Lexus ES-300 2001 Manual page 308

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 "D" position.) The "O/D
OFF" 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 "2" 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.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface.
The abrupt change in engine speed could cause the
vehicle to spin or skid.
3 Shift into the "L" position. The transmission will
downshift to first gear when the vehicle speed is
lower than 55 km/h (34 mph) and maximum engine
braking will be enabled.
STARTING AND DRIVING
291