1998 Lexus LS400 warning light

STARTING AND DRIVING
172”NORMAL” mode For driving on roads with a normal surface.
”HIGH” mode For driving on rough roads which are unsurfaced
or continually bumpy.
The damping effect is set slightly firmer in ”HIGH” mode. So you
may feel the vibration of the vehicle compared to in ”NORMAL”
mode. However, this does not mean a malfunction in the system. We
recommend you use a ”NORMAL” mode in normal driving.
To change the mode, push the selector switch.
”NORMAL” mode
The vehicle height remains at normal height at all driving speeds.
”HIGH” mode
The vehicle height switches between the following two vehicle
heights according to the driving conditions:
Vehicle height
Driving condition
NormalMedium and high speed driving
HighLow speed driving
31L016-2
The indicator light shows ”HIGH” mode is selected.
When you turn the ignition key to the ”ON” position, the indicator
light will come on for 2 seconds in any mode.
NOTICE
For vehicles equipped with the height control switch, be sure to
turn the ignition switch off before jacking. If this is not done, the
vehicle height adjustment function will operate, which may
cause body damage.
(b) Malfunction warning
If the ”HI” indicator light blinks, there is a malfunction in this
system. Have the system checked by your Lexus dealer at the first
opportunity.

STARTING AND DRIVING
175
Vehicle skid control failure warning
31L073
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” described below.)
(b) If the vehicle skid control system malfunctions
If the message appears for the cause of (b), have your vehicle
checked by Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Although the message appears, there is no problem to continue your
normal driving.
Initial adjustment of vehicle skid control system
After the battery terminals are disconnected, an initial adjustment
should be made. At this time, the reminder light comes on and the
warning message appears in the multi information display.
Make an initial adjustment in the following ways:
1. Apply the parking brake and put the transmission in ”P”.
2. Connect the battery terminals.
3. Turn the ignition switch on. At this time, the ”VSC OFF”
indicator light comes on and then about 6 seconds later, the reminder
light comes on and the ”CHECK VSC” warning message appears in
the multi information display.
4. The warning message and the ”VSC OFF” indicator light go out
about 15 seconds after the ignition switch is turned on. If the vehicle
is shaken after the ignition switch is turned to ”ON”, it may take
longer to go out the warning message.
If the warning message does not go out about 1 minute after you turn
the ignition switch on, turn it off and then on again.
If the vehicle is on the moving object like a ship or turntable, an
accurate adjustment cannot be made. Move the vehicle on the
ground (or the part not causing vibrations to the vehicle) and make
an adjustment from step 1.

STARTING AND DRIVING
176
CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the vehicle skid control system.
Even if the vehicle skid control system is operating, it is not
that your vehicle is absolutely safe. Reckless driving will
result in an unexpected accident. Always keep safety
driving in mind. If the slip indicator light flashes, sounding
an alarm, special care should be taken while driving.
Only use tires of specified size. The size, manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern for all 4 tires should be the same.
If you use the tires other than specified, or different type or
size, the vehicle skid control system may not function
correctly. When replacing the tires or wheels, contact your
Lexus dealer.
BRAKE SYSTEM
The tandem master cylinder brake system is a hydraulic system with
two separate subsystems. If either subsystem should fail, the other
will still work. However, the pedal will be harder to press, and your
stopping distance will be longer. Also, the brake system warning
light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake system.
Have your brakes fixed immediately.
Brake booster
The brake booster uses engine vacuum to powerassist the brakes.
If the engine should quit while you are driving, you can bring the
vehicle to a stop with normal pedal pressure. There is enough
reserve vacuum for one or two stops but no more!
CAUTION
Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls. Each push
on the pedal uses up your vacuum reserve.
Even if the power assist is completely lost, the brakes will
still work. But you will have to push the pedal hard much
harder than normal. And your braking distance will be
longer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
178”ABS” warning light
31L019-2
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the ”ON”
position. After about a few seconds, the light will go off.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a
malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the warning light
system. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible to service the
vehicle.
The light does not come on as described above, or remains on.
The light comes on while driving.
Even if the antilock brake system should fail, the brake system will
still operate conventionally. But when the ”ABS” warning light is
on (and the brake system warning light is off), 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.
Have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Drumindisc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drumindisc type parking brake system. This
type of brake system needs beddingdown of the brake shoes
periodically or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or drums are
replaced.
Have your Lexus dealer perform the beddingdown.
Brake pad wear limit warning message
31L082
When your brake pads are worn enough to require replacement,
the brake pad wear warning message in the multi information
display appears.
If the warning message in the multi information display appears
while driving, have the brake pads checked and replaced by your
nearest Lexus dealer immediately.
Continuous driving without replacing the brake pads will cause
expensive rotor damage and increasing brake pedal effort to get the
same stopping distance.

