1992 Lexus ES300 check engine

STARTING AND DRIVING
96
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
Catalytic
converter
The catalytic converter is an emission control device
installed in the exhaust system.
It looks somewhat like a muffler, but its purpose is to reduce
pollutants in the exhaust gas.
CAUTION:

Keep people and combustible materials away from the
exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The exhaust
gas is very hot.

Do not drive, idle or park your vehicle over anything
that might burn easily such as grass, leaves, paper or
rags.
NOTICE:
A large amount of unburned gas flowing into the
converter may cause it to overheat and create a fire
hazard. To prevent this and other damage, observe the
following precautions:

Use only unleaded gasoline.

Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level; running
out of gas could cause the engine to misfire, creating
an excessive load on the converter.

Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed for more
than 20 minutes.

Avoid racing the engine.

Do not push-start or pull-start your vehicle.

Do not turn off the ignition while the vehicle is
moving.

Keep your engine in good running order.
Malfunctions in the engine electrical, ignition or fuel
systems could cause an extremely high converter
temperature.

If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, take your vehicle in for a check-up as soon
as possible. Remember, your Lexus dealer knows
your vehicle and its catalytic converter system best.

STARTING AND DRIVING
97

To ensure that the converter and the entire emission
control system operate properly, your vehicle must
receive the periodic inspections required by the
Lexus Maintenance Schedule.
ENGINE EXHAUST CAUTION
CAUTION:

Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust. It contains carbon
monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless gas. It can
cause unconsciousness or even death.

Make sure the exhaust system has no holes or loose
connections. The system should be checked from time
to time. If you hit something, or notice a change in the
sound of the exhaust, have the system checked
immediately.

Do not run the engine in a garage or enclosed area
except for the time needed to drive the vehicle in or out.
The exhaust gases cannot escape, making this a
particularly dangerous situation.

Do not remain for a long time in a parked vehicle with
the engine running. If it is unavoidable, however, do so
only in an unconfined area and adjust the heating or
cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle.
Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. An open or
unsealed trunk lid may cause exhaust gases to be
drawn into the vehicle. If you must drive with the trunk
lid open to accommodate a large object, close the
windows, open all the dashboard vents and have the
heating or cooling system deliver fresh air into the
vehicle by turning the fan to high speed with the air
intake control button in the OUTSIDE AIR mode.

To allow proper operation of your vehicle’s ventilation
system, keep the inlet grilles in front of the windshield
clear of snow, leaves, or other obstructions.

If you smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle, drive with the
windows open and the trunk lid closed. Have the cause
immediately located and corrected.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle and headrest height.
3. Adjust inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts

STARTING AND DRIVING
98Remember to check that the warning lights function when
turning the ignition key to “ON”, and check the fuel gauge to
see that you have sufficient fuel.
IGNITION SWITCH WITH
STEERING LOCK
“START” − Starter motor on. The ignition key will return to
the “ON” position when released.
For starting tips, see page 99.
“ON” − Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE:
Do not leave the key in the “ON” position if the engine is
not running. The battery will discharge and the ignition
system could be damaged.
“ACC” − Accessories such as the radio operate, but the
engine is off.If you leave the key in the “ACC” or “LOCK” position and open
the driver’s door, a buzzer will remind you to remove the key.
“LOCK” − Engine is off and the steering wheel is locked.
The ignition key can be removed only at this position.
You must push in the key to turn it from “ACC” to the “LOCK”
position. On vehicles with an automatic transmission, the
selector lever must be put in the “P” range before turning the
key to the “LOCK” position.
When starting the engine, the key may seem stuck at the
“LOCK” position. To free it, first be sure the key is pushed all
the way in, and then rock the steering wheel slightly while
turning the key gently.
If, in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the
vehicle is in motion, turn the key only to “ACC”

STARTING AND DRIVING
1001. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, crank the engine by
turning the ignition key to “START”. Release it when the engine
starts.
2. After the engine runs for about 10 seconds, you are ready
to drive.
If the weather is below freezing, let the engine warm up for a
few minutes before driving. Do not leave the vehicle while the
engine is warming up.
If the engine stalls . . .
Simply restart it, using the correct procedure given in normal
starting.
If the engine will not start
See “If your vehicle will not start” on page 124.
NOTICE:

Do not crank for more than 15 seconds at a time. This
may overheat the starter and wiring systems.

Do not race a cold engine.

If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, have the engine checked immediately.

STARTING AND DRIVING
109 CAUTION (for manual transmission):
While driving with the cruise control on, do not shift to
neutral without depressing the clutch pedal, as this may
cause engine racing or overrevving. If this happens,
depress the clutch pedal or turn the main switch off
immediately.
Cancelling the preset speed
You can cancel the preset speed by:
a. Pulling the control lever in the “CANCEL” direction.
b. Depressing the brake pedal.
c. Depressing the clutch pedal (manual transmission)
If the vehicle speed falls below 40 km/h (25 mph), the preset
speed will automatically be cancelled.
If the vehicle speed drops 16 km/h (10 mph) below the preset
speed, the preset speed will also automatically be cancelled.
If the preset speed automatically cancels out for other than
these reasons, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus
dealer at the earliest opportunity.
Resetting to a faster speed
Press the control lever upward in the “RES/ACC” direction and
hold it. Release the lever when the desired speed is attained.
While the lever is held upward, the vehicle will gradually gain
speed.When the difference between the actual vehicle speed and the
set speed is less than 5 km/h (3 mph), the set speed can be
increased 1.6 km/h (1 mph) each time by pressing the control
lever upward in the “RES/ACC” direction quickly.
However, a quicker way to reset is to accelerate the vehicle
and then press the control lever downward in the “SET/
COAST” direction.
Resetting to a slower speed
Press the control lever downward in the “SET/COAST”
direction and hold it. Release the lever when the desired speed
is attained. While the lever is held downward, the vehicle
speed will gradually decrease.
When the difference between the actual vehicle speed and the
set speed is less than 5 km/h (3 mph), the set speed can be
lowered 1.6 km/h (1 mph) each time by pressing the control
lever downward in the “SET/COAST” direction quickly.
However, a quicker way to reset is to depress the brake pedal
and then press the control lever downward in the “SET/
COAST” direction.
Resuming the preset speed
Press the control lever upward in the “RES/ACC” direction.
The vehicle will resume the speed set prior to cancellation
unless the vehicle speed is less than 40 km/h (25 mph) or is 16
km/h (10 mph) below the preset speed.