1995 Lexus LS400 lexus LS400 1995 Gauges, Meters and Service Reminder Indicators / 1995 LS400: STARTING AND DRIVING

STARTING AND DRIVING
141
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically controls
spinning of the rear wheels which may occur when
accelerating on slippery road surfaces, thus assisting
driver control and driving power to the rear wheels.
When you turn the ignition switch on, this system always
turns on. Leave the system on during ordinary driving so
that it can operate when needed. When traction control is
applied, the slip indicator light blinks.
You can turn off the traction control system by pushing
the “TRAC−OFF−” switch. The “TRAC OFF”
indicator / warning light will then come on. Pushing the
“TRAC−OFF−” switch a second time turns the system
back on and extinguishes the “TRAC OFF”
indicator / warning light.
You may hear a slight clicking noise in the engine compartment
when the engine is started. This means that the traction control
system is in the self−check mode, and does not indicate
malfunction. When the traction control system is operating,
you may feel vibration of your vehicle, caused by operation of
the brakes. This indicates the system is functioning properly.
When getting the vehicle out of mud or new snow, etc. the
traction control system will operate to prevent the wheels from
spinning. Even though the accelerator pedal is fully depressed,
the engine speed will be restrained to a certain level.

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142
Traction control failure warning
If the “TRAC OFF” indicator / warning light flashes, contact
your Lexus dealer as soon as possible. There may be trouble
in the traction control system.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full stability of
the vehicle and power to the rear wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction control system is
in operation. In situations where the road surface is
covered with ice or snow, your vehicle should be fitted
with snow tires or tire chains and driven at a more
cautious pace.
BRAKE SYSTEM
The tandem master cylinder brake system is a hydraulic
system with two separate sub−systems. If either sub−system
should fail, the other will still work. However, the pedal will be
harder to press, and your stopping distance will be longer.
Also, the brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake
system. Have your brakes fixed immediately.
Brake booster
The brake booster uses engine vacuum to power−assist the
brakes. If the engine should quit while you are driving, you can
bring the vehicle to a stop with normal pedal pressure. There
is enough reserve vacuum for one or two stops but no more!
CAUTION

Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls. Each
push on the pedal uses up your vacuum reserve.

Even if the power assist is completely lost, the brakes
will still work. But you will have to push the pedal
hard − much harder than normal. And your braking
distance will be longer.

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143
Anti−lock brake system
The anti−lock brake system is designed to prevent
lock−up of the wheels during sudden braking or braking
on slippery road surfaces. This assists the driver in
controlling the vehicle under these circumstances.
The anti−lock brake system becomes operative after the
vehicle has accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately
10 km / h (6 mph). It stops operating when the vehicle
decelerates to a speed below approximately 5 km / h (3 mph).
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle is
started. This means that the anti−lock brake system is in the
self check mode, and does not indicate a malfunction.
When the anti−lock brake system function is in action, you may
feel the brake pedal pulsating and hear a noise. In this
situation, to let the anti−lock brake system work for you, just
hold the brake pedal down more firmly. Do not pump the brake.
The brake pedal pulsation caused by the anti−lock brake
system may indicate hazardous road surface conditions.
Although the anti−lock brake system assists in providing
vehicles control, it is still important to drive with all due care,
because the anti−lock brake system cannot overcome the
laws of physics that act on your vehicle:

Braking capability is dependent on tire friction with the road
surface.
Even though the anti−lock brake system is operating, a
driver cannot maintain full control on certain slippery road
surfaces, when cornering at high speeds, or in violent
maneuvers.

Avoid high speeds on wet roads. The anti−lock brake
system cannot eliminate the risk of hydroplaning and loss
of tire friction.
Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Compared with vehicles riot fitted with an anti−lock brake
system, your vehicle may require a longer stopping distance
in the following cases:

Driving on rough, gravel or snow−covered roads.

Driving with tire chains installed.

Driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or has
other differences in surface height.

STARTING AND DRIVING
144“ABS” warning light
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” position. After about 3 seconds, the light will go off.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a
malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the warning
light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible
to service the vehicle.

The light does not come on as described above, or remains
on.

The light comes on while driving.
Even if the anti−lock brake system should fail, the brake
system will still operate conventionally. Have your vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Drum−in−disc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drum−in−disc type parking brake system.
This type of brake system needs bedding−down of the brake
shoes periodically or whenever the parking brake shoes
and / or drums are replaced.
Have your Lexus dealer perform the bedding−down.
Brake pad wear limit warning light
When your brake pads are worn enough to require
replacement, the brake pad wear limit warning light in the
instrument cluster comes on.
If the warning light comes on while driving, have the brake pads
checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible. Expensive rotor damage can result if the pads are not
replaced when needed.

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TYPES OF TIRES
Make sure what kind of tires your vehicle is originally equipped
with.
1. Summer Tires
Summer tires are high−speed capability tires best suited to
highway driving under dry conditions.
Summer tires are, however, inadequate for driving on
snow−covered or icy roads. For driving on snow−covered or
icy roads, we recommend using snow tires. If installing snow
tires, be sure to replace all four tires.
2. All Season Tires
All Season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow
and to be adequate for driving in most winter conditions, as well
as for use all year round.
All Season tires, however, fall short in acceleration and
handling performance compared with Summer tires in highway
driving. Snow tires have better snow traction than All Season
tires.
CAUTION
Do not mix Summer and All Season tires on your vehicle
as this can cause dangerous handling characteristics,
resulting in loss of control.