1998 Lexus LS400 brakes

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

STARTING AND DRIVING
173
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically helps control the
spinning of the rear wheels which may occur when accelerating
on slippery road surfaces, thus assisting driver to control the
driving power of the rear wheels.
31L0521
When you turn the ignition switch on, this system always turns
on. Leave the system on during ordinary driving so that it can
operate when needed. When traction control is applied, the slip
indicator light blinks.
When the traction control system is operating, you may feel
vibration of your vehicle, caused by operation of the brakes. This
indicates the system is functioning properly.
When getting the vehicle out of mud or new snow, etc. the traction
control system will help operate to prevent the wheels from
spinning.
To turn off the traction control system, see page 174.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of the
vehicle and power to the rear wheels cannot be maintained,
even though the traction control system is in operation. Do not
drive the vehicle under any speed or maneuvering conditions
which will cause the vehicle to lose traction. In situations
where the road surface is covered with ice or snow, your
vehicle should be fitted with snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious pace.

STARTING AND DRIVING
174
VEHICLE SKID CONTROL SYSTEM
The vehicle skid control system helps to provide comprehensive
control of the systems such as an antilock brake system,
traction control, engine control, electronically modulated air
suspension, etc. This system automatically controls the output
of the brakes or engine to help prevent the vehicle from skidding
when cornering on a slippery road surface or abrupt steering
wheel operation occurs.
31L0521
Slip indicator light
If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the slip indicator light
flashes and an alarm sounds.
The vehicle skid control activates when the vehicle speed is about
more than 15 km/h (9 mph).Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly causes a small noise from the
engine compartment. This is a pump pulsating sound of the brake
system and it is not a malfunction.
You may hear a slight clicking noise in the engine compartment for
a few seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle is
started. This means that the vehicle skid control is in the selfcheck
mode and does not indicate a malfunction.
31L017-2
You can turn off the vehicle skid control system by pushing the
”VSC OFF” switch. The ”VSC OFF” indicator comes on. At
this time, the traction control system also turns off. You cannot
turn off either one of them. Pushing the ”VSC OFF” switch a
second time turns the system back on and extinguishes the ”VSC
OFF” indicator light.
When you turn the ignition switch on, this system always turns on.

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.

DRIVING TIPS
181
BREAKIN PERIOD
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
You need not follow a breakin schedule with your new Lexus. But
following a few simple tips for the first 1600 km (1000 miles) can
add to the future economy and long life of your vehicle:
Do not drive over 88 km/h (55 mph).
Avoid overrevving. Maintain engine speed between 2000 and
4000 rpm.
Avoid fullthrottle starts.
Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles).
Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either fast or slow.
Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500 miles).
OPERATION IN FOREIGN
COUNTRIES
If you plan to drive your Lexus in another country ...
First, comply with the vehicle registration laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the correct fuel (unleaded and
minimum octane rating).
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VARIOUS
CONDITIONS
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you
much better control.
Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle. Avoid
driving onto high, sharpedged objects and other road hazards.
Failure to do so can lead to severe tire damage resulting in tire
bursts.
When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch the
curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking brake, and
place the transmission in ”P”. If necessary, block the wheels.
Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get the
brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that there is no
traffic near you and then press the pedal lightly. If you do not feel
a normal braking force, the brakes are probably wet. To dry them,
drive the vehicle cautiously while lightly pressing the brake pedal
with the parking brake applied. If they still do not work safely,
pull to the side of the road and call a Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is fully
released and that the parking brake reminder light is off.

DRIVING TIPS
182Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. It
can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear, and poor
fuel economy.
To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed and
downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes excessively,
they may overheat and not work properly. See page 163.
Be careful when accelerating, upshifting, downshifting or
braking on a slippery surface. The abrupt change in engine
speed, such as sudden acceleration or engine braking, could
cause the vehicle to spin or skid.
Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal
speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140 km/h (85 mph)
unless your vehicle has highspeed capability tires.
Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may result in tire failure,
loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire
dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are
highspeed capability tires or not before driving at such
speeds.
Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are wet.
If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer stopping
distance, and it may pull to one side when the brakes are
applied. Also, the parking brake will not hold the vehicle
securely.
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have ethyleneglycol antifreeze in the radiator.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it must be
in top shape to provide enough power for winter starting. Page 253
tells you how to visually inspect the battery. Your Lexus dealer and
most service stations will be pleased to check the battery charge
level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold weather.
See page 232 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy summer
oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause harder starting.
If you are not sure about which oil to use, call your Lexus dealer
they will be pleased to help.
Check the electronic ignition system for loose connections or
obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock deicer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing.

DRIVING TIPS
185
Hitches
If you wish to install a trailer hitch, your Lexus dealer should be
consulted.
Use only a hitch which is recommended by the hitch
manufacturer and conforms to the total trailer weight
requirement.
Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
Lexus recommends removing the trailer hitch whenever you are
not towing a trailer to reduce the possibility of additional damage
caused by the hitch if your vehicle is struck from behind. After
removing the hitch, seal any mounting holes in the vehicle body
to prevent entry of pollutants such as exhaust fumes, dirt, water,
etc.
NOTICE
Install the trailer hitch using only the position recommended
by your Lexus dealer. Do not install the trailer hitch on the
bumper; this may cause body damage.
Do not use axlemounted hitches as they can cause damage
to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels or tires.
Brakes and safety chains
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any
applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.
A safety chain must always be used between the towing
vehicle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the chain for
turns. The chain should cross under the trailer tongue to
prevent the tongue from dropping to the ground in case it
becomes damaged or separated. For correct safety chain
procedures, follow the hitch or trailer manufacturer’s
recommendations.
CAUTION
If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1000 lb.), trailer
brakes are required.
Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system as it will
lower its braking effectiveness.
Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely
attached to both the trailer and the vehicle. If damage
occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, there is possible
danger of the trailer wandering over into another lane.

DRIVING TIPS
187
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently than
when not towing. The three main causes of vehicletrailer
accidents are driver error, excessive speed and improper trailer
loading. Keep these in mind when towing:
Before starting out, check the operation of the lights and all
vehicletrailer connections. After driving a short distance, stop
and recheck the lights and connections. Practice turning,
stopping and backing with a trailer in an area away from traffic
until you learn the feel.
Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice. Grip the
bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the left to
move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to move
the trailer to the right. (This procedure is generally opposite to
that when backing without a trailer.) Also, just turn the steering
wheel a little at a time, avoiding sharp or prolonged turning. Have
someone guide you when backing to reduce the risk of an
accident.
Because stopping distance may be increased, vehicletovehicle
distance should be increased when towing a trailer. For each 16
km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer
length between you and the vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking
as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This
is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.
Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit your
vehicle in a tight turn. Slow down before making a turn to avoid
the need of sudden braking.
Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be
closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Therefore,
compensate for this by making a larger than normal turning radius
with your vehicle.
Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of
your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention to the rear
from time to time to prepare yourself for being passed by large
trucks or buses, which may cause your vehicle and trailer to sway.
If swaying happens, firmly grip the steering wheel and reduce
speed immediately but gradually. Never increase speed. If it is
necessary to reduce speed, brake slowly. Steer straight ahead. If
you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your
vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires
considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the
length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty of room before
changing lanes.
In order to maintain efficient engine braking and electrical
charging performance, do not use overdrive. Transmission must
be in the ”4” position.