Lexus 2003 LS Owner's Manual page 254

STARTING AND DRIVING
3 Shift into the "2" position. The transmission will downshift
to second gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes
lower than 104 km/h (64 mph) and stronger 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 40 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.
(c) Using the "3", "2" and "L" positions
The "3", "2" and "L" positions are used for strong engine
braking as described previously.
With the selector lever in "3", "2" or "L", you can start the vehicle
in motion as with the lever in "D".
With the selector lever in "3" or "2", the vehicle will start in first
gear and automatically shift to third or second gear.
With the selector lever in "L", the transmission is engaged in
first gear.
240
NOTICE
A Be careful not to over–rev the engine. Watch the
tachometer to keep engine rpm from going into the
red zone. The approximate maximum allowable
speed for each position is given below for your
reference:
"3" . . . 160 km/h (99 mph)
"2" . . . 104 km/h (65 mph)
"L" . . . . 68 km/h (42 mph)
A Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long
time in the "3", "2" or "L" position. This may cause
severe automatic transmission
overheating. To prevent such damage, "4" position
should be used in hill climbing or hard towing.
damage from