1997 Lexus ES300 lock

127
SECTION 3 ± 1
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converter 128
Engine exhaust caution 129
Before starting the engine 130
Ignition switch with steering lock 130
Parking brake 131
How to start the engine 132
Automatic transmission 133
Cruise control 140
Electronic modulated suspension 143
Traction control system 144
Brake system 145
Brake pad wear limit indicators 147
Types of tires 148

STARTING AND DRIVING
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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
131 If you leave the key in the ªACCº or ªLOCKº position and
open the driver's door, a buzzer will remind you to remove
the key.
ªLOCKº ± Engine is off and the steering wheel is locked.
The ignition key can be removed only at this position.
You must push in the key to turn it from ªACCº to the ªLOCKº
position. The selector lever must be put in the ªPº position
befoer turning the key in the ªLOCKº position.
When starting the engine, the key may seem stuck at the
ªLOCKº position. To free it, first be sure the key is pushed
all the way in, and then rock the steering wheel slightly while
turning the key gently.
If, in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the
vehicle is moving, turn the key only to ªACCº.
PARKING BRAKE
To set: Hold the regular brake pedal down with your
right foot. Push down the parking brake pedal with your
left foot.
To release: Hold the regular brake down with your right
foot and push and parking brake pedal with your left
foot. When you lift your left foot, the parking barke
pedal will follow it to the released position.
Before leaving your vehicle, firmly apply the parking brake.
CAUTION!
Before driving, make sure the parking brake is fully
released and that the parking brake reminder light is
off.

STARTING AND DRIVING
133
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Your automatic transmission has a shift lock system to
minimize the possibility of incorrect operation. This
means you can only shift out of ªPº position when the
brake pedal is depressed (with the ignition switch in
ªONº position and the lock release button pressed in).
(*)

Lock release button
With the brake pedal depressed, shift while
holding the lock release button in. (The ignition
switch must be in the ªONº position).
Shift while holding the lock release button in.Overdrive switch
For selecting either a three±speed or four±speed
transmission.
When the cruise control is being used even if you
downshift the transmission, engine braking will not be
applied because the cruise control is not cancelled. For
ways to decrease the vehicle speed, see ªCruise
controlº on page 142.
Shift position indicator
The shift position is also displayed on the instrument
cluster.
P:Parking, engine starting and key removal position
R:Reverse position
N:Neutral position
D:Normal driving position (Shifting into overdrive
possible)
2:Position for engine braking
L:Position for stronger engine braking than that in ª2º
position

STARTING AND DRIVING
140
(h) If you cannot shift the selector lever out of
ªPº position
If you cannot shift the selector lever from ªPº position even
thought the brake pedal is depressed, use the shift lock
override button. For instructions, see ªIf you cannot shift
automatic transmission selector leverº on page 177.
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.
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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
146
Anti±lock brake system
The anti±lock brake system is designed to automatically
prevent lock±up of the wheels during a sudden brake or
braking on slippery road surfaces. This assists in
providing directional stability and steering performance
of 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.
Effective way to press the ABS brake pedal: When the
anti±lock brake system function is in action, you may feel
the brake pedal pulsating and hear a noise. In this situa-
tion, to let the anti±lock brake system work for you, just
hold the brake pedal down more firmly. Do not pump the
brake. This will result in reduced braking performance.
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
vehicle 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 not 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
147 ªABSº warning light
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to
the ªONº position. After about 3 seconds, the light will
turn 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 comse on while driving.
Even if the anti±lock brake system should fail, the brake
system will still operate conventionally. But when the ªABSº
warning light is on (and the brake system warning light is off),
anti±lock system is not assisting brake performance so that
the wheels could lick up during a sudden brake or braking on
slippery road surfaces. 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
INDICATORS
The brake pad wear limit indicators on your disc brakes
give a warning noise when the brake pads are worn to
the extent that replacement is required.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise 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.