1997 Lexus ES300 engine overheat

STARTING AND DRIVING
128
THREE±WAY CATALYTIC
CONVERTER
The three±way catalytic converter is an emission
control device installed in the exhaust system.
It looks 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 if 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.
Malfunction 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
132
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 162.
NOTICE
Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time.
This may overheat the starter and wiring system.
Do not race a cold engine.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, have the engine checked immediately.

STARTING AND DRIVING
137 Shift into the ªLº position. The transmission will
downshift to the first gear when the vehicle speed is
lower than 55 km/h (34 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 and skid.
(c) Using the ª2º and ªLº positions
The ª2º and ªLº positions are used for strong engine braking
as described previously.
With the selector lever in ª2º or ªLº, you can start the vehicle
in motion as with the lever in ªDº.
With the selector lever in ª2º, the vehicle will start in the first
gear and automatically shift to the second gear.
With the selector lever in ªLº, 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:
Transmission Transfer
ª2º 128 km/h (80 mph)
ªLº 70 km/h (43 mph)
Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for
a long time in the ª2º or ªLº position. This may
cause severe automatic transmission damage
from overheating. To prevent such damage, ªDº
position should be used in hill climbing or hard
towing.

STARTING AND DRIVING
139
(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) Rocking your vehicle in stuck
CAUTION
If you rock your vehicle to make it out when it
becomes stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc., first check
that there is no physical object or people around the
vehicle. During operation, the vehicle may suddenly
move forward or backward, causing injury or damage
to nearby people or objects.!
NOTICE
If you rock your vehicle, observe the following
precautions to prevent damage to the transmission
and other parts.
Do not depress the accelerator pedal while
shifting the selector lever or before the
transmission is completely shifted to forward or
reverse gear.
Do not race the engine and avoid spinning the
wheels
If your vehicle remains stuck after rocking the
vehicle several times, consider other ways such as
towing.