2002 Lexus ES300 transmission shifting

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Shift while pressing the brake pedal. (Ignition
switch must be in the “ON” position.)
NOTE: When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift from \
“D” to “4”, engine braking will not be enabled
because the cruise control is not cancelled. For the operation to decre\
ase the vehicle speed, see page 232.
OPERATION OF SELECTOR LEVER
SELECTOR LEVER POSITION
P: Parking, engine starting and key removal
position
R: Reverse position
N: Neutral position
D: Normal driving position (shifting into
overdrive possible)
4: Position for engine braking (shifting into
overdrive not possible)
3, 2: Position for more powerful engine braking
L: Position for maximum engine braking
QUICK REFERENCE
3
3. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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223
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Your automatic transmission has a shift lock system to
minimize the possibility of incorrect operation. This
means you can only shift out of “P” position when the
brake pedal is depressed with the ignition switch in “ON”
position. ()
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The shift position is displayed on the instrument
cluster.
P: Parking, engine starting and key removal position
R: Reverse position
N: Neutral position
D: Normal driving position (shifting into overdrive possible)
4: Position for engine braking (shifting into overdrive not
possible)
When the cruise control is being used, even if you
downshift from “D” to “4”, engine braking will not be
enabled because the cruise control is not cancelled. For
the operation to decrease the vehicle speed, see page
232.
3, 2: Position for more powerful engine braking
L: Position for maximum engine braking

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225
 1Brake pedal 2“D” (Drive) position
2. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the
selector lever to “D”.
Always use the “D” position to improve fuel economy and quiet
driving. Only in this position, shifting into the overdrive gear is
possible. However, while the engine coolant temperature is
low, the transmission will not shift into the overdrive gear even
in the “D” position. (See “(b) Using engine braking” and\
”(f)
Good driving practice” for exceptions.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while
shifting.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress
the accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting.
In normal cruising, the vehicle will start in first gear and
automatically shift up to the most suitable gear. On inclines,
declines or winding roads, etc., the vehicle shifts up and down
automatically according to the running conditions to obtain the
suitable driving power and engine braking.
When the lever is in the “4” 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, depress the
accelerator pedal to the full throttle position. This provides
more acceleration by automatically downshifting the
transmission to the next lower gear or beyond, depending on
the vehicle speed.
If engine braking is needed, such as in descending a long hill,
see “(b) Using engine braking”.

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(b) Using engine braking
To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the
transmission in the way described below:
1 Shift into the “4” position. The transmission will downshift
to fourth gear and engine braking will be enabled.
When the cruise control is being used, even if you
downshift from “D” to “4”, engine braking will not be
applied because the cruise control is not cancelled. If you
need to decrease the vehicle speed, see page 232.
2 Shift into the “3” position. The transmission will downshift
to third gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower
than 147 km/h (91 mph) and more powerful engine
braking will be enabled.
3 Shift into the “2” position. The transmission will downshift
to second gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes
lower than 95 km/h (59 mph) and more powerful engine
braking than that of ”3” position will be enabled.
4 Shift into the “L” position. The transmission will downshift
to first gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower
than 41 km/h (25 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.

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(g) Rocking your vehicle if stuck
CAUTION
If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc.,
then you may attempt to rock the vehicle free by moving
it forward and backward. Do not attempt this procedure
if people or objects are anywhere near the vehicle.
During the rocking operation the vehicle may suddenly
move forward or backward as it becomes unstuck,
causing injury or damage to nearby people or objects.
NOTICE
If you rock your vehicle, observe the following
precautions to prevent damage to the transmission and
other parts.
 Do not depress the accelerator pedal while shifting
the selector lever or before the transmission is
completely shifted to forward or reverse gear.
 Do not race the engine and avoid spinning the
wheels.
 If your vehicle remains stuck after rocking the vehicle
several times, consider other ways such as towing.
(h) If you cannot shift the selector lever
If you cannot shift the selector lever even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override button. For
instructions, see “If you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector lever” on page 276.