1998 Lexus LS400 engine

INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
53
POWER OUTLET
14L0381
The power outlet is designed for power supply for car
accessories.
The ignition key must be in the ”ACC” or ”ON” position for the
power outlet to be used.
NOTICE
To prevent the fuse from being blown, do not use the
electricity over the total vehicle capacity of 3.5A/12V.
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not use the
power outlet longer than necessary when the engine is not
running.
Close the power outlet lid when the power outlet is not in use.
Inserting a foreign object other than the appropriate plug
that fits the outlet, or allowing any liquid into the outlet may
cause electrical failure or short circuits.

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
65
FUEL TANK CAP
15L006
1. To open the fuel filler door, pull the lever under the
instrument panel.
When refueling, turn off the engine.
CAUTION
Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames when
refuelling. The fumes are flammable.
When opening the cap, do not remove the cap quickly. In
hot weather, fuel under pressure could cause injury by
spraying out of the filler neck if the cap is suddenly
removed.
15L007-1
2. To remove the fuel tank cap, turn the cap slowly
counterclockwise, then pause slightly before removing it. The
removed cap can be stored on the back side of the fuel filler door.
It is not unusual to hear a slight swoosh when the cap is opened.
When installing the cap, turn the cap clockwise until you hear a click.
If the cap is not tightened securely, the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on. Make sure the cap is tightened securely.
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.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
78
Power rear view mirror control
16L017-1
1
Master switch 2
Control switch
To adjust the power rear view mirror, first place the master
switch at ”L” (left) or ”R” (right), and push the control switch
on the desired side.
If the engine is not running, the key must be in the ”ACC” position
for operation of the power rear view mirror.When you are backing up, you can adjust the mirror on the
passenger’s side down quickly in the following procedure.
1. Put the selector lever in the ”R” position.
2. Place the master switch at ”L” (left).
The mirror returns to the previous position by any of the
following operations.
Put the selector lever in a position other than ”R”.
Place the master switch in a position other than the present
setting.
Turn the ignition key to the ”LOCK” position.
However, the passenger’s side mirror remains down when shifting
between ”R” and ”D”repeatedly (i.e., when putting your vehicle into
the garage) within 2 minutes after the mirror is adjusted down.
NOTICE
If ice should jam the mirror, do not operate the control or scrape
the mirror face. Use a spray deicer to free the mirror.

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
134
Using your audio system: some basics
This section describes some of the basic features of the Lexus audio
system. Some information may not pertain to your system.
Your audio system works when the ignition key is in the ”ACC” or
”ON” position.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not leave the
car audio on longer than necessary when the engine is not
running.
(a) Turning the system on and off
20L002-1
Push this knob to turn the audio system on and off. Turn this
knob to adjust the volume.
The system turns on in the last mode used.
20L042-2
Push ”AM”, ”FM1/2”, ”TAPE” or ”CD” to turn on that mode.
The selected mode turns on directly.
Push these buttons if you want to switch from one mode to another.
If the tape or disc is not set, the cassette player or compact disc player
does not turn on.
You can turn off the cassette player by ejecting the cassette tape. If
the audio system was previously off, then the entire audio system
will be turned off when you eject the cassette tape. If another
function was previously playing, it will come on again.

SECTION 3 1
154
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Threeway catalytic converter 155. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 156. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 157. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 157. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 158. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 159. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 160. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic throttle control system 167. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 168. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronically modulated air suspension 171. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system 173. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle skid control system 174. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 179. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STARTING AND DRIVING
155
THREEWAY CATALYTIC
CONVERTER
31L0022
Threeway catalytic converters are emission control devices
installed in the exhaust system.
It looks somewhat like a muffler, but its purpose is to reduce
pollutants in the exhaust gas.
CAUTION
Keep people and combustible materials away from the
exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The exhaust gas
is very hot.
Do not drive, idle or park your vehicle over anything that
might burn easily such as grass, leaves, paper or rags.
NOTICE
A large amount of unburned gases flowing into the threeway
catalytic converter may cause it to overheat and create a fire
hazard. To prevent this and other damage, observe the following
precautions:
Use only unleaded gasoline.
Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level; running out of
fuel could cause the engine to misfire, creating an excessive
load on the threeway catalytic converter.
Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed for more than 20
minutes.
Avoid racing the engine.
Do not pushstart or pullstart your vehicle.
Do not turn off the ignition while the vehicle is moving.
Keep your engine in good running order. Malfunctions in the
engine electrical system, electronic ignition
system/distributor ignition system or fuel system could cause
an extremely high threeway catalytic converter
temperature.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently,
take your vehicle in for a checkup as soon as possible.
Remember, your Lexus dealer knows your vehicle and its
threeway catalytic converter system best.

STARTING AND DRIVING
156To ensure that the threeway catalytic converter and the
entire emission control system operate properly, your vehicle
must receive the periodic inspections required by the Lexus
Maintenance Schedule. For scheduled maintenance
information, refer to the separate ”Owner’s Manual
Supplement/ Maintenance Schedule”.
ENGINE EXHAUST CAUTION
CAUTION
Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust. It contains carbon
monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless gas. It can
cause unconsciousness or even death.
Make sure the exhaust system has no holes or loose
connections. The system should be checked from time to
time. If you hit something, or notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust, have the system checked immediately.
Do not run the engine in a garage or enclosed area except
for the time needed to drive the vehicle in or out. The
exhaust gases cannot escape, making this a particularly
dangerous situation.
Do not remain for a long time in a parked vehicle with the
engine running. If it is unavoidable, however, do so only in
an unconfined area and adjust the heating or cooling
system to force outside air into the vehicle.
Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. An open or
unsealed trunk lid may cause exhaust gases to be drawn
into the vehicle. If you must drive with the trunk lid open
to accommodate a large object, close the windows, open all
the dashboard vents and have the heating or cooling system
deliver fresh air into the vehicle by turning the fan to high
speed with the air intake control button in the OUTSIDE
AIR mode.
To allow proper operation of your vehicle’s ventilation
system, keep the inlet grilles in front of the windshield clear
of snow, leaves, or other obstructions.
If you smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle, drive with the
windows open and the trunk lid closed. Have the cause
immediately located and corrected.