Lexus ES-300 2001 Manual page 303

STARTING AND DRIVING
(a) Overdrive switch
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You can select either third gear (with overdrive off) or
fourth gear (with overdrive on) by pushing this switch.
To turn the overdrive off, push the switch. The "O/D
OFF" indicator light should come on. To turn the
overdrive on again, push the switch again. The "O/D
OFF" indicator light should go off.
Always drive your vehicle with the overdrive on for better
fuel economy and quieter driving.
If the engine is turned off when the overdrive is off and
restarted, the overdrive will automatically be on.
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.
For ways to decrease the vehicle speed, see page 300.