1998 Lexus ES300 heating

SWITCHES25
EMERGENCY FLASHER SWITCH
12E014±1
To turn on the emergency flashers, push the switch.
All the turn signal lights will flash. The emergency flashers will work with
the engine running or off and with or without the ignition key.
Turn on the emergency flashers to warn other drivers if you must stop your
vehicle where it might be a traffic hazard.
Always pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible.
The turn signal light switch will not work when the emergency flashers are in
operation.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not leave the switch on
longer than necessary when the engine is not running.
SEAT HEATER SWITCHES
12E015±2

1For driver's seat 2For front passenger's seat
To turn on the seat heater, push the switch.
The ignition key must be in the ºONº position.
CAUTION
Occupants must use caution when operating the seat heater
because it may make them feel too hot or cause burns at low
temperatures (erythema, varicella). Use extra caution for;
 Baby, small child, elderly person, sick person or
handicapped person
 Persons who have delicate skin
 Persons who are exhausted
Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs which induce sleep
(sleeping drug, cold remedy, etc.)
To prevent the seat overheating, do not use the seat heater with a
blanket, cushion, or other insulating objects which cover the seat.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO107
SETTING OPERATION ± manual control
If manual air flow selection is desired ±
20E005±1
The outlets from which air is delivered can be selected manually by pushing\
the button. The function of each mode is as follows:
1
Panel ± Air flows mainly from the instrument panel vents.
2
Bi±level ± Air flows from both the floor vents and the instrument panel
vents.
3 Floor ± Air flows mainly from the floor vents.
4
Floor/Windshield ± Air flows mainly from the floor vents and
windshield vents. If quick heating or cooling is desired ±
Turn the ºTEMPº knob until ºMAX. HOTº or ºMAX. COLDº appea\
rs on the
display.
When the ºMAX. COLDº is selected, the air intake is automatically set \
to
ºRECIRCULATED AIRº mode.
To cancel the automatic control of the ºRECIRCULATED AIRº mode; turn
the ignition switch off and then turn it on while pushing the ºAUTOº and the
fan speed control button on the left side. To return to the previous mode of
automatic control; turn the ignition switch off and then turn it on while
pushing the ºOFFº and ºFRONT WINDSHIELDº buttons.
If manual fan speed control is desired ±
20E006±2

1
Fan speed at low 2Fan speed at high
The fan speed can be set to your desired speed by pushing the appropriate s\
ide
of fan speed control button. The higher the fan speed is, the more air \
is
delivered. Pushing the ºOFFº button turns off the fan.
To remove exterior windshield frost, use the high speed setting.
If manual switching of air intake is desired ±

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
108
20E007±1
The air intake control button is used to switch the air intake between the
OUTSIDE AIR mode and RECIRCULATED AIR mode.
With the button in the OUTSIDE AIR mode, the OUTSIDE AIR mode
indicator light will come on and the system will take fresh outside air into the
vehicle.
If quick circulation of cooled air is desired, push the air intake control\
button
for RECIRCULATED AIR. The RECIRCULATED AIR mode indicator light
will come on.
For normal use, it is best to keep the air intake control button set to OUT\
SIDE
AIR mode. If recirculated air is used during heating, the windows will \
fog up
more easily.If the engine coolant temperature becomes extremely high, the
RECIRCULATED AIR mode is automatically selected. This is not a
malfunction. When the engine coolant temperature is lowered, the previous
mode resumes.
If manual on±off of the air conditioning is desired ±
Push the ºA/Cº button to turn the air conditioning on and push it agai\
n to turn
the air conditioning off.
The air conditioning does not work if the outside temperature is lowered do\
wn
to around 0C (32F).
If the system is used for ventilation, heating in dry weather or removing \
frost
or exterior fog on the windshield, turn the air conditioning off once it is no
longer required. This will improve fuel economy. The air conditioning can
be used for year±round automatic temperature control including cooling \
and
dehumidifying operation.
If the air conditioning compressor does not operate, the indicator of the \
ºA/Cº
button will blink. If the indicator of the ºA/Cº button blinks even wh\
en the
ºA/Cº button is pushed again, have the compressor checked by your \
nearest
Lexus dealer.
Displaying the outside temperature ±
When you push the ºOUTSIDE TEMPº knob, the temperature display shows
the outside temperature. To return to the display of the current set
temperature, push the knob again. The temperature display ranges from
±30 C (±22F) up to 50C (122F).

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.

STARTING AND DRIVING141
3Shift into the ºLº position. The transmission will downshift to t\
he first
gear when the vehicle speed is lower than 55 km/h (34 mph) and
maximum engine braking will be applied.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed could cause the vehicle to spin
or skid.
(c) Using the º2º and ºLº positions
The º2º and ºLº positions are used for strong engine braking\
as described
previously.
With the selector lever in º2º or ºLº, you can start the vehicle\
in motion as with
the lever in ºDº.
With the selector lever in º2º, the vehicle will start in the first\
gear and
automatically shift to the second gear.
With the selector lever in ºLº, the transmission is engaged in the \
first gear.
NOTICE
Be careful not to overrev the engine. Watch the tachometer to keep
engine rpm from going into the red zone. The approximate maximum
allowable speed for each position is given above for your reference.
º2º 128 km/h (80 mph) . . . .
ºLº 70 km/h (43 mph) . . .
 Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long time in the º2º
or ºLº position. This may cause severe automatic transmission
damage from overheating. To prevent such damage, ºDº position
should be used in hill climbing or hard towing.

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
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.

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.