1998 Lexus ES300 fuel pressure

4.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
4Page
1
Engine coolant temperature gauge 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
3 Turn signal indicator light 19
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic transmission indicator lights 137
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Overdrive off indicator light 139
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Odometer and trip meter 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 ODO/TRIP knob 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Fuel gauge 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
9 Cruise control indicator light 144
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Rear light failure warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Seat belt reminder light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Brake system warning light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
13 Discharge warning light
32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Low oil pressure warning light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Slip indicator light 147
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Headlight indicator light 17
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Headlight high beam indicator light 18
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Open door warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Low engine oil level warning light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Malfunction indicator lamp 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Traction control system off
indicator/warning light 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Anti±lock brake system warning light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 SRS warning light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Low washer fluid warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Low fuel level warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
6Page
1
Engine coolant temperature gauge 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
3 Turn signal indicator light 19
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic transmission indicator lights 137
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Overdrive off indicator light 139
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Odometer and trip meter 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 ODO/TRIP knob 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Fuel gauge 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
9 Cruise control indicator light 144
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Rear light failure warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Seat belt reminder light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Brake system warning light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
13 Discharge warning light
32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Low oil pressure warning light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Slip indicator light 147
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Tail light indicator light 17
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Headlight high beam indicator light 18
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Open door warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Low engine oil level warning light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Malfunction indicator lamp 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Traction control system off
indicator/warning light 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Anti±lock brake system warning light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 SRS warning light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Low washer fluid warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Low fuel level warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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
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.

DRIVING TIPS159
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKE YOURVEHICLE LAST LONGER
Getting more kilometer/mileage from a liter/gallon of fuel is easy ± just ta\
ke
it easy. It will help make your vehicle last longer, too. Here are some specific
tips on how to save money on both fuel and repairs:
Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. Check the pressure
every two weeks, or at least once a month. Underinflation causes tire wear
and wastes fuel.
 Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess weight puts a
heavier load on the engine, causing greater fuel consumption.
 Avoid lengthy warm±up idling. Once the engine is running smoothly,
begin driving ± but gently. Remember, however, that on cold winter days
this may take a little longer.
 Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts.
 Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait and you are not in traf fic,
it is better to turn off the engine and start again later. 
Avoid engine overrevving. Use a gear position suitable for the road on
which you are traveling.
 Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing down. Stop±and±go driving
wastes fuel.
 Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking. Maintain a steady pace. Try
to time the traffic signals so you only need to stop as little as possible or
take advantage of through streets to avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper
distance from other vehicles to avoid sudden braking. This will also reduce
wear on your brakes.
 Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever possible.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. This causes needless wear,
overheating and poor fuel economy.
 Maintain a moderate speed on highways. The faster you drive, the
greater the fuel consumption. By reducing your speed, you will cut down
on fuel consumption.
 Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid hitting the curb and
slow down on rough roads. Improper alignment not only causes faster tire
wear but also puts an extra load on the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.\
 Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud, etc. This not only
lessens weight but also helps prevent corrosion.

ENGINE197
Engine oil consumption
It is normal that an engine should consume some engine oil during normal
engine operation. The causes of oil consumption in a normal engine are
as follows.
Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston rings and cylinders. A thin film of
oil is left on the cylinder wall when a piston moves downwards in the
cylinder. High negative pressure generated when the vehicle is
decelerating sucks some of this oil into the combustion chamber. This oil
as well as some part of the oil film left on the cylinder wall is burned b\
y the
high temperature combustion gases during the combustion process.
 Oil is also used to lubricate the stems of the intake valves. Some of this\
oil
is sucked into the combustion chamber together with the intake air and i\
s
burned along with the fuel. High temperature exhaust gases also burn the
oil used to lubricate the exhaust valve stems. The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the viscosity of the oil, the
quality of the oil and the way the vehicle is driven.
More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high speeds and
frequent acceleration and deceleration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since its pistons, piston rings and cyli\
nder
walls have not become conditioned.
When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in mind that the oil
may have become diluted, making it difficult to judge the true level
accurately.
For example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips and consumes \
a
normal amount of oil, the dipstick may not show any drop in the oil level at
all, even after 1000 km (600 miles) or more. This is because the oil \
is
gradually becoming diluted with fuel or moisture, making it appear that the
oil level has not changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle is then driven at high
speeds, as on an expressway, making it appear that oil is excessively
consumed after driving at high speeds.
Importance of engine oil level check
One of the most important points in proper vehicle maintenance is to keep t\
he
engine oil at the optimum level so that oil function will not be impaired.
Therefore, it is essential that the oil level be checked regularly. Lexus
recommends that the oil level be checked every time you refuel the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly could lead to serious engine
trouble due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check, see ºChecking the engine\
oil
levelº on page 198.

CHASSIS207
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be damaged.
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE
63E004±1
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire size and the vehicle capacity
weight are given on the label.
You should check the tire pressures every two weeks, or at least once a mon\
th.
And don't forget the spare! The air pressure for the spare tire should be 220
kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi). Incorrect tire pressure can reduce tire life and
make your vehicle less safe to drive. Low tire pressure results in excessive wear, poor handling, reduced fuel
economy,
and the possibility of blowouts from overheated tires. Also, low tire
pressure can cause poor sealing of the tire bead. If the tire pressure is
excessively low, there is the possibility of wheel deformation and/or tire
separation. So keep your tire pressures at the proper level. If a tire needs
frequent refilling, have it checked by your Lexus dealer.
High tire pressure produces a harsh ride, handling problems, excessive wear
at the center of the tire tread, and a greater possibility of tire damage \
from road
hazards.
The following instructions for checking tire pressure should be observed:
 The pressure should be checked only when the tires are cold. If your
vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours and has not been driven for
more than 1.5 km or 1 mile since, you will get an accurate cold tire pressure
reading.
 Always use a tire pressure gauge. The appearance of the tire can be
misleading. Besides, tire pressures that are even just a few pounds off can
degrade handling and ride.
 Do not bleed or reduce tire pressure after driving. It is normal for the
tire pressure to be higher after driving.
 Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight. The passengers and luggage
weight should be located so that the vehicle is balanced.
 Be sure to reinstall the tire valve caps. Without the valve caps, dirt or
moisture could get into the valve core and cause air leakage. If the ca\
ps
have been lost, have new ones put on as soon as possible.