1998 Lexus LS400 lights

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
77
Auto tilt away*
16L012-2
When the ignition key is removed, the steering column moves
forward away from the driver and also tilts up for easy exit and
entry.
When the key is inserted in the ignition switch, the steering column
returns to the previously set position.
NOTE: *This feature can be set inoperative. Ask your Lexus
dealer for details.
OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRRORS
16L016
Adjust the mirror so you can just see the side of your vehicle in
the mirror.
When the inside rear view mirror darkens in ”AUTO” mode, the
outside rear view mirrors also darken to reduce the reflection of the
headlights of the following vehicle. For details, see ”Inside rear view
mirror” on page 79.
CAUTION
Do not adjust the mirror while the vehicle is moving. It may
cause the driver to mishandle the vehicle and an accident may
occur, resulting in personal injuries.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
79
Folding rear view mirrors
16L018
To fold the rear view mirror, push backward.
The rear view mirrors can be folded backward for parking in
restricted areas.
CAUTION
Do not drive with the mirrors folded backward. Both the
driver and passenger side rear view mirrors must be extended
and properly adjusted before driving.
INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR
16L019-1
Pushing the switch changes the mode between ”AUTO” and
”DAY”.
The indicator comes on when the ”AUTO” mode is selected.
”DAY” mode: The mirror surface is normal.
”AUTO” mode: If the mirror detects light from the headlights
of the vehicle behind you, the mirror surface darkens slightly to
reduce the reflected light.
When the inside rear view mirror surface changes, the outside rear
view mirror surfaces will also become darker.
When the ignition key is inserted and turned on, the inside rear view
mirror always turns on in the ”AUTO” mode.
Adjust it before driving so that the rear view is the best.
When the outside air temperature is low, it may take a little longer
for the mirror to darken in response to the detection of headlights.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
81 Keep the belts clean and dry. If they need cleaning, use a
mild soap solution or lukewarm water. Never use bleach,
dye, or abrasive cleaners they may severely weaken the
belts.
Replace the belt assembly (including bolts) if it has been
used in a severe impact. The entire assembly should be
replaced even if damage is not obvious.
Front seat belt buckle illumination
16L020
Opening the driver’s door lights up the driver’s seat belt buckle
for easy use. The same applies for the front passenger’s door and
seat belt buckle.
The light remains on for 15 seconds after the door is closed, but goes
off immediately when all doors are locked.
Fastening front and rear seat belts
16L115-1
Adjust the seat as needed and sit up straight and well back in the
seat. To fasten your belt, pull it out of the retractor and insert the
tab into the buckle.
You will hear a click when the tab locks into the buckle.
The seat belt length automatically adjusts to your size and the seat
position.
The retractor will lock the belt during a sudden stop or on impact.
It also may lock if you lean forward too quickly. A slow, easy motion
will allow the belt to extend, and you can move around freely.

THEFT DETERRENT
117
THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM
To deter theft of the vehicle, this system is designed to give an
alarm if any of the doors, trunk or hood is forcibly unlocked or
the battery terminal is disconnected and then reconnected while
the vehicle is locked.*
NOTE: *The system operating condition can be changed. Ask
your Lexus dealer for details.
The alarm blows the horn intermittently and flashes the headlights,
tail lights and other exterior lights.
17L001
Setting the system
1. Turn the ignition key to the ”LOCK” position and remove it.
2. Close and lock all the doors, trunk and hood using an ignition
key or wireless remote control.If you lock them with wireless remote control, the turn signals flash
once.* If you do not want to make them flash, consult with your
Lexus dealer.
NOTE: *The turn signals can be set not to flash. Ask your Lexus
dealer for details.
The indicator light will come on when all the doors, trunk and hood
are closed and locked.
3. After 30 seconds, the indicator flashes and the system is set.
Cancelling the system
When you unlock any door or trunk using an ignition key or
wireless remote control, the system is cancelled.
If you unlock any door or trunk with wireless remote control, the turn
signals flash twice.* If you do not want to make them flash, consult
with your Lexus dealer.
NOTE: *The turn signals can be set not to flash. Ask your Lexus
dealer for details.
Activating the system
The alarm sounds for 60 seconds if any of the following are operated:
Unlocking any door or trunk without using an ignition key or
wireless remote control.
Opening the hood forcibly.
Reconnecting the battery.

