1998 Lexus LS400 steering wheel

STARTING AND DRIVING
174
VEHICLE SKID CONTROL SYSTEM
The vehicle skid control system helps to provide comprehensive
control of the systems such as an antilock brake system,
traction control, engine control, electronically modulated air
suspension, etc. This system automatically controls the output
of the brakes or engine to help prevent the vehicle from skidding
when cornering on a slippery road surface or abrupt steering
wheel operation occurs.
31L0521
Slip indicator light
If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the slip indicator light
flashes and an alarm sounds.
The vehicle skid control activates when the vehicle speed is about
more than 15 km/h (9 mph).Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly causes a small noise from the
engine compartment. This is a pump pulsating sound of the brake
system and it is not a malfunction.
You may hear a slight clicking noise in the engine compartment for
a few seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle is
started. This means that the vehicle skid control is in the selfcheck
mode and does not indicate a malfunction.
31L017-2
You can turn off the vehicle skid control system by pushing the
”VSC OFF” switch. The ”VSC OFF” indicator comes on. At
this time, the traction control system also turns off. You cannot
turn off either one of them. Pushing the ”VSC OFF” switch a
second time turns the system back on and extinguishes the ”VSC
OFF” indicator light.
When you turn the ignition switch on, this system always turns on.

STARTING AND DRIVING
177
Antilock brake system
The antilock brake system is designed to automatically help
prevent lockup of the wheels during a sudden brake or braking
on slippery road surfaces. This assists in providing directional
stability and steering performance of the vehicle under these
circumstances.
The antilock brake system becomes operative after the vehicle has
accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately 10 km/h (6 mph).
It stops operating when the vehicle decelerates to a speed below
approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few seconds
when the engine is started or just after the vehicle is started. This
means that the antilock brake system is in the selfcheck mode, and
does not indicate a malfunction.
Effective way to press the ABS brake pedal: When the antilock
brake system function is in action, you may feel the brake pedal
pulsating and hear a noise. In this situation, to let the antilock brake
system work for you, just hold the brake pedal down more firmly.
Do not pump the brake. This will result in reduced braking
performance.
The brake pedal pulsation caused by the antilock brake system may
indicate hazardous road surface conditions. Although the antilock
brake system assists in providing vehicle control, it is still important
to drive with all due care, because the antilock brake system cannot
overcome the laws of physics that act on your vehicle:
Braking capability is dependent on tire friction with the road
surface.Even though the antilock brake system is operating, a driver
cannot maintain full control on certain slippery road surfaces,
when cornering at high speeds, or in violent maneuvers.
Avoid high speeds on wet roads. The antilock brake system
cannot eliminate the risk of hydroplaning and loss of tire friction.
Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
Compared with vehicles not fitted with an antilock brake system,
your vehicle may require a longer stopping distance in the following
cases:
Driving on rough, gravel or snowcovered roads.
Driving with tire chains installed.
Driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or has other
differences in surface height.

DRIVING TIPS
183 Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto parts
stores. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how much to mix
with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute because it
may damage your vehicle’s paint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility it could
freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ”P” and block the front
wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water accumulated
in and around the parking brake mechanism may freeze the parking
brake, making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering difficult.
During bad winter driving, stop and check under the fenders
occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you carry
some emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains,
window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel, jumper
cables, etc.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passengercarrying vehicle.
Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling,
performance, braking, durability and driving economy (fuel
consumption, etc.). Your safety and satisfaction depend on the
proper use of correct equipment and cautious driving habits. For
your safety and the safety of others, you must not overload your
vehicle or trailer. Lexus warranties do not apply to damage or
malfunction caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
Ask your local Lexus dealer for further details before towing.
NOTICE
When towing a trailer, be sure to consult your Lexus dealer for
further information on additional requirements.
Weight limits
Before towing, make sure the total trailer weight, gross vehicle
weight, gross axle weight and trailer tongue load are all within
the limits.
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weighing station, building
supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.

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.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
206From rear
40L0221
Place the ignition key in the ”ACC” position.
NOTICE
Do not tow with the key removed or in the ”LOCK” position,
as the steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold
the front wheels straight.
When lifting wheels, take care to ensure adequate ground
clearance for towing at the opposite end of the raised vehicle.
Otherwise, the bumper and/or underbody of the towed vehicle
will be damaged during towing.
(b) Using a flat bed truck
40L016
Tie down points
40L017-2

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
208
(c) Towing with a sling type truck
40L0231
NOTICE
Do not tow with a sling type truck, either from the front or rear.
This may cause body damage.
(d) Emergency towing
40L0311
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by your
Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
If towing service is not available in an emergency, your vehicle
may be temporarily towed by a cable or chain secured to the
emergency towing eyelet. Use extreme caution when towing the
vehicle.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done only on hardsurfaced roads for
a short distance and at low speeds. Also, the wheels, axles, drive
train, steering and brakes must all be in good condition.

MAINTENANCE
215 Tire rotation
Rotate the tires every 12000 km (7500 miles). See page 242 for
additional information.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes or notice
any leak, have the cause found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors, including trunk lid, operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely. Make sure the engine hood secondary latch
secures the hood when the primary latch is released.
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal lights,
and other lights are working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
function properly.Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified freeplay. Be alert for changes in
steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive freeplay or
strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters, seatback
recliner, etc. operate smoothly. Check that the head restraints move
up and down smoothly and that the locks hold securely in any latched
position.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors and
anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt webbing
is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal effort or
catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper clearance and
freeplay. Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side when
applied.

SECTION 6 3
236
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications 237. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 239. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid 240. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 241. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 242. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 243. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 245. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 247. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 247. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 247. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .