1998 Lexus LS400 change time

FOREWORD
i
Welcome to the growing group of valueconscious
people who drive Lexus vehicles. We are proud
of the advanced engineering and quality construction of each vehicle we \
build.
This Owner’s Manual explains the features of your new Lexus. Please read it and fo\
llow the
instructions carefully so that you can enjoy many years of safe motoring.
When it comes to service, remember that your Lexus dealer knows your vehicle bes\
t and is interested
in your complete satisfaction. Your Lexus dealer will provide quality maintenance and any other
assistance you may require.
If there is not a Lexus dealer near you, or you need emergency assistance for any reason, please call
the following number:
U.S. OWNERS
 When traveling in the U.S. mainland or Canada:
Lexus Roadside Assistance 180025LEXUS (TollFree)
(18002553987)
 HAWAII:
Lexus Customer Service Assistance 180025LEXUS (TollFree)
(18002553987)
CANADIAN OWNERS
 Please refer to the separate ”Owner’s Guide” or ”Owner’s Manual Supplement”.
Please leave this Owner’s Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next owner will need
this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time of printing. However,
because of the Lexus policy of continual product improvement, we reserve the right to make
changes at any time without notice.
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment, \
including options.
Therefore, you may find some explanations for equipment not installed on your vehi\
cle.

KEYS AND DOORS
12In the following cases, the battery in the key may be discharged. If
this is a case, replace it using a special screwdriver.
The remote control does not work.
The operational range of wireless remote control becomes
extremely short.
The indicator light on the key is dimmed or does not come on.
For the replacement of the battery, see ”Replacing the battery” on
page 16. You can also have the battery of the key replaced by your
Lexus dealer.
If you lose the wireless key, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible to avoid the possibility of theft, or an accident.
You can use up to 4 wireless remote control keys for the same
vehicle. Contact your Lexus dealer for detailed information.
The wireless remote control key is an electronic component.
Observe the following instructions in order not to cause damage
on the key.
Do not leave the wireless remote control key 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 ”LOCK” button on the key briefly, all the
doors can be locked from outside the vehicle.
At this time, you can hear one beep.* However, when you push the
”LOCK” button with any door not closed securely, the buzzer
sounds for 10 seconds.** To stop the buzzer, close all the doors
securely or push the ”UNLOCK” button. If the key is in the ignition
switch, locking cannot be done.
Make sure all the doors are locked when you leave the vehicle. Push
the ”LOCK” button once again. If they were already locked, the turn
signal lights will flash.***
NOTE: *The volume of beep sound can be changed. **The
buzzer can be set not to sound with any door not closed securely.
***The turn signal lights can be set not to flash. Ask your Lexus
dealer for details.
NOTICE
Do not push the ”LOCK” button any longer than 2 to 3 seconds.
Pushing the button longer activates an alarm. For details, see
page 14.
When you push the ”UNLOCK” button, the driver’s door is
unlocked. Pushing that button once again within 3 seconds from
the first push, all other doors are also unlocked.*
NOTE: *Unlocking by a 2time operation can be changed. Ask
your Lexus dealer for details.

KEYS AND DOORS
13 At this time, two beeps sound.* Together with the activation of
unlocking, the interior light comes on for 15 seconds if the interior
light switch is in ”DOOR” position.** However, this function does
not work when the ignition key is in the ”ON” position. For further
information, see ”Interior lights” on page 49.
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 automatically locked again.
Even if the ”LOCK” or ”UNLOCK” switch is kept pressed in, the
locking or unlocking operation is not repeated. Release the button
and then push again.
NOTE: *The volume of beep sound can be changed. **The
interior light can be set not to come on or the duration of lighting
can be changed. ***The time before automatic relocking can
be changed. Ask your Lexus dealer for details.
11L019-1
To turn off the beep sound, push this switch. Pushing it again turns
on the beep sound.

KEYS AND DOORS
18
DOORS
Locking with key
11L0261
1
Lock 2
Unlock
Turn the key towards the front of the vehicle to lock and towards
the back to unlock.
The doors lock and unlock simultaneously with either front door. In
the driver’s door lock, turning the key once will unlock the driver’s
door and twice in succession will unlock all doors simultaneously.*
In the passenger’s door lock, turning the key once will unlock all
doors simultaneously.
NOTE: *Unlocking by a 2time operation can be changed. Ask
your Lexus dealer for details.
Locking with inside lock button
11L006
1
Lock 2
Unlock
Push in the lock button to lock and unlock the door.
When locked, the door cannot be opened with either the outside or
inside door handle.
Closing the door with the lock button pushed in will also lock the
door. Be careful not to lock your keys in the vehicle. The door will
not lock if the key is left in the ignition switch when closing the front
doors.

