1998 Lexus LS400 SECTION 2

SECTION 2
120
AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
Automatic air conditioning controls 121. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio system 132. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For vehicles equipped with Navigation System, please refer to
the separate ”Owner’s Manual for Navigation System”.

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
151
20L038
Correct
Wrong
Handle compact discs carefully, especially when you set them
into the magazine. Hold them on the edge and do not bend them.
Avoid getting fingerprints on them, particularly on the shiny side.
Dirt, scrapes, warping, pin holes, or other disc damage could
cause the player to skip or to repeat a section of a track. (To see
a pin hole, hold the disc up to the light.)
20L039
To clean a compact disc: Wipe it with a soft, lintfree cloth that has
been dampened with water. Wipe in a straight line from the center
to the edge of the disc (not in a circle). Do not use a conventional
record cleaner or antistatic device.

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 3 2
180
STARTING AND DRIVING
Driving tips
Breakin period 181. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 181. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips for driving in various conditions 181. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing 183. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to save fuel and make your vehicle
last longer 189. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 4
192
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
If your engine stalls while driving 193. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 193. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle overheats 196. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 197. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 205. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector lever 209. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you lose your keys or lock yourself out 210. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 5
212
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance requirements 213. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General maintenance 214. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing? 217. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the
separate ”Owner’s Manual Supplement/ Maintenance
Schedule”.

MAINTENANCE
214Your copy of the repair order is proof that all required maintenance
has been performed for warranty coverage. And if any problems
should arise with your vehicle while under warranty, your Lexus
dealer will promptly take care of it. Again, be sure to keep a copy
of the repair order for any service performed on your Lexus.
What about doityourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself, if you have
a little mechanical ability and a few basic automotive tools. Simple
instructions for how to perform them are presented in Section 6.
If you are a skilled doityourself mechanic, the Lexus service
manuals are recommended. Please be aware that doityourself
maintenance can affect your warranty coverage. See your Owner’s
Guide, Owner’s Manual Supplement or Warranty Booklet for the
details.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified. It is recommended that any
problem you notice be brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer
or qualified service shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only where adequate ventilation can be
obtained if you run the engine.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Tire pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks, or at least once
a month and adjust as shown on the tire pressure label. See page 241
for additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive wear. See
page 243 for additional information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for looseness.
Tighten them if necessary.