1998 Lexus LS400 tow

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
209
CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. Avoid sudden
starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would place
excessive stress on the emergency towing eyelet and towing
cable or chain. The eyelet and towing cable or chain may
break and cause serious injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing
vehicles. Securely fasten the cable or chain to the towing eyelet
provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake and put the transmission in
”N”. The ignition key must be in ”ACC” (engine off) or ”ON”
(engine running).
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and
steering will not work so steering and braking will be much
harder than usual.
IF YOU CANNOT SHIFT
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SELECTOR LEVER
40L025-3
If you cannot shift the selector lever, use the shift lock override
button as follows:
1
Turn the ignition key to ”LOCK” or ”ACC”. Make sure the
parking brake is applied. Pry up the cover with a flatbladed
screwdriver or equivalent.

INTRODUCTION
222Remember that battery and ignition cables carry high
currents or voltages. Be careful of accidentally causing a
short circuit.
Before closing the engine hood, check to see that you have not
forgotten any tools, rags, etc.
Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or excessive engine
wear could result. Also backfiring could cause a fire in the
engine compartment.
Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, or the
transmission could be damaged.
Be careful not to scratch the glass surface with the wiper
frame.
PARTS AND TOOLS
Here is a list of parts and tools you will need to perform
doityourself maintenance. Remember all Lexus parts are
designed in metric sizes, so your tools must be metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):
Use API grade SH, ”EnergyConserving II” or SJ,
”EnergyConserving” multigrade engine oil or ILSAC
multigrade engine oil. For recommended oil viscosity, see page
232.
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
Ethyleneglycol coolant
Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:
Funnel (only for adding coolant)

INTRODUCTION
223
Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Tools:
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking power steering fluid
Parts (if level is low):
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking battery condition
Nonmaintenance batteries
Tools:
Warm water
Baking soda
Grease
Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Maintenance type batteries
Parts (if level is low):
Distilled waterTools:
Warm water
Baking soda
Grease
Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Coin (for vent plugs)
Funnel (only for adding distilled water)
Checking and replacing the blade type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):
Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Checking the cartridge type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):
Genuine Lexus fuse or equivalent with same amperage rating as
original
Adding washer fluid
Parts:
Water
Washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
Tools:
Funnel

BODY
272Aluminum wheels: Use only a mild soap or neutral detergent.
Urethane bumpers and side moldings: Wash carefully. Do not
scrub with abrasive cleaners. The bumper and side molding faces are
soft.
Road tar: Remove with turpentine or cleaners that are marked safe
for painted surfaces.
NOTICE
Do not use gasoline or strong solvents, which may be toxic or
cause damage.
3. Rinse thoroughly dried soap can cause streaking. In hot weather
you may need to rinse each section right after you wash it.
4. To prevent water spots, dry the vehicle using a clean soft cotton
towel. Do not rub or press hard you might scratch the paint.
Automatic car wash
Your vehicle may be washed in an automatic car wash, but remember
that the paint can be scratched by some type of brushes, unfiltered
washing water, or the washing process itself. Scratching reduces
paint durability and gloss, especially on darker colors. The manager
of the car wash should be able to advise you whether the process is
safe for the paint on your vehicle.
Waxing your Lexus
Polishing and waxing is recommended to maintain the original
beauty of your Lexus’ finish.
Once a month or if the vehicle does not repel water well, apply wax.
1. Always wash and dry the vehicle before you begin waxing, even
if you are using a combined cleaner and wax.
2. Use a good quality polish and wax. If the finish has become
extremely weathered, use a carcleaning polish, followed by a
separate wax. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and
precautions. Be sure to polish and wax the chrome trim as well as
the paint.
3. Wax the vehicle again when water does not bead but remains on
the surface in large patches.

INDEX (C E)
279
Consumer information
Uniform tire quality grading 244. . . . . . . . . . .
Controls, Instrument panel Pictorial index. . . . . .
Cooling system
Coolant level 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine overheating 196. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and reservoir 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator cap 196. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corrosion prevention 270
Cruise control 168. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise information 42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holder 56. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D
Defogger, Rear window 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimmer switch, Headlight 5, 24. . . . . . . . . . . .
Directional signals 5, 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discharge warning light 39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing? 217. . . . . . . .
Doityourself maintenance 221. . . . . . . . . . . .
Door locks 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver’s seat 2, 70. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
Automatic transmission 160. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips 180. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving position memory system 113. . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips
Driving tips in various conditions 181. . . . . . .
Driving with an automatic
transmission 160. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Economical driving 189. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good braking practice 176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 166
Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
During breakin 181. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E
Economical driving .
Saving money on both fuel and
repairs 189. . . . . . . . . .
Electrical system
Battery 253. 257. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 249. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 249, 258, 260. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 226. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic throttle control system 167. . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency, in case of
Blown fuse 259. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire 197. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you lose your keys 210
If your vehicle needs to be towed 205. . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 193. . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 194. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 196. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 205. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine
Antifreeze 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 157. . . . . . . . . . . . .

INDEX (H L)
281
H
Hazard switch 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight cleaner switch 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight switch 5, 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head restraints 73. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height control system 171 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High speed operation
During breakin 181. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood release, Engine 62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 159. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I
Identification
Engine 219. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle 219. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch 157. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch light 50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel
Brightness control 46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter and ashtray 52. . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 51. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel gauge 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi information display 41. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside temperature display 51. . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip meter 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Twin trip meter 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside rear view mirror 79. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel light control 46. . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel overview Pictorial index. . . . . .
Interior lights 49. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
J
Jack, location 198. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 194. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
K
Keys 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key reminder buzzer 40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
L
Light bulbs, Replacing 264. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lock
Doors 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering column 157. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk lid 63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk lid opener 64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low fuel level warning light 34. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lower vent 131. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage stowage precautions 59. . . . . . . . . . . .

INDEX (T W)
284
T
Tachometer 35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telescopic steering column 76. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft deterrent system 117. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft prevention labels 119. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt steering wheel 76. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires
Chains 245. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing 202. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire 197. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation 241. . . . . . . . . .
Rotation 242. . . . . . . . . .
Snow 245. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare 198. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire information 241. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types 179. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uniform tire quality grading 244. . . . . . . . . . .
Tools 222. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing
Emergency towing 208. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 205. . . . . . .
Trailer 183. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system 173. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing 183. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting your Lexus by flat bed 206. . . . . .
Trip meter 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk lid 63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk lid opener 64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn signals 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Twin trip meter 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 179. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
V
Vanity mirrors 48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle skid control system 174. . . . . . . . . . . . .
W
Warning buzzers 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning messages 44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid, Adding 261
Washing and waxing 271
Wheels, Aluminum 247. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper and washer switch 25. . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wireless remote control transmitter 11. . . . . . . . .

Quick index
If a service reminder indicator or warning buzzer comes on 36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle will not start 193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle overheats 196
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 If you have a flat tire 197
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle needs to be towed 205
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
 Tips for driving during breakin period 181
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . .
 How to start the engine 159
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 General maintenance 214
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Complete index 277
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 1997 TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or copied, in
whole or in part, without the written permission of Toyota Motor Corporation.Publication No. OM50498U
Part No. 0199950498
Printed in Japan 01970700 B
LS400 (U)