1998 Lexus ES300 emission control

STARTING AND DRIVING
132
THREE±WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTERWARM UP THREE±WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER
31E001±4

1Warm up three±way catalytic converter
2Three±way catalytic converter
Vehicles sold in California;
1 and 2
Vehicles sold outside California;
2 only
The three±way catalytic converter/warm up three±way catalytic
converter is an emission control device installed in the exhaust system.
It looks somewhat like a muffler, but its purpose is to reduce pollutants in the
exhaust gas.
CAUTION
 Keep people and combustible materials away from the
exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The exhaust gas
is very hot.
 Do not drive, idle or park your vehicle over anything that
might burn easily such as grass, leaves, paper or rags.
NOTICE
A large amount of unburned gases flowing into the three±way catalytic\
converter/warm up three±way catalytic converter may cause it to
overheat and create a fire hazard. To prevent this and other damage,
observe the following precautions:
Use only unleaded gasoline.
 Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level; running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, creating an excessive load on the
three±way catalytic converter/warm up three±way catalytic converter.
 Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed for more than 20 minutes.
 Avoid racing the engine.
 Do not push±start or pull±start your vehicle.
 Do not turn off the ignition while the vehicle is moving.

STARTING AND DRIVING133

Keep your engine in good running order. Malfunctions in the engine
electrical system, electronic ignition system/distributor ignition
system or fuel system could cause an extremely high three±way
catalytic converter/warm up three±way catalytic converter
temperature.
 If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, take your
vehicle in for a check±up as soon as possible. Remember, your Lexus
dealer knows your vehicle and its three±way catalytic converter/warm
up three±way catalytic converter system best.
 To ensure that the three±way catalytic converter /warm up three±way
catalytic converter and the entire emission control system operate
properly, your vehicle must receive the periodic inspections required
by the Lexus Maintenance Schedule. For scheduled maintenance
information, refer to the separate ºOwner's Manual Supplement/
Maintenance Scheduleº.
ENGINE EXHAUST CAUTION
CAUTION
Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust. It contains carbon
monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless gas. It can
cause unconsciousness or even death.
 Make sure the exhaust system has no holes or loose
connections. The system should be checked from time to
time. If you hit something, or notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust, have the system checked immediately.
 Do not run the engine in a garage or enclosed area except
for the time needed to drive the vehicle in or out. The
exhaust gases cannot escape, making this a particularly
dangerous situation.
 Do not remain for a long time in a parked vehicle with the
engine running. If it is unavoidable, however, do so only in
an unconfined area and adjust the heating or cooling
system to force outside air into the vehicle.
 Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. An open or
unsealed trunk lid may cause exhaust gases to be drawn
into the vehicle. If you must drive with the trunk lid open
to accommodate a large object, close the windows, open all
the dashboard vents and have the heating or cooling system
deliver fresh air into the vehicle by turning the fan to high
speed with the air intake control button in the OUTSIDE
AIR mode.

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.

MAINTENANCE
180
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Your Lexus vehicle has been designed to have fewer maintenance
requirements with longer service intervals to save both your time and money.
However, each regular maintenance as well as day±to±day care is more
important than ever before to ensure smooth, trouble±free, safe, and
economical driving.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure the specified maintenance,
including general maintenance services, is performed. Note that both the new
vehicle and emission control system warranties specify that proper
maintenance and care must be performed. See the Owner's Guide, Owner's
Manual Supplement or Warranty Booklet for complete warranty information.
General maintenance
General maintenance items are those day±to±day care practices that are
important to your vehicle for proper operation. It is the owner's responsibility
to ensure that the general maintenance items are performed regularly.
These checks or inspections can be done either by yourself or your Lexus
dealer.
Scheduled maintenance
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the ºOwner's Manual
Supplement/Maintenance Scheduleº are those required to be serviced at
regular intervals. For details of your maintenance schedule, read the separate ºOwner's Manual
Supplement/Maintenance Scheduleº.
It is recommended that any replacement parts used for maintenance or
for the repair of the emission control system be Lexus supplied.
The owner may elect to use non±Lexus supplied parts for replacement
purposes without invalidating the emission control system warranty.
However, use of replacement parts which are not of equivalent quality
may impair the effectiveness of the emission control systems.
You may also elect to have maintenance, replacement, or repair of the
emission
control devices and system performed by any automotive r epair
establishment or individual without invalidating this warranty. See
Owner's Guide, Owner's Manual Supplement or Warranty Booklet for
complete warranty information.
Where to go for service?
Lexus technicians are well±trained specialists and are kept up to date wit\
h the
latest service information through technical bulletins, service tips, and
in±dealership training programs. They are well informed about the operation
of all the systems on your vehicle.
You can be confident that your Lexus dealer's service department performs
the best job to meet the maintenance requirements of your vehicle.

