1995 Lexus ES300 engine overheat

STARTING AND DRIVING
102
THREE−WAY CATALYTIC
CONVERTER
The three−way 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 gases flowing into the
three−way catalytic 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 fuel could cause the engine to misfire, creating
an excessive load on the three−way catalytic
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 system,
electronic ignition system / distributor ignition
system or fuel system could cause an extremely high
three−way catalytic 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 three−way catalytic
converter system best.

STARTING AND DRIVING
106If 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 130.
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
11 0
(b) Using engine braking
“2” (Second) position
“L” (Low) position
“D” (Drive) position
: Shifting
Overdrive switch
To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the
transmission in the way described below:

Turn off 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 the third gear.

Shift into the “2” position. The transmission will downshift to
the second gear when the vehicle speed is lower than 128
km / h (80 mph) and more powerful engine braking will be
obtained.

Shift into the “L” position. The transmission will downshift to
the first gear when the vehicle speed is lower than 70 km / h
(43 mph) and maximum engine braking will be applied.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 “2” and “L” positions
The “2” and “L” positions are used for strong engine braking as
described previously.
With the selector lever in “2” or “L”, you can start the vehicle in
motion as with the lever in “D”.
With the selector lever in “2”, the vehicle will start in the first
gear and automatically shift to the second gear.
With the selector lever in “L”, the transmission is engaged in
the first gear.
NOTICE:

Be careful not to overrev 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:
“2” ... 128 km / h (80 mph)
“L” ... 70 km / h (43 mph)

Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long
time in the “2” or “L” position. This may cause severe
automatic transmission damage from overheating. To
prevent such damage, “D” position should be used in
hill climbing or hard towing.

STARTING AND DRIVING
11 2
(f) Good driving practice

If the transmission repeatedly upshifts and downshifts
between the third and overdrive gears when climbing a
gentle slope, turn off the overdrive switch. Be sure to turn the
switch on immediately after climbing the slope.

When towing a trailer, in order to maintain efficient engine
braking and electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
CAUTION:
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped
with the engine running. This prevents the vehicle from
creeping.
NOTICE:
Do not hold the vehicle on an upgrade with the
accelerator pedal. This can cause the transmission to
overheat. Always use the brake pedal or parking brake.
(g) If you cannot shift the selector lever out
of “P” position
If you cannot shift the selector lever from “P” position even
though the brake pedal is depressed, use the shift lock
override button. For instructions, see “If you cannot shift
automatic transmission selector lever” on page 142.
(h) If the “O / D OFF” indicator light flashes
If the “O / D OFF” indicator light flashes, contact your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible. There may be trouble in the
transmission system.
CRUISE CONTROL
The cruise control allows you to cruise the vehicle at a
desired speed over 40 km / h (25 mph) with your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
Your cruising speed can be maintained although a slight speed
change may occur when driving up or down a gradient, within
the limits of engine performance. On steeper hills, a great
speed change will occur so it is better to drive without the cruise
control.
When the cruise control is on, the driving pattern of the
automatic transmission is fixed in the normal position,
regardless of the position of the selector switch.
CAUTION:

To help maintain maximum control of your vehicle, do
not use the cruise control when driving in heavy or
varying traffic, or on slippery (rainy, icy or
snow−covered) or winding roads.

Avoid vehicle speed increases when driving downhill.
Use engine braking by downshifting the transmission.