1998 Lexus LS400 warning light

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
ix
Page
1
Engine coolant temperature gauge 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
3 Turn signal indicator light 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Headlight indicator light 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Headlight high beam indicator light 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 160
. . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Fuel gauge 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
8 Low fuel level warning light 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Cruise control indicator light 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Height control indicator light 172
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Power mode indicator light 167
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Snow mode indicator light 167
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Antilock brake system warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Vehicle skid control system off
indicator light 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Slip indicator light 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Multi information display 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Odometer and trip meter 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Brake system warning light 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 SRS warning light 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Open door warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Driver’s seat belt reminder light 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Discharge warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Instrument panel light control 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 ODO/TRIP RESET button 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xi
Page
1
Engine coolant temperature gauge 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
3 Turn signal indicator light 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Tail light indicator light 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Headlight high beam indicator light 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 160
. . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Fuel gauge 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
8 Low fuel level warning light 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Cruise control indicator light 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Power mode indicator light 167
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Snow mode indicator light 167
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Antilock brake system warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
13 Vehicle skid control system
off indicator light 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Malfunction indicator lamp 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Slip indicator light 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Multi information display 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Odometer and trip meter 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Brake system warning light 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 SRS warning light 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Open door warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Driver’s seat belt reminder light 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Instrument panel light control 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 ODO/TRIP RESET button 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SWITCHES
27
HEADLIGHT CLEANER SWITCH
(CANADA ONLY)
12L0072
To spray fluid on the headlights, push the switch with the
headlights on.
The ignition key must be in the ”ON” position.
The warning message ”LOW WASHER FLUID” is displayed in the
multi information display when the fluid level in the tank becomes
nearly empty. For information on adding washer fluid, see ”Adding
washer fluid” on page 261.
NOTICE
Do not turn the headlight cleaner on with the tank empty. It may
cause the cleaner motor to overheat.
REAR WINDOW AND OUTSIDE
REAR VIEW MIRROR DEFOGGER
SWITCH
12L008-4
To turn the electric rear window defogger on, push the switch.
The ignition key must be in the ”ON” position.
The thin heater wires on the inside of the rear window and the heater
panels in the outside rear view mirrors will quickly clear the surface.
Keep your hands off the mirror faces when the switch is on. An
indicator light is on when the defogger is operating.
The system will automatically shut off when the defogger has
operated about 15 minutes.

SECTION 1 3
33
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder
indicators
Fuel gauge 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer and trip meter 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi information display 41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel light control 46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
34
FUEL GAUGE
13L0011
Low fuel level warning light
The gauge is displayed when the ignition switch is on and
indicates the approximate quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.
It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4 full.
If the fuel level approaches ”E” or the low fuel level warning light
comes on, fill the fuel tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the tank, the
fuel gauge needle may fluctuate or the low fuel level warning light
may come on earlier than usual.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on. Fill the fuel tank immediately.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times. If the
indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
See the inner back cover for fuel capacity and recommended fuelselection.
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
13L0022
Normal range
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature when the
ignition switch is on. The engine operating temperature will
vary with changes in weather and engine load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your vehicle and
allow the engine to cool.
Your vehicle may overheat during severe operating conditions, such
as:
Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
Reducing speed or stopping after high speed driving.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
37 (f) Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
(g) Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
(h) Close all doors.
(i) Low fuel level Fill up tank.
warning light
(j) Key reminder buzzer Remove key.
(a) Brake System Warning Light
This light has the following two functions:
Parking brake reminder
If this light is on, make sure the parking brake is fully released. The
light should go off.
Low brake fluid level warning
If this light comes on and stays on while you are driving, slow down
and pull off the road. Then stop the vehicle carefully. Remember
that stopping distance and pedal effort may be increased. There may
be a problem somewhere in the brake system. Check the fluid level
of the seethrough reservoir.
To make sure the parking brake has not caused the warning light to
come on, check to see that the parking brake is fully released.
If the brake fluid level is low ...
At a safe place, test your brakes by starting and stopping.
If you judge that the brakes still work adequately, drive cautiously
to your nearest dealer or shop for repairs.
If the brakes are not working, have the vehicle towed in for
repairs. (For towing information, see page 205.)
CAUTION
It is dangerous to continue driving normally when the brake
fluid level is low.
or

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
38If the brake fluid level is correct ...
Have the warning system checked by your Lexus dealer.
(b) Driver’s Seat Belt Reminder Light and Buzzer
Once the ignition key is turned to ”ON” or ”START”, the reminder
light flashes and buzzer sounds if the driver’s seat belt is not
fastened. Unless the driver fastens the belt, the light stays flashing
and the buzzer stops after about 4 to 8 seconds.
(c) Front Passenger’s Seat Belt Reminder Light
Once the ignition key is turned to ”ON” or ”START”, the reminder
light flashes if a passenger sits in the front passenger seat and does
not fasten the seat belt. Unless the front passenger fastens the belt,
the light stays flashing.
If luggage load is placed on the front passenger seat, depending on
its weight and how it is placed on the seat, builtin sensors in the seat
cushion may detect the pressure, causing the reminder light to come
on.
(d) SRS Warning Light
The indicators come on when the ignition key is turned to the
”ACC” or ”ON” position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This
means the SRS is operating properly.
The SRS warning light system monitors the airbag sensor
assemblies, inflators, seat belt pretensioners, warning light,
interconnecting wiring and power sources.
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.
The light stays on or flashes.
The light comes on or starts flashing while driving.
If the light stays on, it indicates that the driver and front passenger
airbags fail. If the light flashes, the side airbags and/or seat belt
pretensioners fail.

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.