1997 Lexus ES300 fuel

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.

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130
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2 Adjust seat position, seatback angle, head restraint
height and steering wheel angle.
3. Adjust inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts.
Remember to check that the service reminder indicators
function when turning the key to ªONº, and check the fuel
gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.
IGNITION SWITCH WITH STEERING
LOCK
ªSTARTº ± Starter motor on. The key will return to the
ªONº position when released.
For starting tips, see page 132.
ªONº ± Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the ªONº position if the
engine is not running. The battery will discharge
and the electronic ignition system/distributor
ignition system could be damaged.
ªACCº ± Accessories such as the radio operate, but the
engine is off.

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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.

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135

OnOff
2. Set the overdriving pattern switch to the ON
position.
Always set the overdrive switch to the ON position to
improve fuel economy and quiet driving. (See ª(b) Using
engine brakingº and ª(f) Good driving practiceº for
exceptions.)

Brake pedalªDº (Drive) position
3. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift
the selector lever to ªDº.
CAUTION!
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while
shifting.
4. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress
the accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting.
The vehicle will start in the first gear and automatically shift
to the most suitable gear for the running conditions, such as
the vehicle speed, hill climbing, hard towing, etc. However,
while the engine coolant temperature is low and the vehicle
is travelling at a low speed, the transmission will not shift into
the overdrive gear even with the overdrive switch on.