SWITCHES
22
HEADLIGHT SWITCH
12L001
To turn the lights on, twist the knob on the end of the lever.
FIRST CLICKSTOP: Only the parking, tail, license plate, side
marker and instrument panel lights turn on.
SECOND CLICKSTOP: Headlights also turn on.
THIRD CLICKSTOP (”AUTO”): The headlights and all other
lights automatically turn on depending on the darkness of the
surroundings.*
Vehicles sold in U.S.A.: When the headlights are on, the headlight
indicator lights up in the instrument cluster.
Vehicles sold in Canada: When the tail lights are on, the tail light
indicator lights up in the instrument cluster.
Manually twist the knob to the second clickstop to turn on the
headlights if they are needed immediately when entering a dark
tunnel, parking structure, etc.
12L002
The automatic light control sensor is on top of the driver’s side
instrument panel.
Do not place anything on the instrument panel, and/or do not affix
anything on the windshield to block this sensor.
When the headlights come on, the lights automatically turn off about
30 seconds after any of the doors is opened and closed with the
ignition key turned to the ”ACC” or ”LOCK” position.** To turn
them on again, turn the ignition key to the ”ON” position, or turn the
headlight switch off and then twist the knob until the first or second
clickstop. If you are going to park for over one week, make sure the
headlight switch is off.
When the headlight switch is on with all the doors locked, pushing
the ”LOCK” button on the wireless remote control key turns off the
headlights.
NOTE: *The operating condition or sensitivity can be changed.
**The time before turning off the lights can be changed. Ask your
Lexus dealer for details.

SWITCHES
26The time interval between sweeps is shortened when the vehicle
speed increases. When the vehicle speed reaches more than about
20 km/h (12 mph) with the interval adjuster in ”F” position, the time
interval becomes the shortest 1.5 seconds.
If you stop the vehicle with the wiper switch in the ”LO” position,
the wiper speed automatically changes from low speed to
intermittent operation speed.* This function does not work when the
interval adjuster is in the ”F” position.
NOTE: *This feature can be set inoperative. Ask your Lexus
dealer for details.
For mist wiper operation (a single wipe), pull the lever toward
you and release it.
To make the washer squirt, push the button on the end of the
lever.
If the wiper lever is in the ”OFF” position, the wipers will
automatically operate a couple of times and a few seconds later,
make a single wipe again to sweep the windshield completely.* The
last sweep does not happen if the vehicle speed exceeds about 170
km/h (106 mph).
NOTE: *The last single wipe can be set inoperative. Ask your
Lexus dealer for details.
The warning message ”LOW WASHER FLUID” is displayed in the
multi information display when the fluid level in the tank becomes
nearly empty. For information on adding washer fluid, see ”Adding
washer fluid” on page 261.
In cold weather, warm the windshield with the defroster before using
the washer. This will help prevent icing, which could block your
vision.
NOTICE
Do not operate the wipers if the windshield is dry. It may scratch
the glass.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
34
FUEL GAUGE
13L0011
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.
If the fuel level approaches ”E” 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 gauge 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 fuelselection.
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
13L0022
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.
Your vehicle may overheat during severe operating conditions, such
as:
Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
Reducing speed or stopping after high speed driving.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
42
(a) Cruise information
13L0491
The following information is shown with the ignition switch
turned on. Each time you push the ”MODE” button, the
displayed information is changed.
Available driving distance
Average fuel consumption
Current fuel consumption
Average fuel consumption after being refueled
Driving distance after being refueled
Elapsed time
Average vehicle speed
The displayed values of cruise information indicate the general
driving condition, so those may not show precise and actual
condition.
Available driving distance
W24
When the fuel gauge indicates around ”F”
W25W25
When the fuel gauge indicates around middle
W26
When the fuel gauge indicates around ”E”
Available driving distance with the remaining fuel is calculated
and displayed depending on the amount of remaining fuel.
Average fuel consumption
W27
W27
The average fuel consumption is calculated and displayed based
on the total driving distance and the total fuel consumption with
the engine running.
The value is updated every 10 seconds.
To calculate from the beginning, push the ”RESET” button.