STARTING AND DRIVING
159
HOW TO START THE ENGINE
Before cranking
1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Put the selector lever in ”P”. If you need to restart the engine
while the vehicle is moving, put the selector lever in ”N”. A starter
safety device will prevent the starter from operating if the selector
lever is in any drive position.
4. Depress the brake pedal and hold it to the floor until you are ready
to drive off.
Starting the engine
Before starting the engine, be sure to follow the instructions in
”Before cranking”.
Normal starting procedure
The multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system in your engine automatically controls the proper
airfuel mixture for starting. You can start a cold or hot engine as
follows:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, crank the engine by
turning the key to ”START”. Release it when the engine starts.
2. After the engine runs for about 10 seconds, you are ready to drive.If the weather is below freezing, let the engine warm up for a few
minutes before driving. Do not leave the vehicle while the engine
is warming up.
If the engine stalls ...
Simply restart it , using the correct procedure given in normal
starting.
If the engine will not start
See ”If your vehicle will not start” on page 193.
NOTICE
Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may
overheat the starter and wiring systems.
Do not race a cold engine.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently,
have the engine checked immediately.

DRIVING TIPS
186
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. Adjust the
tire pressure to the recommended cold tire pressure indicated
below:
Tire pressure, kPa (kgf/cm
2 or bar, psi)
Front 220 (2.2, 32)
Rear 220 (2.2, 32)
The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure recommended
by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the total trailer weight.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights must comply with federal, state/provincial and local
regulations. See your local recreational vehicle dealer or rental
agency for the correct type of wiring and relays for your trailer.
Check for correct operation of the turn signals and stop lights
each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may damage your
vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction of your lights.
Breakin schedule
Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new
vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train component (engine,
transmission, differential, wheel bearing, etc.) for the first 800 km
(500 miles) of driving.
Maintenance
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent
maintenance due to the additional load. For this information,
please refer to the scheduled maintenance information in the
”Owner ’s Manual Supplement/ Maintenance Schedule”.
Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after
approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.
Pretowing safety check
Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has an abnormal
noseup or nosedown condition, and check for improper tongue
load, overload, worn suspension or other possible causes.
Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that it cannot
shift.
Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal,
state/provincial or local regulation. If they do not, install required
rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.

DRIVING TIPS
187
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently than
when not towing. The three main causes of vehicletrailer
accidents are driver error, excessive speed and improper trailer
loading. Keep these in mind when towing:
Before starting out, check the operation of the lights and all
vehicletrailer connections. After driving a short distance, stop
and recheck the lights and connections. Practice turning,
stopping and backing with a trailer in an area away from traffic
until you learn the feel.
Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice. Grip the
bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the left to
move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to move
the trailer to the right. (This procedure is generally opposite to
that when backing without a trailer.) Also, just turn the steering
wheel a little at a time, avoiding sharp or prolonged turning. Have
someone guide you when backing to reduce the risk of an
accident.
Because stopping distance may be increased, vehicletovehicle
distance should be increased when towing a trailer. For each 16
km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer
length between you and the vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking
as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This
is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.
Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit your
vehicle in a tight turn. Slow down before making a turn to avoid
the need of sudden braking.
Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be
closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Therefore,
compensate for this by making a larger than normal turning radius
with your vehicle.
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. Transmission must
be in the ”4” position.

DRIVING TIPS
189
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKE
YOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Getting more kilometer/mileage from a liter/gallon of fuel is easy
just take 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 warmup 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 traffic, 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.
Stopandgo 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.
Keep your vehicle tunedup and in top shape. A dirty air
cleaner, improper valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil and
grease, brakes not adjusted, etc. all lower engine performance and
contribute to poor fuel economy. For longer life of all parts and
lower operating costs, keep all maintenance work on schedule,
and if you often drive under severe conditions, see that your
vehicle receives more frequent maintenance. (For scheduled
maintenance information, please refer to the separate ”Owner’s
Manual Supplement/Maintenance Schedule”.)
CAUTION