1996 Lexus LS400 engine overheat

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126
THREE±WAY CATALYTIC
CONVERTER
Three±way catalytic converters are emission control
devices installed in the exhaust system.
The three±way catalytic converter located at the confluence
of exhaust pipes 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.

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130
HOW TO START THE ENGINE
Before cranking
1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Put the selector lever in ªPº. If you need to restart the
engine while the vehicle is moving, put the selector lever in
ªNº. A starter safety device will prevent the starter from
operating if the selector lever is in any drive position.
4. Depress the brake pedal and hold it to the floor until you
are ready to drive off.
Starting the engine
Before starting the engine, be sure to follow the instructions
in ªBefore crankingº.
Normal starting procedure
The multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system in your engine automatically controls the
proper air±fuel mixture for starting. You can start a cold or hot
engine as follows:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, crank the engine
by turning the key to ªSTARTº. 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 ªIf your vehicle will not startº on page 160.
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
136
(f) Good driving practice

If the transmission repeatedly upshifts and downshifts
between the third and overdrive gears when climbing a
gentle slope, shift the selector lever to the ª3º position. Be
sure to shift the selector lever to the ªDº position after
climbing the slope.
When towing a trailer, in order to maintain efficient engine
braking and electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive. The selector lever must be in the ª3º position.
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
If you cannot shift the selector lever even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override button. For
instructions, see ªIf you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector leverº on page 175.
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. If the vehicle speed is too fast in relation
to the cruise control set speed, cancel the cruise
control then downshift the transmission to use
engine braking to slow down.