1994 Lexus ES300 service

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
132
IF YOUR ENGINE STALLS
WHILE DRIVING
If your engine stalls while driving....
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line.
Move cautiously off the road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Try starting the engine again.
If the engine will not start, see “If your vehicle will not start”.
CAUTION:
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes
and steering will not work, so steering and braking will be
much harder than usual.
IF YOUR VEHICLE WILL NOT
START
(a) Simple checks
Before making these checks, make sure you have followed the
correct starting procedure instructions in “How to start the
engine” on page 107 and that you have sufficient fuel.
If the engine is not turning over or is turning over too
slowly −
1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior light.3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is cranked,
the battery is discharged. You can try jump starting. See “(c)
Jump starting” for further instructions.
If the light is O.K., but the engine still will not start, it needs
adjustment or repair. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside
Assistance or Customer Service Assistance. (See
“Foreword”.)
If the engine turns over at its normal speed but will not
start −
1. The engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking.
See “(b) Starting a flooded engine” for further instructions.
2. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair.
Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer
Service Assistance. (See “Foreword”.)
(b) Starting a flooded engine
If the engine will not start, your engine may be flooded
because of repeated cranking.
If this happens, turn the ignition key to “START” with the
accelerator pedal held down. Continue this operation for 15
seconds and then stop cranking. Then try starting the engine
with your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If the engine does not start after 15 seconds of cranking,
release the ignition key, wait a few minutes and try again.
If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call
a Lexus dealer. Roadside Assistance or Customer Service
Assistance. (See “Foreword”).

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
133
NOTICE:
Do not crank for more than 15 seconds at a time. This
may overheat the starter and wiring systems.
(c) Jump starting
To avoid serious personal injury and damage to your
vehicle which might result from battery explosion, acid
burns, electrical burns, or damaged electronic
components, these instructions must be followed
precisely.
If you are unsure about how to follow this procedure, we
strongly recommend that you seek help from your Lexus
dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service Assistance,
(See “Foreword”.)
CAUTION:

Batteries contain sulfuric acid which is poisonous and
corrosive. Wear protective safety glasses when jump
starting, and avoid spilling acid on your skin, clothing,
or vehicle. If you should accidentally get acid on
yourself or in your eyes, remove any contaminated
clothing and flush the affected area with water for at
least 15 minutes. Then get immediate medical
attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a
sponge or cloth while traveling to the medical office.

The gas normally produced by a battery will explode if
a flame or spark is brought near. Therefore, do not
smoke or light a match while jump starting.
NOTICE:
The battery used for boosting must be 12 V. Do not jump
start unless you are sure that the booster battery is the
correct voltage.
Engine hanging
hook (ground)Positive terminal
(“+” mark)
Discharged battery
Jumper cables
Positive terminal
(“+” mark)Booster battery
Negative terminal
(“−” mark)Connect cables in the numerical order shown
Disconnect in reverse order after use.
JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE
1. If the booster battery is installed in another vehicle, make
sure the vehicles are not touching. Turn off all unnecessary
lights and accessories.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
135 3. Look for obvious coolant leaks from the radiator, hoses, and
under the vehicle. However, note that water draining from the
air conditioning is normal if it has been in use.
CAUTION:
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belts.
4. If the coolant is leaking, stop the engine immediately. Call
a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service
Assistance. (See “Foreword”.)
5. If there are no obvious leaks, check the coolant reservoir. If
it is dry, add water to the reservoir while the engine is running.
Fill it about half full.
CAUTION:
Do not attempt to remove engine coolant filler cap when
the engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could result
from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out under
pressure.
6. After the engine coolant temperature has cooled to normal,
again check the coolant level in the reservoir. If necessary,
bring it up to half full again. Serious coolant loss indicates a
leak in the system. You should have it checked as soon as
possible by your Lexus dealer.
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move
cautiously off the road to a safe place-well away from the traffic.
Avoid stopping on the center divider of a highway. Park on a
level spot with firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Firmly set the parking brake and put the transmission in “P”.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side away from
traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.
CAUTION:
When jacking, be sure to observe the following to reduce
the possibility of personal injury:

Follow jacking instructions.

Use a jack only for lifting your vehicle during wheel
changing.

Never get beneath the vehicle when supported by a
jack.

Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is
supported by a jack.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
14010. After changing the wheel, check the air pressure of the
replaced tire. Stow all the tools, jack and flat tire securely.
If the pressure of the replaced tire is low, drive slowly to the
nearest service station and fill to the correct pressure.
Do not forget to reinstall the tire valve cap as dirt and moisture
could get into the valve core and possible cause air leakage.
If the cap is missing, put a new one on as soon as possible.
This is the same procedure for changing or rotating your tires.
CAUTION:
Before driving, make sure all the tools, jack and flat tire are
securely in place in their storage location to reduce the
possibility of personal injury during a collision or sudden
braking.
IF YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS
TO BE TOWED
If towing is necessary, we recommend you have it done by
your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
Proper equipment will help ensure that your vehicle is not
damaged while being towed. Commercial operators are
generally aware of the state / provincial and local laws
pertaining to towing.Your vehicle can be damaged if it is towed incorrectly. Although
most operators know the correct procedure, it is possible to
make a mistake. To avoid damage to your vehicle, make sure
the following few precautions are observed. If necessary, show
this page to the tow truck driver.
TOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by the
state / provincial and local laws. The wheels and axle on the
ground must be in good condition. If they are damaged, use a
towing dolly.
1. Using flat bed truck
Lexus recommends this as the best method for your vehicle.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
143
Emergency towing
Emergency towing eyeletsEmergency towing eyelets
If towing service is not available in an emergency, your
vehicle may be temporarily towed by a cable secured to
one of the eyelets under the front or rear of the vehicle.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the
brakes. Towing in this manner may be done only on
hard-surfaced roads for a short distance and at low speeds.
Also, the wheels, axles, drive train, steering and brakes must
all be in good condition.
Before towing, release the parking brake and put the
transmission in “N”. The ignition key must he in “ACC” (engine
off) or “ON” (engine running).CAUTION:
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes
and steering will not work so steering and braking will be
much harder than usual.
IF YOU CANNOT SHIFT THE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SELECTOR LEVER
Lock
Cover of shift lock
override button
If you cannot shift the selector lever out of “P” position to
other positions even though the brake pedal is depressed,
use the shift lock override button as follows:
1. Turn the ignition key to “LOCK”. Make sure the parking
brake is applied.
2. Pry up the cover with a flat-bladed screwdriver or
equivalent.