ENGINE195
FUEL
Fuel type
Your vehicle must use only unleaded gasoline.
To help prevent gas station mixups, your Lexus has a smaller fuel tank
opening. The special nozzle on pumps with unleaded fuel will fit it, but the
larger nozzle on pumps with leaded gas will not.
At a minimum, the gasoline you use should meet the specifications of ASTM
D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB 3.5±M93 in Canada.
NOTICE
Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of leaded gasoline will cause the
three±way catalytic converter/warm up three±way catalytic converter to
lose its effectiveness and the emission control system to function
improperly. Also, this can increase maintenance costs.
Octane rating
Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher. For
improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gasoline
with an Octane Rating of 91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher is
recommended.
Use of unleaded fuel with an Octane Rating or Research Octane Number
lower than stated above will cause persistent heavy knocking. If it is sever\
e,
this will lead to engine damage. If your engine knocks ...
If you detect heavy knocking even when using the recommended fuel, or if\
you hear steady knocking while holding a steady speed on level roads, consu\
lt
your Lexus dealer.
However, now and then, you may notice light knocking for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no cause for concern.
Gasolines containing detergent additives
Lexus recommends use of gasolines that contain detergent additives to
avoid build±up of engine deposits.
For further details, ask your Lexus dealer or a local gasoline retailer.
Improved gasolines
The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has
developed a specification of improved gasolines. The AAMA
specification offers optimal fuel information for better vehicle
performance and better protection of your engine.
Lexus recommends the use of gasolines that meet the AAMA specification,
if available, for improved drivability and emission control system.

ENGINE
196
Gasolines containing MTBE
Gasolines that contain MTBE (Methyl Tertiary±Butyl Ether) are
available in the market. If you use a gasoline mixed with MTBE, make
certain that it does not contain more than 15% of MTBE.
If the use of gasolines containing MTBE causes poor drivability and/or p\
oor
fuel economy, you should stop using them.
Gasolines containing MMT
Some gasolines contain an octane±enhancing additive called MMT
(methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl).
Lexus does not recommend the use of gasolines that contain MMT. If fuels
containing MMT are used, your emission control system may be adversely
affected. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp on the instrument cluster may
come on. If this happens, contact your Lexus dealer for service.
Gasolines containing alcohol
Gasohol is a mixture of gasoline and ethanol. If you use gasohol in your
Lexus, be sure that it is unleaded, has an octane rating no lower than 87
and does not contain more than 10% ethanol. Lexus does not recommend
the use of gasolines containing methanol.
If you use gasoline containing methanol, use only gasoline meeting the
requirements above and also containing less than 5% methanol with
cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for methanol.
NOTICE
 Do not use gasohol other than stated above. It will cause fuel system
damage or vehicle performance problems.
 If drivability problems are encountered (poor hot starting, vaporizing,
engine knock, etc.), discontinue its use.
 Take care not to spill gasohol during refueling. Gasohol may cause
paint damage.
Fuel tank capacity
70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 lmp.gal.)
FACTS ABOUT ENGINE OIL
CONSUMPTION
Functions of engine oil
Engine oil has the primary function of lubricating and cooling the inside of th\
e
engine, and plays a major role in maintaining the engine in proper working
order.