1998 Lexus ES300 tow

STARTING AND DRIVING139
31E007±1

1On 2Off
2. Set the overdrive switch to the ON position.
Always set the overdrive switch to the ON position to improve fuel economy
and quiet driving. (See º(b) Using engine brakingº and º(f)\
Good driving
practiceº for exceptions.)
31E008

1 Brake pedal 2ºDº (Drive) position
3. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the selector lever
to ºDº.
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 mos\
t
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 traveling at low speed, the transmission will no\
t shift
into the overdrive gear even with the overdrive switch on.

STARTING AND DRIVING
140
In ºDº position, the automatic transmission system will select the most
suitable
gear for the running conditions such as hill climbing, hard towing, etc.\
If you need to accelerate rapidly while driving, push the accelerator pe\
dal all
the way to the floor. The transmission will automatically downshift to the
third, second or first gear, according to the vehicle speed.
If engine braking is needed, such as in descending a long hill, see º(\
b) Using
engine brakingº.
(b) Using engine braking
31E009±2
To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the transmission in the way
described below:
1 Turn off the overdrive switch. (This is effective only when you are
driving in the ºDº position.) The ºO/D OFFº indicator light in th\
e
instrument cluster will come on and the transmission will downshift to
the third gear and engine braking will be obtained.
When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift the
transmission by t urning off the overdrive switch, engine braking will not
be applied because the cruise control is not cancelled. If you need to
decrease the vehicle speed, see page 146.
2 Shift into the º2º position. The transmission will downshift to t\
he
second gear when the vehicle speed is lower than 122 km/h (76 mph) and
more powerful engine braking will be obtained.

STARTING AND DRIVING141
3Shift into the ºLº position. The transmission will downshift to t\
he first
gear when the vehicle speed is lower than 55 km/h (34 mph) and
maximum engine braking will be applied.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed could cause the vehicle to spin
or skid.
(c) Using the º2º and ºLº positions
The º2º and ºLº positions are used for strong engine braking\
as described
previously.
With the selector lever in º2º or ºLº, you can start the vehicle\
in motion as with
the lever in ºDº.
With the selector lever in º2º, the vehicle will start in the first\
gear and
automatically shift to the second gear.
With the selector lever in ºLº, the transmission is engaged in the \
first gear.
NOTICE
Be careful not to overrev the engine. Watch the tachometer to keep
engine rpm from going into the red zone. The approximate maximum
allowable speed for each position is given above for your reference.
º2º 128 km/h (80 mph) . . . .
ºLº 70 km/h (43 mph) . . .
 Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long time in the º2º
or ºLº position. This may cause severe automatic transmission
damage from overheating. To prevent such damage, ºDº position
should be used in hill climbing or hard towing.

STARTING AND DRIVING143
(f) Good driving practice
If the transmission repeatedly upshifts and downshifts between the third\
and overdrive gears when climbing a gentle slope, turn off the overdrive
switch. Be sure to turn the switch on immediately after climbing the slope.
 When towing a trailer, in order to maintain efficient engine braking and
electrical charging performance, do not use overdrive.
CAUTION
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with
the engine running. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
NOTICE
Do not hold the vehicle on an upgrade with the accelerator pedal. This
can cause the transmission to overheat. Always use the brake pedal or
parking brake.
(g) Rocking your vehicle if stuck
CAUTION
If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc., then
you may attempt to rock the vehicle free by moving it forward
and backward. Do not attempt this procedure if people or
objects are anywhere near the vehicle. During the rocking
operation the vehicle may suddenly move forward or back as
it becomes un±stuck, causing injury or damage to nearby
people or objects.
NOTICE
If you rock your vehicle, observe the following precautions to prevent
damage to the transmission and other parts.
Do not depress the accelerator pedal while shifting the selector lever
or before the transmission is completely shifted to forward or reverse
gear.
 Do not race the engine and avoid spinning the wheels.
 If your vehicle remains stuck after rocking the vehicle several times,
consider other ways such as towing.
(h) If you cannot shift the selector lever out of ºPº
position
If you cannot shift the selector lever from ºPº position even though\
the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override button. For instructions, se\
e ºIf
you cannot shift automatic transmission selector leverº on page 177.

