1998 Lexus LS400 INSTRUMENT

SECTION 1 1
7
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Keys and doors
Keys 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine immobiliser system 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wireless remote control 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doors 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

KEYS AND DOORS
10
11L023-3
Do not bend the key grip.
Do not cover the key grip with any material that cuts off
electromagnetic waves.
Do not knock the key hard against other objects.
Do not leave the key exposed to high temperatures for a long
period, such as on the dashboard and hood under the direct
sunlight.
Do not put the key in water or wash it in an ultrasonic washer.
Do not use the key with electromagnetic materials.
ENGINE IMMOBILISER SYSTEM
11L0243
The engine immobiliser system is a theft prevention system.
When you insert the key in the ignition switch, the transponder
chip in the key’s head transmits an electronic code to the vehicle.
The engine will start, only when the electronic code in the chip
corresponds to the registered ID code for the vehicle.
The system is automatically set when the key is removed from the
ignition switch. At this time, the security indicator light at the
bottom of the instrument cluster flashes. When you insert the key in
the ignition switch, the security indicator light goes out and the
system is canceled automatically, which enables the engine to start.
For your Lexus dealer to make you a new key with builtin
transponder chip, your dealer will need your key number and master
key. However, there is a limit to the number of additional keys your
Lexus dealer can make for you.

SECTION 1 2
21
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Switches
Headlight switch 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight dimmer and turn signal switch 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light switch 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper and washer switch 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight cleaner switch 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window and outside rear view mirror
defogger switch 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power window switches 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat heater switches 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SWITCHES
22
HEADLIGHT SWITCH
12L001
To turn the lights on, twist the knob on the end of the lever.
FIRST CLICKSTOP: Only the parking, tail, license plate, side
marker and instrument panel lights turn on.
SECOND CLICKSTOP: Headlights also turn on.
THIRD CLICKSTOP (”AUTO”): The headlights and all other
lights automatically turn on depending on the darkness of the
surroundings.*
Vehicles sold in U.S.A.: When the headlights are on, the headlight
indicator lights up in the instrument cluster.
Vehicles sold in Canada: When the tail lights are on, the tail light
indicator lights up in the instrument cluster.
Manually twist the knob to the second clickstop to turn on the
headlights if they are needed immediately when entering a dark
tunnel, parking structure, etc.
12L002
The automatic light control sensor is on top of the driver’s side
instrument panel.
Do not place anything on the instrument panel, and/or do not affix
anything on the windshield to block this sensor.
When the headlights come on, the lights automatically turn off about
30 seconds after any of the doors is opened and closed with the
ignition key turned to the ”ACC” or ”LOCK” position.** To turn
them on again, turn the ignition key to the ”ON” position, or turn the
headlight switch off and then twist the knob until the first or second
clickstop. If you are going to park for over one week, make sure the
headlight switch is off.
When the headlight switch is on with all the doors locked, pushing
the ”LOCK” button on the wireless remote control key turns off the
headlights.
NOTE: *The operating condition or sensitivity can be changed.
**The time before turning off the lights can be changed. Ask your
Lexus dealer for details.

SWITCHES
23 Daytime Running Light System (Canada only)
The headlights turn on when the parking brake is released with the
engine started, even with the light switch in the ”OFF” position.
They will not go off until the ignition switch is turned off.
To turn on the other exterior lights and instrument panel lights, twist
the knob to the first clickstop.
Under the daytime running light system, the headlights turn on at
reduced intensity. Twist the knob to the second clickstop to turn to
full intensity for driving at night.
When setting the knob to the third clickstop (”AUTO”), the
headlights will automatically adjust to full intensity and/or turn on
the other lights depending on the darkness of the surroundings.
Likewise, as the surroundings become brighter, the headlights will
turn to reduced intensity, ultimately turning off the other lights.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not leave the
lights on longer than necessary when the engine is not running.
Automatic headlight leveling system (Vehicles with
discharge headlight only)
As the headlight beam level is always maintained automatically at
the proper level in all loading conditions, your headlights do not
dazzle other road users.
If this system fails, the multi information display shows a message
”HEADLIGHT LEVELING”. If this occurs, have your vehicle
checked by Lexus dealer.

SWITCHES
24
HEADLIGHT DIMMER AND TURN
SIGNAL SWITCH
12L003
For high beam, push the lever forward. Pull it back for low
beam. For the headlight flasher, pull it further back.
A blue light in the instrument cluster indicates high beam or
headlight flasher is on.
The headlight flasher works even when the headlight switch is off.
12L004
For signaling turns, move the lever up or down in the
conventional manner.
The ignition key must be in the ”ON” position.
The turn signal is selfcancelling after a turn, but after a lane change,
you may have to cancel it by hand. You can also signal a lane change
by moving the turn signal lever partway and holding it there.
If the green light in the instrument cluster flashes faster than normal,
it indicates that the front or rear turn signal bulb has burned out. If
this indicator light does not come on, the fuse or the indicator light
itself has probably failed.

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
46
W51 W51
When the fluid level in the tank becomes nearly empty, the above
message appears, the reminder light comes on and the warning
tone sounds.
Fill the tank as soon as possible.
W53 W53
When there is a problem somewhere in the automatic headlight
leveling system, the above message appears, the reminder light
comes on and the warning tone sounds.
If this message appears, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus
dealer.
INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT
CONTROL
13L005
To adjust the brightness of the instrument panel lights, turn the
knob.