1998 Lexus LS400 park assist

STARTING AND DRIVING
178”ABS” warning light
31L019-2
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the ”ON”
position. After about a few seconds, the light will go off.
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, or remains on.
The light comes on while driving.
Even if the antilock brake system should fail, the brake system will
still operate conventionally. But when the ”ABS” warning light is
on (and the brake system warning light is off), 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.
Have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Drumindisc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drumindisc type parking brake system. This
type of brake system needs beddingdown of the brake shoes
periodically or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or drums are
replaced.
Have your Lexus dealer perform the beddingdown.
Brake pad wear limit warning message
31L082
When your brake pads are worn enough to require replacement,
the brake pad wear warning message in the multi information
display appears.
If the warning message in the multi information display appears
while driving, have the brake pads checked and replaced by your
nearest Lexus dealer immediately.
Continuous driving without replacing the brake pads will cause
expensive rotor damage and increasing brake pedal effort to get the
same stopping distance.

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.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
194
(b) Starting a flooded engine
If the engine will not start, your engine may be flooded because
of repeated cranking.
If this happens, turn the key to ”START” with the accelerator pedal
held down. Continue this operation for 30 seconds and then stop
cranking. Then try starting the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
If the engine does not start after 30 seconds of cranking, release the
key, wait a few minutes and try again.
If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call a
Lexus dealer. Roadside Assistance or Customer Service Assistance.
(See ”Foreword”.)
NOTICE
Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may
overheat the starter and wiring systems.
(c) Jump starting
To avoid serious personal injury and damage to your vehicle
which might result from battery explosion, acid burns, electrical
burns, or damaged electronic components, these instructions
must be followed precisely.
If you are unsure about how to follow this procedure, we strongly
recommend that you seek help from your Lexus dealer, Roadside
Assistance or Customer Service Assistance. (See ”Foreword”.).
CAUTION
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which is poisonous and
corrosive. Wear protective safety glasses when jump
starting, and avoid spilling acid on your skin, clothing, or
vehicle.
If you should accidentally get acid on yourself or in your
eyes, remove any contaminated clothing and flush the
affected area with water immediately. Then get immediate
medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with
a sponge or cloth while en route to the medical office.
The gas normally produced by a battery will explode if a
flame or spark is brought near. Use only standardized
jumper cables and do not smoke or light a match while
jump starting.
NOTICE
The battery used for boosting must be 12 V. Do not jump start
unless you are sure that the booster battery is correct.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
196
CAUTION
When making the connections, to avoid serious injury, do not
lean over the battery or accidentally let the jumper cables or
clamps touch anything except the correct battery terminals or
the ground.
5. Start your engine in the normal way. After starting, run it at about
2000 rpm for several minutes with the accelerator pedal lightly
depressed.
6. Carefully disconnect the cables in the exact reverse order: the
negative cable and then the positive cable.
7. Carefully dispose of the battery cover cloths which may now
contain sulfuric acid.
8. If removed, replace all the battery vent plugs.
If the cause of your battery discharging is not apparent (for example,
lights left on), you should have it checked.
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating,
if you experience a loss of power, or if you hear a loud knocking
or pinging noise, the engine has probably overheated.
When the engine overheats
Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your emergency
flashers. Put the transmission in ”P” and apply the parking brake.
A: If steam is coming from your engine:
Turn off the engine. Leave the hood closed until there is no sign of
steam or coolant. Your engine could have been seriously damaged
already. Call your Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until there
is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is sign of very high
pressure.

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.