1998 Lexus ES300 parking brake

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
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

DRIVING TIPS
158

Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of your vehicle
and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention to the rear from time to time to
prepare yourself for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may
cause your vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying happens, firmly grip the
steering wheel and reduce speed immediately but gradually. Never
increase speed. If it is necessary to reduce speed, brake slowly. Steer
straight ahead. If you make no extreme correction with the steering or
brakes, your vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
 Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires considerable
distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of your trailer
and be sure you have plenty of room before changing lanes.
 In order to maintain efficient engine braking and electrical charging
performance, do not use overdrive.
 Because of the added load of the trailer, your vehicle's engine may overheat
on hot days (at temperatures over 30C [85 F]) when going up a long or
steep gr ade with a trailer. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in use), pull your
vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot. See ºIf your vehicle overheatsº\
on page 166 of this manual.
 Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and trailer wheels when
parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. Put the transmission in ºPº.
Avoid parking on a slope with a trailer, but if it cannot be avoided, do so
only after performing the following: 1. Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release your brakes slowly until the
blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the parking brake firmly.
5. Shift into ºPº and turn off the engine.
When restarting out after parking on a slope:
1. With the transmission in ºPº position, start the engine. Be sure to k\
eep the
brake pedal depressed.
2. Shift into the º2º, ºLº or ºRº position.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal and slowly pull or back away
from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply your brakes.
4. Have someone retrieve the blocks.
CAUTION

Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) or the posted towing speed
limit, whichever is lower. Because instability (swaying) of
a towing vehicle±trailer combination usually increases as
the speed increases, exceeding 72 km/h (45 mph) may cause
loss of control.
Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill
grades. Do not make sudden downshifts.
 Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too fr equently. This
could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking
efficiency.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
166
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, if you
experience a loss of power, or if you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise,
the engine has probably overheated.
When the engine overheats
Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your emergency flashers.
Put the transmission in ºPº and apply the parking brake.
A: If steam is coming from your engine:
Turn off the engine. Leave the hood closed until there is no sign of steam or
coolant. Your engine could have been seriously damaged already. Call your
Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until there
is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is sign of very high
pressure.
B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning. Check the
following.
Is the cooling fan operating?
 Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
 Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing away
from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
 Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the engine
and radiator are hot. Serious injury could result from
scalding hot fluid and steam blown out under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the acceptabl\
e range,
turn off the engine and call your Lexus dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant temperature has cooled
to normal, continue driving your vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your vehicle
overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible by your Lexus dealer.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY167
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move cautiously off
the road to a safe place ± well away from the traffic. Avoid stopping on the
center divider of a highway. Park on a level spot with firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Firmly set the parking brake and put the transmission in ºPº.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side away from traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.
CAUTION
When jacking, be sure to observe the following to reduce the
possibility of personal injury:
Follow jacking instructions.
 Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is
supported by the jack.
 Stop the vehicle on a level firm ground, firmly set the
parking brake and put the transmission in ºPº. Block the
wheel diagonally opposite to the one being changed if
necessary.
 Make sure to set the jack properly in the jack point. Raising
the vehicle with jack improperly positioned will damage
the vehicle or may allow the vehicle to fall off the jack and
cause personal injury.
Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is supported
by the jack alone.
 Use the jack only for lifting your vehicle during wheel
changing.
 Do not raise the vehicle with someone in the vehicle.
 When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or under
the jack.
 Raise the vehicle only high enough to remove and change
the tire.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving with a deflated tire. Driving even a short distan\
ce
can damage a tire beyond repair.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY173
IF YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS TO BETOWED
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by your Lexus
dealer or a commercial tow truck service. In consultation with them, have
your vehicle towed using either (a) or (b).
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
(b) Using a flat bed truck
(c) Never tow with a sling type truck
Only when you cannot receive a towing service from a Lexus dealer or
commercial tow truck service, tow your vehicle carefully in accordance
with the instructions given in º(d) Emergency towingº on page 17\
6.
Proper equipment will help ensure that your vehicle is not damaged while
being towed. Commercial operators are generally aware of the
state/provincial and local laws pertaining to towing.
Your vehicle can be damaged if it is towed incorrectly. Although most
operators know the correct procedure, it is possible to make a mistake. To
avoid damage to your vehicle, make sure the following few precautions are
observed. If necessary, show this page to the tow truck driver.
TOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by the state/provincial\
and
local laws. The wheels and axle on the ground must be in good condition. If\
they are damaged, use a towing dolly.
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
 From front
40E018±2
Release the parking brake.
NOTICE
When lifting wheels, take care to ensure adequate ground clearance for
towing at the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Otherwise, the bumper
and/or underbody of the towed vehicle will be damaged during towing.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
176
(d) Emergency towing
40E021
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by your Lexus
dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
If towing service is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be
temporarily towed by a cable or chain secured to the emergency towing
eyelet. Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done only on hard±surfaced roads for a sh\
ort
distance and at low speeds. Also, the wheels, axles, drive train, steering and
brakes must all be in good condition.
CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. Avoid sudden
starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would place
excessive stress on the emergency towing eyelet and towing
cable or chain. The eyelet and towing cable or chain may
break and cause serious injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing vehicles.\
Securely fasten the cable or chain to the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake and put the transmission in ºNº. The
ignition key must be in ºACCº (engine off) or ºONº (engine running).
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.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY177
IF YOU CANNOT SHIFT AUTOMATICTRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER
40E032
If you cannot shift the selector lever out of ºPº position to other \
positions
even though the brake pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override
button as follows:
1 Turn the ignition key to ºLOCKº. Make sure the parking brake is
applied.
2Pry up the cover with a flat±bladed screwdriver or equivalent.
40E023
3Push down the shift lock override button. You can shift out of ºPº position only while pushing the button.
4
Shift into ºNº position.
Insert the cover. Start the engine. For your safety, keep the brake pedal
depressed.
Be sure to have the system checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possi\
ble.