1998 Lexus LS400 Battery

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
128
(b) Windshield defogging and defrosting
21L009-3
To remove interior fog on the windshield
Push the”FRONT WINDSHIELD” button.
To remove frost or exterior fog on the windshield
1. Place the temperature control button at the maximum
temperature.
2. Push the ”FRONT WINDSHIELD” button.
3. Push the fan speed control button on the right side to obtain a
maximum air flow.
4. Leave the air conditioning onoff button off.When the ”FRONT WINDSHIELD” button is pushed while
operating in automatic mode, the air conditioning is set to operate
and the OUTSIDE AIR mode is set.
If you push the ”FRONT WINDSHIELD” button once again while
in the FRONT WINDSHIELD mode, the mode then returns to the
last mode used.
CAUTION
Do not use the ”FRONT WINDSHIELD” button during
cooled air operation in extremely humid weather. The
difference between the temperature of the outside air and that
of the windshield could cause the outer surface of the
windshield to fog up blocking your vision.
When you turn the ignition switch on after the removal and
installation of the battery terminal, the indicator light may flash and
the operating sound of the motor may be heard. This does not
indicate a malfunction.
You may hear the operating sound of the motor about 70 seconds
after the ignition switch is turned off. This is not also a malfunction.

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.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
138
20L0461
Push this button on the upper side to step up the station band or
on the lower side to step down.
Your radio automatically changes to stereo reception when a stereo
broadcast is received. ”ST” appears on the display. If the signal
becomes weak, the radio reduces the amount of channel separation
to prevent the weak signal from creating noise. If the signal becomes
extremely weak, the radio switches from stereo to mono reception.
In this case, ”ST” disappears from the display.(b) Presetting a station
20L047-1
1. Tune in the desired station.
2. Push one of the station selector buttons ( 16 ) and hold it until
a beep is heard. This sets the station to the button and the button
number ( 16 ) appears on the display.
Each button can store one AM station and two FM stations. To
change the preset station to a different one, follow the same
procedure.
The preset station memory is cancelled when the power source is
interrupted by battery disconnection or a blown fuse.

STARTING AND DRIVING
157
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, head restraint height and
steering wheel angle.
3. Adjust inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts.
Remember to check that the service reminder indicators function
when turning the key to ”ON”, and check the fuel gauge to see that
you have sufficient fuel.
IGNITION SWITCH WITH
STEERING LOCK
31L0011
”START” Starter motor on. The key will return to the ”ON”
position when released.
For starting tips, see page 159.
”ON” Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the ”ON” position if the engine is not
running. The battery will discharge and the electronic ignition
system/distributor ignition system could be damaged.
”ACC” Accessories such as the radio operate, but the engine
is off.
If you leave the key in the ”ACC” or ”LOCK” position and open the

STARTING AND DRIVING
175
Vehicle skid control failure warning
31L073
In the following cases, the warning message appears and the
reminder light next to the warning message and the ”VSC OFF”
indicator light come on. And the warning tone also sounds.
(a) After the removal of the battery terminals (See ”Initial
adjustment of vehicle skid control system” described below.)
(b) If the vehicle skid control system malfunctions
If the message appears for the cause of (b), have your vehicle
checked by Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Although the message appears, there is no problem to continue your
normal driving.
Initial adjustment of vehicle skid control system
After the battery terminals are disconnected, an initial adjustment
should be made. At this time, the reminder light comes on and the
warning message appears in the multi information display.
Make an initial adjustment in the following ways:
1. Apply the parking brake and put the transmission in ”P”.
2. Connect the battery terminals.
3. Turn the ignition switch on. At this time, the ”VSC OFF”
indicator light comes on and then about 6 seconds later, the reminder
light comes on and the ”CHECK VSC” warning message appears in
the multi information display.
4. The warning message and the ”VSC OFF” indicator light go out
about 15 seconds after the ignition switch is turned on. If the vehicle
is shaken after the ignition switch is turned to ”ON”, it may take
longer to go out the warning message.
If the warning message does not go out about 1 minute after you turn
the ignition switch on, turn it off and then on again.
If the vehicle is on the moving object like a ship or turntable, an
accurate adjustment cannot be made. Move the vehicle on the
ground (or the part not causing vibrations to the vehicle) and make
an adjustment from step 1.

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.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
193
IF YOUR ENGINE STALLS WHILE
DRIVING
If your engine stalls while driving . . . .
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move
cautiously off the road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Try starting the engine again.
If the engine will not start, see ”If your vehicle will not start”.
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 YOUR VEHICLE WILL NOT
START
(a) Simple checks
Before making these checks, make sure you have followed the
correct starting procedure instructions in ”How to start the engine”
on page 159 and that you have sufficient fuel. Since your vehicle is
equipped with the engine immobiliser system, also check whether
the other keys will start the engine. If they work, your key may be
broken. Have the key checked at your Lexus dealer. If none of your
keys work, the system is possibly broken. Call your Lexus dealer.
See ”Keys” on page 8.If the engine is not turning over or is turning over too slowly
1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior light.
3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is cranked, the
battery is discharged. You may try jump starting. See ”(c) Jump
starting” for further instruction.
If the light is O.K., but 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 pull or pushstart the vehicle. It may damage the
vehicle or cause a collision when the engine starts. Also the
threeway catalytic converter may overheat and become a fire
hazard.
If the engine turns over at its normal speed but will not start
1. The engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking. See
”(b) Starting a flooded engine” for further instructions.
2. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call
a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service
Assistance. (See ”Foreword”.)