do U have to be in M manual to use shifters or can U use paddles to shift while in the other drive modes,,,,does it hurt the trans.?

 

On all my Lexus's to include the LC, you do not have to be in manual. While driving merely pull the left paddle to shift down (the LC is like instant) and the right for up. Hold the right for a couple of seconds and it reverts back to normal automatic transmission. As for hurting anything, pretty sure they made it foolproof, hopefully for my sake

 

You can use the paddles in other drive modes but the shift logic is most responsive and "obedient" in M manual mode. I highly recommend selecting M manual mode if you're going to be using the paddles for a stint and not just a few clicks.

 

Im only going to be using this judiciously at the most opportune times.

 

The behaviour is a bit different between using the paddle shifters in "D" mode vs. "M" mode.
In "M" mode you have full control when the shift occurs.
in "D" mode it will essentially restrict the gear range that it shifts between. E.g. if you are in "5" then it shifts between 1 and 5 automatically. It will not try to keep the gear in 5th gear. Plus can hold the upshift paddle and it will revert to fully automatic.