1997 Lexus ES300 service indicator

27
SECTION 1 ± 3
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder
indicators
Fuel gauge 28
Engine coolant temperature gauge 28
Tachometer 29
Odometer and trip meter 30
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 30
Instrument panel light control 35

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
28
FUEL GAUGE
Low fuel level warning light
The gauge is displayed when the ignition switch is on
and indicates the approximate quantity of fuel
remaining in the tank.
It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4 full.
This fuel gauge is a non±return type needle which remains
at the last indicated position when the ignition switch is
turned off.
If the fuel level approached ªEº or the low fuel level warning
light comes on. Fill the fuel tank as soon as possible.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the malfunction indicator
lamp comes on. Fill the fuel tank immediately.
The indicator lamps goes off after driving several times. If
the indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus dealer
as soon as possible.See the inner back cover for fuel capacity and recommended
fuel selection.
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
Normal guage
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature
when the ignition switch is on. The engine operating
temperature will vary with the changes in weather and
engine load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your
vehicle and allow the engine to cool.
Your vehicle may overheat during severe operating
conditions. such as:
Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
Reducing speed or stopping after high speed driving.

GAUGES, METERS, AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
29
Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in
stop±and±go traffic.
Towing a trailer.
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in the engine
cooling system as this may cause the engine to
overheat. The thermostat is designed to control
the flow of coolant to keep the temperature of the
engine within the specified operating range.
Do not continue driving with an overheated
engine. See ªIf your vehicle overheatsº on page
165.
TACHOMETER
The tachometer indicates engine speed in thousands of
rpm (revolutions per minute). Use it while driving to
prevent engine overrevving.
Driving with the engine turning too fast causes excessive
engine wear and poor fuel econmy. Remember, in most
cases the slower the engine speed, the greater the fuel
economy.
NOTICE
Do not let the indicator needle get into the red zone.
This may cause severe engine damage.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
30
ODOMETER AND TRIP METER
ªODO/TRIPº knob
This meter displays the odometer and two trip meters.
To change the mode indication, push the ªODO/TRIPº
knob briefly. Each time you push the knob, the mode
changes in order from the odometer to trip meter A to
trip meter B, then back to the odometer, etc.
The odometer records the total distance the vehicle had
been driven. The twin trip meter records two different
distances independently.
For example, you can use one meter to calculate the fuel
economy and the other to measure the distance on each trip.
To set the A trip meter to zero, display the A meter
reading, push the knob and hold it. The same applies
for the B trip meter.
The data of trip meters will be cancelled if the electrical
power source is disconnected.
SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
AND WARNING BUZZERS

GAUGES, METERS, AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
31
(g) Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
(h) Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
(i) Close all doors.
(j) Replace bulb.
(k) Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
(l) Add washer fluid.
(m) Low fuel level Fill up tank.
warning light
(n) Key reminder buzzer Remove key.or (f) Add engine oil.
(a) Brake System Warning Light
This light has the following two functions:
Parking brake reminder
If this light is on, make sure the parking brake is fully
released. The light should go off.
Low brake fluid level warning
If this light comes on and stays on while you are driving, slow
down and pull off the road. Then stop the vehicle carefully.
Remember that stopping distance and pedal effort may be
increased. There may be a problem somewhere in the brake
system. Check the fluid level of the see±through reservior.
To make sure the psrking brake had not caused the warning
light to come on, check that the parking brake is fully
released.
If the brake fluid is low ...
At a safe place, test your brakes by starting and stopping.
If you judge that the brakes still work adequately, drive
cautiously to your nearest dealer or shop for repairs.
If the brakes are not working, have the vehicle towed in for
repairs. (For towing information, see page 172.)
CAUTION!
It is dangerous to continue driving normally when
the brake fluid level is low.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
32If the brake fluid is correct ...
Have the warning system checked by your Lexus dealer.
(b) Seat Belt Reminder Light and Buzzer
Once the ignition key is turned ªONº or ªSTARTº, the
reminder light and buzzer come on if the driver's seat belt is
not fastened. Unless the driver fastens the belt, the light
stays on and the buzzer stops after about 4 to 8 seconds.
(c) SRS Airbag Warning Light
This indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned
to the ªACCº or ªONº position. It goes off after about 6
seconds. This means the SRS airbag system is
operating properly.
The SRS airbag warning light system monitors the airbag
sensor assembly, inflators, warning light, interconnecting
wiring and power sources.
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.
(d) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, stop the vehicle, turn off
the engine, and check for the cause. Look first at the engine
drive belt.
If it is loose or broken, the generator will not charge the
battery properly.
If the belt is O.K., there is a problem somewhere in the
charging system.
The engine ignition will continue to operate, however, until
the battery is discharged. Turn off the air conditioning,
blower, radio, etc., and drive directly to the nearest Lexus
dealer or repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive is broken
or loose.

GAUGES, METERS, AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
33
(e) Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil pressure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are driving, pull off the road
to a safe place and stop the engine immediately. Call a
Lexas dealer or qualified repair shop for assistance.
The light may occasionally flicker when the engine is idling
or it may come on briefly after a hard stop. There is no cause
for concern if it then goes out when the engine is accelerated
slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level is extremely low.
It is not designed to indicate low oil level, and the oil level
must be checked using the oil level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the warning light
on±even for one block. It may ruin the engine.
(f) Low Engine Oil Level Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil level is too low. Add oil
as soon as possible. (For instructions, see ªChecking the
engine oil levelº on page 201.)
NOTICE
Continues engine operation with low engine oil will
damage the engine.
(g) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See ªFuel gaugeº on
page 28 for instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely. (See ªFuel
tank capº on page 52 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your engine or
automatic transmission electrical system.
If it comes on while you are dtiving in case c., have your
vehicle checked/repaired by your Lexas dealer as soon as
possible.
(h) ªABSº Warning Light
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in your
anti±lock brake system.
If the light comes on while you are driving, have your vehicle
checked by your Lexas dealer as soon as possible.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned ªONº,
and will go off after about 3 seconds.
When the ªABSº warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the brake system operates
conventionally but anti±lock brake system is not assisting
brake performance so that the wheels could lock up during
a sudden brake or braking on slippery road surfaces.
(i) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the doors are completely
closed.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
34
(j) Rear Light Failure Warning Light
If this light comes on when the headlight switch is turned on
(at the first or second clickstop), it indicates that one or more
of the tail lights are burned out.
If it comes on when the brake pedal is depressed, one or
more stop lights are burned out.
Have defective bulbs replaced as soon as possible.
(k) ªTRAC OFFº Indicator/Warning Light
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to ªONº,
and will go off after 3 seconds. This means that the system
is operating properly.
If the light flashes, this indicates a malfunction in the traction
control system. Contact your Lexas dealer as soon as
possible to sevice your vehicle.
(l) Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
This light comes on when the fluid level in the tank becomes
nearly empty. Fill the tank as soon as possible.
(m) Low Fuel Level Warning Light
This light comes on when the fuel level in the tank becomes
nearly empty. Fill the tank as soon as possible.
(n) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer reminds you to remove the key when you open
the driver 's door with the ignition key in the ªACCº or ªLOCKº
position.
How to check all the service reminder
indicators
(except the low fuel level warning light):
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Open the door.
The following service reminder indicator should come on. It
goes off when you close the door completely.
3. Turn the ignition key to ªACCº.
The following service reminder indicator should come on. It
goes off after 6 seconds.