SECTION 3 ± 2
151
STARTING AND DRIVING
Driving tips
Break±in period152
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Operation in foreign countries 152
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Tips for driving in various conditions s 152. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
Winter driving tips 153
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Trailer towing 154
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How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer 159
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DRIVING TIPS
152
BREAK±IN PERIOD
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
You need not follow a break±in schedule with your new Lexus. But follow\
ing
a few simple tips for the first 1600 km (1000 miles) can add to the fu\
ture
economy and long life of your vehicle:
Do not drive over 88 km/h (55 mph).
 Avoid overrevving. Maintain engine speed between 2000 and 4000 rpm.
 Avoid full±throttle starts.
 Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles).
 Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either fast or slow.
 Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500 miles).
OPERATION IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES
If you plan to drive your Lexus in another country ...
First, comply with the vehicle registration laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the correct fuel (unleaded and minimum
octane rating).
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VARIOUS CONDITIONS
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you much better
control.
 Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle. Avoid driving
onto high, sharp±edged objects and other road hazards. Failure to do so can
lead to severe tire damage resulting in tire bursts.
 When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch the curb so
that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking brake, and place the
transmission in ºPº. If necessary, block the wheels.
 Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get the brakes
wet. To see whether they are wet, check that there is no traffic near you and
then press the pedal lightly. If you do not feel a normal braking force, the
brakes are probably wet. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously while
lightly pressing the brake pedal with the parking brake applied. If they still
do not work safely, pull to the side of the road and call a Lexus dealer for
assistance.

DRIVING TIPS
154
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto parts store\
s.
Follow the manufacturer's directions for how much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute because it may
damage your vehicle's paint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ºPº and block the rear wheels.\
Do
not use the parking brake, or snow or water accumulated in and around the
parking brake mechanism may freeze the parking brake, making it hard to
release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering difficult. During
bad winter driving, stop and check under the fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you carry some
emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains, window
scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel, jumper cables, etc.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger±carrying vehicle. Towing
a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, performance, braking,
durability and driving economy (fuel consumption, etc.). Your safety and
satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cautious
driving
habits. For your safety and the safety of others, you must not overload
your vehicle or trailer. Lexus warranties do not apply to damage or
malfunction caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes. Ask your
local Lexus dealer for further details before towing.
NOTICE
When towing a trailer, be sure to consult your Lexus dealer for further
information on additional requirements.
Weight limits
Before towing, make sure the total trailer weight, gross vehicle weight,
gross axle weight and trailer tongue load are all within the limits.
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with platform scal\
es
found at a highway weighing station, building supply company, trucking
company, junk yard, etc.
32E001±1

Tongue load
Total trailer weight x 100 = 9 to 11%
DRIVING TIPS
155


Certification label
CAUTION
 The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus its cargo load)
must not exceed 907 kg (2000 lb.). Exceeding this weight is
dangerous.
 The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross V ehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) indicated on the Certification
Label. The gross vehicle weight is the sum weight of the
unloaded vehicle, driver, passengers, luggage, hitch and
trailer tongue load. It also includes the weight of any
special equipment installed on your vehicle.
 The load on either the front or rear axle resulting from
distribution of the gross vehicle weight on both axles must
not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on
the Certification Label.
32L002

Total trailer weight
Tongue load
 The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that the tongue load
is 9 to 11 % of the total trailer weight, not exceeding the maximum
of 90 kg (200 lb.).
 Never l oad the trailer with more weight in the back than in the fr ont.
About 60 % of the trailer load should be in the front half of the
trailer and the remaining 40 % in the rear.
Hitches
 If you wish to install a trailer hitch, your Lexus dealer should be consul\
ted.
 Use only a hitch which is recommended by the hitch manufacturer and
conforms to the total trailer weight requirement.
 Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer. Lubricate the
hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
 Lexus recommends removing the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing
a trailer to reduce the possibility of additional damage caused by the hi\
tch
if your vehicle is struck from behind. After removing the hitch, seal a\
ny
mounting holes in the vehicle body to prevent entry of pollutants such as
exhaust fumes, dirt, water, etc.
NOTICE
 Install the trailer hitch using only the position recommended by your
Lexus dealer. Do not install the trailer hitch on the bumper; this may
cause body damage.
 Do not use axle±mounted hitches as they can cause damage to the axle
housing, wheel bearings, wheels or tires.