1998 Lexus ES300 ECU

KEYS AND DOORS9
11L023-2
Do not bend the key grip.
 Do not cover the key grip with any material that cuts off
electromagnetic waves.
 Do not knock the key hard against other objects.
 Do not leave the key exposed to high temperatures for a long period,
such as on the dashboard and hood under the direct sunlight.
 Do not put the key in water or wash it in an ultrasonic washer.
 Do not use the key with electromagnetic materials.
ENGINE IMMOBILISER SYSTEM
11L024±2
The engine immobiliser system is a theft prevention system. When you
insert the key in the ignition switch, the transponder chip in the key's head
transmits an electronic code to the vehicle. The engine will start, only
when the electronic code in the chip corresponds to the r egistered ID code
for the vehicle.
The system is automatically set when the key is removed from the ignition
switch. At this time, the security indicator light at the bottom of the instrument
cluster flashes. When you insert the key in the ignition switch, the security
indicator light goes out and the system is canceled automatically, which
enables the engine to start.
For your Lexus dealer to make you a new key with built±in transponder ch\
ip,
your dealer will need your key number and master key. However, there is a
limit to the number of additional keys your Lexus dealer can make for yo\
u.

KEYS AND DOORS11
You can use up to 4 wireless remote control transmitters for the same vehic\
le.
Contact your Lexus dealer for detailed information.
The wireless remote control transmitter is an electronic component.
Observe the following instructions in order not to cause damage on the
transmitter.

Do not leave the transmitter on the places where the temperature becomes
high such as on the dashboard.
 Do not disassemble it.
 Avoid knocking it hard against other objects or dropping it.
 Avoid putting it in water.
Locking/Unlocking the doors
When you push the ºLOCKº button on the transmitter, all the doors can
be locked from outside the vehicle.
At this time, the parking, tail, side marker and license plate lights flas\
h 1 time
sounding 1 beep. However, when you push the ºLOCKº button with any door
not closed securely, the buzzer sounds for 10 seconds or until all the doors are
closed securely. If the key is in the ignition switch or any of the doors are open,
locking cannot be done.
Make sure all the doors are locked when you leave the vehicle.
When you push the ºUNLOCKº button, the driver's door is unlocked.
Pushing that button once again within 3 seconds from the first push, all
other doors also unlock. At this time, 2 beeps sound. Together with the activation of unlocking, the
parking, tail, side marker and license plate lights flash 2 times. If the key i\
s
in the ignition switch, unlocking cannot be done.
You have 30 seconds to open a door after using the wireless remote unlock
feature. If a door is not opened by then, all the doors will be automat\
ically
locked again.
If the ºLOCKº or ºUNLOCKº switch is kept pressed in, the loc\
king or
unlocking operation is not repeated. Release the button and then push again.11E001±2

1
Off 2Louder
When you push the remote control switch, the vehicle sounds one beep when
the doors are locked by remote control, and two beeps when the doors are
unlocked.
You can adjust the beep loudness with the knob under the instrument panel.
Turning the knob clockwise increases the volume and turning it
counterclockwise until it stops turns the buzzer off.

SWITCHES21
Shifting the windshield wiper position
12E027±1

1Rest position 2Retracted position
The wiper blades retract under the hood when the wipers are turned off. If
retraction is obstructed by snow, etc., at the bottom of the windshield, the
wipers should be shifted from the retracted position to the rest position abov\
e
the hood level. When the snow season is over, manually return the wipers to
the retracted position following the procedure given below.
12E028±2
To shift the windshield wipers from retracted to rest position, hold the
connection of the wiper arm and wiper blade and pull it upward along the
windshield glass.
NOTICE
To prevent the wiper blades from being deformed, be sure to hold the
connection of the wiper arm and wiper blade securely.
12E029±1
To return the windshield wipers to retracted position, push the
connection of the wiper arm and wiper blade downward.
NOTICE
To prevent the wiper blades from being deformed, be sure to hold the
connection of the wiper arm and wiper blade securely.

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.

INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
48
LUGGAGE STOWAGE PRECAUTIONS
When stowing luggage or cargo in the vehicle, observe the following:
Put luggage or cargo in the trunk when at all possible. Be sure all items are
secured in place.
 Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as far forward\
as
possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
 For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.
CAUTION
Do not place anything on the filler panel behind the rear
seatback. Such items may be thrown about and possibly
injure people in the vehicle during sudden braking or an
accident.
 Do not drive with objects left on top of the instrument
panel. They may interfere with the driver's field of view.
Or they may move during sharp vehicle acceleration or
turning, and impair the driver's control of the vehicle. In
an accident they may injure the vehicle occupants.
NOTICE
Do not load the vehicle beyond the vehicle capacity weight specified on
the tire pressure label.

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
50
HOOD
15E001±2
To open the hood, pull the hood lock release lever under the instrument
panel. The hood will spring up slightly.
15E002±3
Insert your fingers under the hood, push up the auxiliary catch lever and
lift the hood.Before closing the hood, check to see that you have not forgotten any tools,
rags, etc. Then lower the hood and make sure it locks.
CAUTION
Before driving, be sure that the hood is securely locked.
Otherwise,
the hood may open unexpectedly while driving and
an accident may occur.

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT51
TRUNK LID
15E015
To unlock the trunk lid, insert the master key and turn it clockwise.
To close the trunk lid, lower it and press down on it. After closing the \
trunk
lid, try pulling it up to make sure it is securely closed.
The trunk lid can be unlocked using the wireless remote control transmit\
ter.
For details, see page 12.
CAUTION
Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. This not only keeps
the luggage from being thrown out, but also prevents exhaust
gases from entering the vehicle.
Trunk lid opener
15E004
To open the trunk lid while sitting in the driver's seat, push the switch with
the main switch on.

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT53
15E007
2. To remove the fuel tank cap, turn the cap slowly counterclockwise,
then pause slightly before removing it. The removed cap can be stored on
the back side of the fuel filler door.
It is not unusual to hear a slight swoosh when the cap is opened. When
installing the cap, turn the cap clockwise until you hear a click.
If the cap is not tightened securely, the malfunction indicator lamp comes on.
Make sure the cap is tightened securely.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times. If the indicator lamp
does not go off, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
CAUTION
 Make sure the cap is tightened securely to prevent fuel
spillage in case of an accident.
 Use only a genuine Lexus fuel tank cap for replacement. It
has a built±in check valve to reduce fuel tank vacuum.
In case the opener is not actuated
15E008±1
Pull the manual lever in the trunk toward the back.
This is used in case the fuel filler door cannot be opened due to a discharged
battery or other trouble.