1998 Lexus ES300 service

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS35
How to check all the service reminder indicators
(except the low fuel level warning light):
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Open the door.
The following service reminder indicator should come on. It goes off when
you close the door completely.
3. Turn the ignition key to ºACCº.
The following service reminder indicator should come on. It goes off after 6
seconds.
4. Turn the ignition key to ºONº.
The following service reminder indicators should come on.
or

or

The following service reminder indicators go off after a few seconds.
or

5. Turn the ignition key to ºSTARTº.
The following service reminder indicators should come on.

If any service reminder indicator or warning buzzer does not function, e\
ither
the bulb is burned out or circuit is in need of repair. Have it checked by your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT CONTROL
13E005
To adjust the brightness of the instrument panel lights, turn the knob.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT79
16E022
This SRS has an indicator to inform the driver of operating problems. If either
of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a malfunction of the ai\
rbags
and/or seat belt pretensioners. Even if the seat belt pretensioners should fa\
il,
the seat belts will operate conventionally. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon
as possible to service the vehicle.
The light does not come on as described above.
 The light stays on or flashes.
 The light comes on or starts flashing while driving.
If the light stays on, it indicates that the driver and front passenger air\
bags fail.
If the light flashes, the side airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners fa\
il.16E128±1
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible:
 Any of the SRS airbags have been inflated.
 If either front seat belt does not retract or cannot be pulled out due t\
o a
malfunction or activation of the pretensioner.

STARTING AND DRIVING
134
To allow proper operation of your vehicle's ventilation system, keep
the inlet grilles in front of the windshield clear of snow, leaves, or
other obstructions.
 If you smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle, drive with the windows
open and the trunk lid closed. Have the cause immediately located
and corrected.
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 ºONº, and check the fuel gauge to see that you \
have
sufficient fuel.
IGNITION SWITCH WITH STEERING
LOCK
31E036
ºSTARTº ± Starter motor on. The key will return to the ºONº position
when released.
For starting tips, see page 136.
ºONº ± Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the ºONº position if the engine is not runni\
ng.
The battery will discharge and the electronic ignition system/distributo\
r
ignition system could be damaged.
ºACCº ± Accessories such as the radio operate, but the engine i\
s off.

STARTING AND DRIVING149

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. ºABSº warning light
31E015
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the ºONº po\
sition.
After about a few seconds, the light will go 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 comes on while driving.
Even if the anti±lock brake system should fail, the brake system will still
operate conventionally. But when the ºABSº warning light is on (and the
brake system warning light is off), anti±lock brake system is not assisting
brake performance so that the wheels could lock 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.

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.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
162
IF YOUR ENGINE STALLS WHILEDRIVING
If your engine stalls while driving . . . .
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move cautiously off
the road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Try starting the engine again.
If the engine will not start, see ºIf your vehicle will not startº\
.
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and
steering will not work, so steering and braking will be much
harder than usual.
IF YOUR VEHICLE WILL NOT START
(a) Simple checks
Before making these checks, make sure you have followed the correct starting
procedure instructions in ºHow to start the engineº on page 136 and that you
have sufficient fuel. Since your vehicle is equipped with the engine
immobiliser system, also check whether the other keys will start the engine.
If they work, your key may be broken. Have the key checked at your Lexu\
s
dealer. If none of your keys work, the system is possibly broken. Call your
Lexus dealer. See ºKeysº on page 7.
If the engine is not turning over or is turning over too slowly ±
1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior light.
3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is cranked, the ba\
ttery
is discharged. You may try jump starting. See º(c) Jump startingº for further
instruction.
If the light is O.K., but the engine still will not start, it needs adju\
stment or
repair. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service
Assistance. (See ºForewordº.)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY163
NOTICE
Do not pull± or push±start the vehicle. It may damage the vehicle o\
r cause
a collision when the engine starts. Also the three±way catalytic conv\
erter
/ warm up three±way catalytic converter may overheat and become a fir\
e
hazard.
If the engine turns over at its normal speed but will not start ±
1. The engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking. See º(b) Star\
ting
a flooded engineº for further instructions.
2. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call a Lexus
dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service Assistance. (See
ºForewordº.)
(b) Starting a flooded engine
If the engine will not start, your engine may be flooded because of
repeated cranking.
If this happens, turn the key to ºSTARTº with the accelerator pedal held down.
Continue this operation for 30 seconds and then stop cranking. Then try
starting the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If the engine does not start after 30 seconds of cranking, release the key\
, wait
a few minutes and try again.
If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call a Lexus
dealer. Roadside Assistance or Customer Service Assistance. (See
ºForewordº.)
NOTICE
Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may overheat the
starter and wiring systems.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
164
(c) Jump starting
To avoid serious personal injury and damage to your vehicle which might
result from battery explosion, acid burns, electrical burns, or damaged
electronic components, these instructions must be followed precisely.
If you are unsure about how to follow this procedure, we strongly recommen\
d
that you seek help from your Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer
Service Assistance. (See ºForewordº.).
CAUTION
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which is poisonous and
corrosive. Wear protective safety glasses when jump
starting, and avoid spilling acid on your skin, clothing, or
vehicle.
 If you should accidentally get acid on yourself or in your
eyes, remove any contaminated clothing and flush the
affected area with water immediately. Then get immediate
medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with
a sponge or cloth while en route to the medical office.
 The gas normally produced by a battery will explode if a
flame or spark is brought near. Use only standardized
jumper cables and do not smoke or light a match while
jump starting.
NOTICE
The battery used for boosting must be 12 V. Do not jump start unless you
are sure that the booster battery is correct.
40E001±2

5
Discharged battery 6Booster battery