1998 Lexus LS400 air conditioning

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
iii
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
The contents of this manual are explained briefly on this page to
help you make the best use of the manual. Please read this page
and the rest of the Owner’s Manual carefully to make sure you
fully understand the operation of your vehicle.
This will help you enjoy safe and comfortable driving.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The table of contents and the pictorial index provide easy reference
to the appropriate pages.
BASIC OPERATION QUICK REFERENCE
Operation of basic equipment is briefly explained in an easily
understandable way for quick reference.
SECTION 1 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
The vehicle’s equipment is divided into the 7 groups listed below.
Use of the equipment is explained, including any points you should
pay particular attention to.
1. Keys and doors
2. Switches
3. Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators
4. Interior equipment
5. Exterior equipment
6. Comfort adjustment
7. Theft deterrent
SECTION 2 AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
The features of the vehicle’s air conditioning and audio are explained
in detail. Be sure to read this section so that you can make full use
of them.
SECTION 3 STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting the engine, driving, stopping, operation of features af fecting
vehicle handling, hints on vehicle safety and safe driving techniques
are all explained. Please read ev erything in this section, and
remember drive safely!
SECTION 4 IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
This section explains what to do in the event of an urgent situation
such as the engine not starting or getting a flat tire, etc. If such a
problem occurs, check the contents of this Owner’s Manual and
follow the instructions given.
SECTION 5 MAINTENANCE
This section explains the impor tance of regular maintenance.
Regular and periodic inspection and maintenance of your Lexus will
help to keep your vehicle in its best condition.
SECTION 6 SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Simple maintenance procedure and service data are provided here
for your reference should you wi sh to perform inspection and
maintenance yourself.

BASIC
OPERATION
SECTION 1
SECTION 2
SECTION 3
SECTION 4
SECTION 5
SECTION 6
SECTION 7
INDEX
TABLE OF CONTENTS
v
BASIC OPERATION QUICK REFERENCE1
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1 INSTRUMENTS AND Keys and doors7
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONTROLS Switches21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gauges, meters and service
reminder indicators
33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
\bInterior equipment47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior equipment61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Comfort adjustment69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft deterrent116
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 2 AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO120
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 3 STARTING AND Starting and driving154
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DRIVING Driving tips180
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 4 IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY192
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 5 MAINTENANCE212
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
SECTION 6 SERVICE PROCEDURES Introduction218
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AND SPECIFICATIONS Engine224
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chassis236
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
\bElectrical components248
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Body268
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 7 REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS FOR U.S. OWNERS276
. . . . . . .
INDEX277
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAS STATION INFORMATION Inside back cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
QUICK INDEX Back cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
vii
Page
1
Door lock switch and power window
switches 19, 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
2 Driving position memory switch 113
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Shoulder anchor control switch 83
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Power rear view mirror control switch 78
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Parking brake release lever 158
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Fuel filler door opener 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Trunk lid opener 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Parking brake 158
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Headlight, turn signal and fog
light switch 22, 24, 25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Windshield wiper and washer switch 25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Multi information control switch 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Cruise control switch 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
13 Outside temperature display
51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Clock 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . .
15 Emergency flasher switch 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Automatic air conditioning controls 121
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Car audio 132
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
18 Vehicle skid control system off switch 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Headlight cleaner switch 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Seat heater switches 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Ashtray 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . .
22 Height control switch 171
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Driving pattern selector switch 160
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Automatic transmission selector lever 160
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 CD automatic changer 143
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Glovebox 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .

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.

SECTION 2
120
AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
Automatic air conditioning controls 121. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio system 132. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For vehicles equipped with Navigation System, please refer to
the separate ”Owner’s Manual for Navigation System”.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
121
AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONING CONTROLS
21L001-5
The automatic air conditioning automatically maintains the set
temperature.
This air conditioning features automatic fan speed and air flow
control which automatically selects the most suitable fan speed
and air flow to control the temperature. The ignition key must be
in the ”ON” position.NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not leave the air
conditioning on longer than necessary when the engine is not
running.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
122
1
Driver side temperature control button
2
Front windshield button
3
Driver side temperature display (in degrees Fahrenheit or
Centigrade)
4
Fan speed display
5
Air intake control button
6
Air flow display
7
Air conditioning onoff button
8
Passenger side temperature control button
9
Passenger side temperature display (in degrees Fahrenheit
or Centigrade)
10Separate/dual control button
11Air flow control button
12Fan speed control button
13OFF button
14Automatic control button