1996 Lexus LX 450 Owners Manual - Page 145
1996 Lexus LX 450 Manual
Page 145 highlights
STARTING AND DRIVING 5. 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.) (b) Using engine braking ! CAUTION To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the transmission in the way described below. Turn off the overdrive switch. The "O/D OFF" indicator light will come on and the transmission will downshift to the third gear. Shift into the "2" position. The transmission will downshift to the second gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower than 116 km/h (72 mph) and more powerful engine braking will be obtained. Shift into the "L" position. The transmission will downshift to the first gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower than 56 km/h (35 mph) and maximum engine braking will be applied. Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while shifting. 6. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress the accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting. In normal cruising, the vehicle will start in the first gear and automatically shift to the most suitable gear for the running conditions. In "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, 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". 134