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.

CHASSIS
247
REPLACING WHEELS
When to replace your wheels
If you have wheel damage such as bending, cracks or heavy
corrosion, the wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace damaged wheels, a tire may slip off a wheel or
they may cause loss of handling control.
Replacement with used wheels is not recommended as they may
have been subjected to rough treatment or high mileage and could
fail without warning. Also, bent wheels which have been
straightened may have hidden structural damage and therefore
should not be used. Never use an inner tube in a leaking wheel which
is designed for a tubeless tire.
Wheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that they
are equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter, rim
width, and offset.
Correct replacement wheels are available at your Lexus dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type may adversely affect handling,
wheel and bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer/odometer
calibration, stopping ability, headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or snow chain clearance to the body and
chassis.
ALUMINUM WHEEL
PRECAUTIONS
After driving your vehicle the first 1600 km (1000 miles), check
that the wheel nuts are tight.
If you have rotated, repaired, or changed your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1600 km (1000 miles).
When using tire chains, be careful not to damage the aluminum
wheels.
Use only the Lexus wheel nuts and wrench designed for your
aluminum wheels.
When balancing your wheels, use only Lexus balance weights or
equivalent and a plastic or rubber hammer.
As with any wheel, periodically check your aluminum wheels for
damage. If damaged, replace immediately.
SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS
CAUTION
Do not modify the suspension/chassis with lift kits, spacers,
springs, etc. It can cause dangerous handling characteristics,
resulting in loss of control.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
251
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
1 TURN7.5Turn signal lights
2 WIPER20Windshield wipers
3 HEATER10
Air conditioning system,
Rear window defogger, Multiport
fuel injection system/sequential
multiport fuel injection system
4 FR FOG15Fog lights
5 ECUIG10Power steering control system,
Charging system,
Vehicle skid control system
6 PWRIG15
Automatic headlight leveling
system, Moon roof,
Headlight cleaner,
Power seat switch,
Tilt and telescopic steering, Shift
lock system
7 GAUGE10
Gauges and meters, service
reminder indicators and warning
buzzers,
Backup lights,
Vehicle skid control system,
Multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system, Automatic
transmission system
8 IGN10SRS, Multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system
9 RR FOG7.5No circuit
10 FUEL OPN10Fuel opener system
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
11 RR CIG15Rear cigarette lighter,
Power outlet
12 FR CIG15Front cigarette lighter, SRS
13 A/C7.5Air conditioning system
14 P RR
DOOR20Rear door lock,
Rear power window
15 STOP LP25Stop lights,
High mounted stop light
16 RADIO
NO.215
Audio system,
Outside rear view mirror,
Shift lock system,
Air conditioning system
17 PANEL7.5Instrument panel lights,
Air conditioning system, Glovebox
light, Audio system
18 STARTER7.5
Starting system,
Automatic transmission system,
Multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system
19 TAIL7.5Tail lights, Side marker lights,
License plate lights
20 STOPS7.5
Shift lock system,
Height control system, Antilock
brake system,
Vehicle skid control system
21 RR S/HTR15No circuit
22 WASHER20Windshield washer

INDEX (A C)
278
A
”ABS” warning light 178
Adding washer fluid 261. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustment
Driver’s seat lumbar support 73. . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seat cushion angle and height 72. . . . . .
Front seat position 71. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seatback angle 72
Seat belts 80. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbags (SRS) 86. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 247. . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system 177. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antitheft steering column lock 157. . . . . . . . . .
Appearance care
Cleaning the interior 273
Protecting your Lexus from corrosion 270. . .
Washing and waxing 271
Audio system 132. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic air conditioning controls 121. . . . . . .
Automatic transmission
Driving with an automatic
transmission 160. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift pattern 160. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting speed 163. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary catch, Engine hood 62. . . . . . . . . . . . .
B
Battery
Checking battery condition 253. . . . . . . . . . . .
Recharging precautions 257. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 157. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Belts
Seat belts 80. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit warning light 178. . . . . . .
Brake system warning light 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes
Antilock brake system 177. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Booster 176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking tips 176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level 239. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pad wear limit warning light 178. . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 158. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake reminder light 37. . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakin period 181. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness control 46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C
Carbon monoxide caution 156. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette tape player 140
Car audio operating tips 148. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center vents 130. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing the
blade type fuses 258. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 239. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the cartridge type fuses 260. . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 230. . . . . . . . . . . .
Child restraint 98. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child restraint precautions 98. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Childprotector, Rear door 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter and ashtray 52. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the interior 273. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 51. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cold weather, Operation 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact disc player 143. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Converter, Threeway catalytic 155. . . . . . . . . .