1997 Lexus ES300 traction control

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
144
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically helps control
the spinning of the front wheels which may occur when
accelerating on slippery road surfaces, thus assisting
driver to control the driver to control the driving power
of the front wheels.
When you turn the ignition switch on, this system
always turns on. Leave the system on during ordinary
driving so that it can operate when needed. When
traction control is applied, the slip indicator light
blinks.
You can turn off the traction control system by pushing
the ªTRAC OFFº switch. The ªTRAC OFFº
indicator/warning light will then come on. Pushing the
ªTRAC OFFº switch a second time turns the system
back on and extingusihes the ªTRAC OFFº
indicator/warning light.
You may hear a slight clicking noise in the engine
compartment when the engine is started. This means that
the traction control system is in the self±check mode, and
does not indicate malfunction. When the traction control
system is operating, you may feel vibation or noise of your
vehicle, caused byoperation of the brakes. This indicates the
system is functioning properly.
When getting the vehicle out of the mud or new snow, etc.
the traction control system will help operate to prevent the
wheels from spinning.

STARTING AND DRIVING
145
Traction control failure warning
If hte ªTRAC OFFº indicator/warning light flashes, contact
your Lexus dealer as soon as possible. There may be
trouble in the traction control system.
CAUTION!
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction
of the vehicle and power to the front wheels cannot
be maintained, even though the traction control
system is in operation. Do not drive the vehicle
under any speed or maneuvering conditions which
will cause the vehicle to lose traction. In situations
where the road surface is covered with ice or snow,
your vehicle should be fitted with snow tires or tire
chains. Always drive at an appropriate and cautious
pace.
BRAKE SYSTEM
The tandem master cylinder brake system is hydraulic system
with two separate sub±systems. If either sub±system should
fail, the other will still work. However, the pedal will be harder
to press, and your stopping distance will be longer. Also, the
brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION!
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake
system. Have your brakes fixed immediately.
Brake booster
The brake booster uses engine vacuum to power±assist the
brakes. If the engine should quit while you are driving, you can
bring the vehicle to a stop with normal pedal pressure. There
is enough reserve vacuum for one or two stops but no more!
CAUTION!
Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.
Each push on the pedal uses up your braking
distance will be longer.
Even if the power assist is completely lost, the
brakes will still work. But you will have to push the
pedal hard ± much harder than normal. And your
braking distance will be longer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
148
TYPES OF TIRES
Determine what kind of tires your vehicle is originally
equipped with.
1. Summer tires
Summer tires are high±speed capability tires best suited to
highway driving under dry conditions.
Since summer tires do not have the same traction
performance as snow tires, summer tires are inadequate for
driving on snow±covered or icy roads, we recommend using
snow tires. If installing snow tires, be sure to replace all four
tires.
2. All season tires
All season tires are designed to provide better traction in
snow and to be adequate for driving in most winter
conditions, as well as for use all year round.
All season tires, however, do not have adequate traction
performance compared with snow tires in heavy or loose
snow. Also, all season tires fall short in acceleration and
handling performance compared with summer tires in
highway driving.
CAUTION!
Do not mix summer and all season tires on your
vehicle as this can cause dangerous handling
characteristics, resulting in loss of control.
Do not use tires other than the manufacturer's
designated tires, and never mix tires or wheels of
the sizes different from the originals.