1998 Lexus LS400 engine

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
35 Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in
stopandgo traffic.
Towing a trailer.
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in the engine cooling system as
this may cause the engine to overheat. The thermostat is
designed to control the flow of coolant to keep the
temperature of the engine within the specified operating
range.
Do not continue driving with an overheated engine. See ”If
your vehicle overheats” on page 196.
TACHOMETER
13L0031
The tachometer indicates engine speed in thousands of rpm
(revolutions per minute). Use it while driving to prevent engine
overrevving.
Driving with the engine running too fast causes excessive engine
wear and poor fuel economy. Remember, in most cases the slower
the engine speed, the greater the fuel economy.
NOTICE
Do not let the indicator needle get into the red zone. This may
cause severe engine damage.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
39
(e) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, stop the vehicle, turn off the
engine, and check for the cause. Look first at the engine drive belt.
If it is loose or broken, the generator will not charge the battery
properly.
If the belt is O.K., there is a problem somewhere in the charging
system.
The engine ignition will continue to operate, however, until the
battery is discharged. Turn off the air conditioning, blower, radio,
etc., and drive directly to the nearest Lexus dealer or repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive belt is broken or
loose.
(f) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See ”Fuel gauge” on page 34
for instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely. (See ”Fuel tank cap”
on page 65 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your engine electrical system
or electronic throttle control 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.
(g) ”ABS” Warning Light
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in your antilock
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 ”ON”, and
will go off after about a few seconds.
When the ”ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system warning
light is off), the brake system operates conventionally but antilock
brake system is not assisting brake performance so that the wheels
could lock up during a sudden brake or braking on slippery road
surfaces.
(h) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the doors are completely closed.

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.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
43
Current fuel consumption
W28
W28
The current fuel consumption is calculated and displayed based
on the driving distance and the fuel consumption for 2 seconds
with the engine running.
The value is updated every 2 seconds.
If you are driving at low speeds just before stopping, the accurate
figure may not be shown.
Average fuel consumption after being refueled
W29
W29
The average fuel consumption after being refueled is calculated
and displayed based on the total driving distance and the total
fuel consumption after being refueled.
The value is updated every 10 seconds.
To calculate from the beginning, push the ”RESET” button.
Driving distance after being refueled
W30
W30
The driving distance after being refueled is displayed.
Elapsed time
W31
W31
The total time during the engine running is displayed.
When the engine is started again after the ignition is off, the driving
time is added to the previous value. Up to 99 hours 59 minutes can
be displayed. When the driving time exceeds 99 hours 59 minutes,
the display returns to 0 and recounting starts.
To count from the beginning, push the ”RESET” button.
Average vehicle speed
W32
W32
The average vehicle speed is calculated and displayed based on
the total driving distance and the total driving time with the
engine running.
The displayed value is updated every 10 seconds.
To calculate from the beginning, push the ”RESET” button.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
44
(b) Warning messages
13L052
Reminder light
W40
W40
When the engine oil pressure becomes too low, the above
message appears, the reminder light flashes and the warning
tone sounds.
If this message appears 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 message may appear 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 message displayed
even for one block. It may ruin the engine.
W41 W41
When your brake pads are worn enough to require replacement,
the above message appears, the reminder light flashes and the
warning tone sounds.
If this message appears while you are driving, have the brake pads
checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
W43 W43
W42
W42
W451
W44
W44
W46
W46
When any door or trunk is open with the ignition switch turned
on, the message which door or trunk is open appears, and the
reminder light comes on.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
45 If you continue driving with any door or trunk open, the reminder
light starts flashing and the warning tone sounds to remind you to
close the door or trunk.
W52 W52
If the driver’s door is opened with the ignition switch turned off
and the moon roof opened, the above message appears and the
reminder light flashes.
W48 W48
In the following cases, the warning message appears and the
reminder light next to the warning message and the ”VSC OFF”
indicator light come on. And the warning tone also sounds.
(a) After the removal of the battery terminals (See ”Initial
adjustment of vehicle skid control system” on page 175.)
(b) If the vehicle skid control system malfunctions
If the above message appears for the cause of (b), have your vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Although the above message appears, you can continue your normal
driving, but without the vehicle skid control system function.
W49 W49
In the following cases, the above message appears, the reminder
light comes on and the warning tone sounds.
When the headlight switch is turned to the first or second
clickstop with one or more of tail light bulbs burned out.
When the brake pedal is held down with one or more of stop light
bulbs burned out.
Have defective bulbs replaced as soon as possible.
W50 W50
When the engine oil level is too low, the above message appears,
the reminder light comes on and the warning tone sounds.
Add oil as soon as possible. (For instructions, see ”Checking the
engine oil level” on page 230.)
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oil will damage the
engine.

INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
52
CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND
ASHTRAY
14L010-2
Front cigarette lighter and ashtray
14L011-1
Rear cigarette lighter and ashtrayOpen the ashtray cover. To use the cigarette lighter, press in the
cigarette lighter. When it becomes heated, it automatically pops
out ready for use.
Do not hold the cigarette lighter pressed in.
If the engine is not running, the ignition key must be in the ”ACC”
position.
When finished with your cigarette, thoroughly extinguish it in the
ashtray to prevent other cigarette butts from catching fire. After
using the ashtray, push it back in or close the lid completely.
To remove the ashtray, just pull it up.
Use a Lexus genuine cigarette lighter or equivalent for replacement.
CAUTION
To reduce the chance of injury in case of an accident or sudden
stop while driving, always close the ashtray completely after
using.