1998 Lexus ES300 oil

4.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
4Page
1
Engine coolant temperature gauge 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
3 Turn signal indicator light 19
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic transmission indicator lights 137
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Overdrive off indicator light 139
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Odometer and trip meter 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 ODO/TRIP knob 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Fuel gauge 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
9 Cruise control indicator light 144
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Rear light failure warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Seat belt reminder light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Brake system warning light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
13 Discharge warning light
32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Low oil pressure warning light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Slip indicator light 147
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Headlight indicator light 17
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Headlight high beam indicator light 18
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Open door warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Low engine oil level warning light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Malfunction indicator lamp 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Traction control system off
indicator/warning light 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Anti±lock brake system warning light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 SRS warning light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Low washer fluid warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Low fuel level warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
6Page
1
Engine coolant temperature gauge 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
3 Turn signal indicator light 19
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic transmission indicator lights 137
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Overdrive off indicator light 139
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Odometer and trip meter 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 ODO/TRIP knob 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Fuel gauge 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
9 Cruise control indicator light 144
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Rear light failure warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Seat belt reminder light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Brake system warning light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
13 Discharge warning light
32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Low oil pressure warning light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Slip indicator light 147
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Tail light indicator light 17
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Headlight high beam indicator light 18
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Open door warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Low engine oil level warning light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Malfunction indicator lamp 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Traction control system off
indicator/warning light 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Anti±lock brake system warning light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 SRS warning light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Low washer fluid warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Low fuel level warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS31
(f) Add engine oil.
(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.
(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 p\
ull
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
reservoir.
To make sure the parking brake has not caused the warning light to come on\
,
check to see that the parking brake is fully released.
If the brake fluid level 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 173.)
CAUTION
It is dangerous to continue driving normally when the brake
fluid level is low.
or

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS33
(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 Lexus dealer or qualified repair shop
for assistance.
The light may occasionally flicker when the engine is idling or it may c\
ome
on briefly after a hard stop. There is no cause for concern if it then go\
es 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 ºChecking the engine oil levelº on page 19\
8.)
While driving on steep inclines or rough roads which causes the vehicle to
substantially sway or on curves, this light may come on due to the movement
of engine oil in the engine.
NOTICE
Continued 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 ºFuel gaugeº on page 28 for
instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely. (See ºFuel 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 driving in case c., have your vehicle
checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
(h) ºABSº 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
Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to ºONº, and w\
ill go
off after about a few seconds.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO115
(c) Your radio antenna
The wire antenna is mounted inside the rear window.
NOTICE

When cleaning the inside of the rear window, be careful not to scratch
or damage the wire antenna.
 Putting a window tint (especially, conductive or metallic type) on the
rear window may affect the reception of radio. For the installation of
the window tint, consult with your Lexus dealer.
(d) Your cassette player
When you insert a cassette, the exposed tape should be to the right.
NOTICE
Do not oil any part of the cassette player, and do not insert anything except
a cassette tape into the slot.
(e) Your automatic changer
20E016±2
If your Lexus is equipped with an automatic changer, it can play selected discs
or continuously play all the discs set in the magazine.
When you set discs into the magazine, make sure they face the correct wa\
y.
If not, the player will display ºErrº and the disc number.
NOTICE
Never try to disassemble or oil any part of the compact disc player. Do not
insert anything except a compact disc into the magazine.
The player is intended for use with 12 cm (4.7 in.) discs only.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO127
(h) If the player malfunctions
If ºWAITº appears on the display, audio signals of the disc cannot be read or
the system has trouble. Push the ºCDº button once again.
If the player does not operate, check that the disc surface is not soiled or
damaged. If the disc is O.K., the following cause is possible.

The temperature of the player's internal mechanism is raised because of
high external temperature. Remove the magazine from the player to cool
it.
If the player still does not operate, take it to your Lexus dealer.
Car audio system operating hints
NOTICE
To ensure the correct audio system operation:
 Be careful not to spill beverages over the audio system.
 Do not put anything other than a cassette tape or CD magazine into the
cassette tape slot or CD changer.
Radio reception
Usually, the problem with radio reception does not mean there is a problem
with your radio ± it is just the normal result of conditions outside the \
vehicle.
For example, nearby buildings and terrain can interfere with FM receptio\
n.
Power lines or telephone wires can interfere with AM signals. And of course,
radio signals have a limited range, and the farther you are from a station, t\
he
weaker its signal will be. In addition, reception conditions change constantl\
y
as your vehicle moves.
Here are some common reception problems that probably do not indicate a
problem with your radio:
FM
Fading and drifting stations ± Generally, the effective range of FM is about
40 km (25 miles). Once outside this range, you may notice fading and dr\
ifting,
which increase with the distance from the radio transmitter. They are often
accompanied by distortion.
Multi±path ± FM signals are reflective, making it possible for two signals to
reach your antenna at the same time. If this happens, the signals will cance\
l
each other out, causing a momentary flutter or loss of reception.
Static and fluttering ± These occur when signals are blocked by buildings,
trees, or other large objects. Increasing the bass level may reduce static and
fluttering.

DRIVING TIPS153
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is fully
released and that the parking brake reminder light is off.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. It
can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear, and poor
fuel economy.
 To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed and
downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes excessively,
they may overheat and not work properly. See page 140.
 Be careful when accelerating, upshifting, downshifting or
braking on a slippery surface. The abrupt change in engine
speed, such as sudden acceleration or engine braking, could
cause the vehicle to spin or skid.
 Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal
speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140 km/h (85 mph)
unless your vehicle has high±speed capability tires.
Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may result in tire failure,
loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire
dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are
high±speed capability tires or not before driving at such
speeds.
 Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are wet. If they are
wet, your vehicle will r equire a longer stopping distance, and it may
pull to one side when the brakes are applied. Also, the parking brake
will not hold the vehicle securely.
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have ethylene±glycol antifreeze in the radiator.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it must be in top shape
to provide enough power for winter starting. Page 219 tells you how to
visually inspect the battery. Your Lexus dealer and most service stations will
be pleased to check the battery charge level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold weather.
See page 200 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy summer oil in your
vehicle during winter months may cause harder starting. If you are not sure
about which oil to use, call your Lexus dealer ± they will be pleased to h\
elp.
Check the electronic ignition system for loose connections or obvious
damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de±icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from fre\
ezing.

DRIVING TIPS
160

Keep your vehicle tuned±up and in top shape. A dirty air cleaner,
improper valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil and grease, brakes not
adjusted, etc. all lower engine performance and contribute to poor fuel
economy. For longer life of all parts and lower operating costs, keep all
maintenance work on schedule, and if you often drive under severe
conditions, see that your vehicle receives more frequent maintenance. (For
scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the separate ºOwner's
Manual Supplement/Maintenance Scheduleº.)
CAUTION
Never turn off the engine to coast down hills. Your power
steering and brake booster will not function without the
engine running. Also, the emission control system operates
properly only when the engine is running.