The ªO/D
OFFº 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 300.
2 Shift into the ª2º position. The transmission will
downshift to second gear when the vehicle speed
is lower than 120 km/h (75 mph) and stronger
engine braking will be enabled.
3Shift into the ªLº position. The transmission will
downshift to first gear when the vehicle speed is
lower t han 55 km/h (34 mph) and maximum engine
braking will be enabled.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface.
The abrupt change in engine speed could cause the
vehicle to spin or skid.

STARTING AND DRIVING
296
NOTICE
If you rock your vehicle, observe the followingprecautions to prevent damage to thetransmission and other parts.
Do not depress the accelerator pedal whileshifting the selector lever or before thetransmission is completely shifted to forwardor reverse gear.
Do not race the engine and avoid spinning thewheels.
If your vehicle remains stuck after rocking thevehicle several times, consider other wayssuch as towing.
(i) If you cannot shift the selector lever out of ªPº position
If you cannot shift the selector lever from ªPº position
even though the brake pedal is depressed, use the shift
lock override button. For instructions, see ªIf you cannot
shift automatic transmission selector leverº on page
375.

DRIVING TIPS
320
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is
fully released and that the parking brake reminder
light is off.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear,
and poor fuel economy.
 To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed
and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and not work
properly. See page 290.
 Be careful when accelerating, upshifting,
downshifting or braking on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed, such as sudden
acceleration or engine braking, could cause the
vehicle to spin or skid.
 Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the
legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140 km/h
(85 mph) unless your vehicle has high±speed
capability tires. Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may
result in tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine
whether the tires on your vehicle are high±speed
capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.