1998 Lexus ES300 fuel cap

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
28
FUEL GAUGE
13E001

Low fuel level warning light
The gauge is displayed when the ignition switch is on and indicates the
approximate quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.
It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4 full.
This fuel gauge has a non±return type needle which remains at the last
indicated position when the ignition switch is turned off.
If the fuel level approaches ºEº or the low fuel level warning light\
comes on,
fill the fuel tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the tank, the fuel g\
auge
needle may fluctuate or the low fuel level warning light may come on earlier
than usual.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the malfunction indicator lamp comes on.
Fill the fuel tank immediately.
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.
See the inner back cover for fuel capacity and recommended fuel selectio\
n.
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
13E002±1

Normal range
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature when the ignition
switch is on. The engine operating temperature will vary with changes in
weather and engine load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your vehicle and allow the
engine to cool.

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.

SECTION 1 ± 5
49
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Exterior equipment
Hood50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk lid 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . .
Fuel tank cap 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . .
Moon roof 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . .

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
52
15E005±2

1Main switch 2Operative 3Inoperative
If you do not want to activate the trunk lid opener system, turn off the\
main switch in the glovebox. To turn it on, push in the main switch.
To protect things put in the trunk, when you have your vehicle parked, tur\
n off
the trunk lid opener system and lock the glovebox.
FUEL TANK CAP
15E006
1. To open the fuel filler door, push the switch.
When refueling, turn off the engine.
CAUTION
 Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames when
refuelling. The fumes are flammable.
 When opening the cap, do not remove the cap quickly. In
hot weather, fuel under pressure could cause injury by
spraying out of the filler neck if the cap is suddenly
removed.

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.

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 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.