1998 Lexus LS400 lexus LS400 1998 Engine / LEXUS 1998 LS400 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM50498U)

BODY
274
Synthetic Leather Areas
(Dash and sun visors)
The synthetic leather areas may be easily cleaned with a mild
soap or detergent and water.
First vacuum over the upholstery to remove loose dirt. Then, using
a sponge or soft cloth, apply the soap solution to the synthetic leather.
After allowing it to soak in for a few minutes to loosen the dirt,
remove the dirt and wipe off the soap with a clean damp cloth. If all
the dirt does not come off, repeat the procedure. Commercial
foamingtype cleaners are also available which work well. Follow
the manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTICE
Do not use solvent, thinner, gasoline or window cleaner on the
interior.
Carpets, Windows and Seat Belts
Begin by vacuuming thoroughly to remove as much dirt as possible.
Several types of foam cleaners are available; some are in aerosol
cans and others are powders or liquids which you mix with water to
produce a foam. To shampoo the carpets, use a sponge or brush to
apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not apply water
the best results are obtained by keeping the carpet as dry as possible.
Read the shampoo instructions and follow them closely.
The seat belts may be cleaned with mild soap and water or with
lukewarm water.
Use a cloth or sponge. As you are cleaning, check the belts for
excessive wear, fraying or cuts.
NOTICE
Use a good foamtype shampoo to clean the carpets.
Do not use dye or bleach on the belts it may weaken them.
The windows may be cleaned with any household window
cleaner.
When cleaning the inside of the rear window, be careful not
to scratch or damage the heater wires.

BODY
275
Air Conditioning Control Panel, Car Audio,
Instrument Panel, Console Panel, and Switches
Use a soft damp cloth for cleaning.
Soak a clean soft cloth in water or lukewarm water then lightly wipe
off any dirt.
NOTICE
Do not use organic substances (solvents, kerosene, alcohol,
gasoline, etc.) or alkaline or acidic solutions. These
chemicals can cause discoloring, staining or peeling of the
surface.
If you use cleaners or polishing agents, make sure their
ingredients do not include the substances mentioned above.
If you use a liquid car freshener, do not spill the liquid onto
the vehicle’s interior surfaces. It may contain the ingredients
mentioned above. Immediately clean any spill using the
method mentioned above.
If you have any questions about the cleaning of your Lexus, your
local Lexus dealer will be pleased to answer them.

SECTION 7
276
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
FOR U.S. OWNERS
Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners 276. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
FOR U.S. OWNERS
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could
cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (Tollfree:
180025LEXUS).
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved
in individual problems between you, your dealer, or
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline tollfree at 18004249393 (or 3660123 in
Washington.D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S.
Department of Transportation, Washington. D.C.
20590. You can also obtain other information about
motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

INDEX
277

INDEX (A C)
278
A
”ABS” warning light 178
Adding washer fluid 261. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustment
Driver’s seat lumbar support 73. . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seat cushion angle and height 72. . . . . .
Front seat position 71. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seatback angle 72
Seat belts 80. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbags (SRS) 86. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 247. . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system 177. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antitheft steering column lock 157. . . . . . . . . .
Appearance care
Cleaning the interior 273
Protecting your Lexus from corrosion 270. . .
Washing and waxing 271
Audio system 132. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic air conditioning controls 121. . . . . . .
Automatic transmission
Driving with an automatic
transmission 160. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift pattern 160. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting speed 163. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary catch, Engine hood 62. . . . . . . . . . . . .
B
Battery
Checking battery condition 253. . . . . . . . . . . .
Recharging precautions 257. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 157. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Belts
Seat belts 80. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit warning light 178. . . . . . .
Brake system warning light 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes
Antilock brake system 177. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Booster 176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking tips 176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level 239. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pad wear limit warning light 178. . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 158. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake reminder light 37. . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakin period 181. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness control 46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C
Carbon monoxide caution 156. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette tape player 140
Car audio operating tips 148. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center vents 130. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing the
blade type fuses 258. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 239. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the cartridge type fuses 260. . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 230. . . . . . . . . . . .
Child restraint 98. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child restraint precautions 98. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Childprotector, Rear door 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter and ashtray 52. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the interior 273. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 51. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cold weather, Operation 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact disc player 143. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Converter, Threeway catalytic 155. . . . . . . . . .

INDEX (C E)
279
Consumer information
Uniform tire quality grading 244. . . . . . . . . . .
Controls, Instrument panel Pictorial index. . . . . .
Cooling system
Coolant level 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine overheating 196. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and reservoir 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator cap 196. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corrosion prevention 270
Cruise control 168. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise information 42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holder 56. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D
Defogger, Rear window 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimmer switch, Headlight 5, 24. . . . . . . . . . . .
Directional signals 5, 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discharge warning light 39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing? 217. . . . . . . .
Doityourself maintenance 221. . . . . . . . . . . .
Door locks 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver’s seat 2, 70. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
Automatic transmission 160. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips 180. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving position memory system 113. . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips
Driving tips in various conditions 181. . . . . . .
Driving with an automatic
transmission 160. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Economical driving 189. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good braking practice 176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 166
Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
During breakin 181. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E
Economical driving .
Saving money on both fuel and
repairs 189. . . . . . . . . .
Electrical system
Battery 253. 257. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 249. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 249, 258, 260. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 226. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic throttle control system 167. . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency, in case of
Blown fuse 259. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire 197. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you lose your keys 210
If your vehicle needs to be towed 205. . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 193. . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 194. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 196. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 205. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine
Antifreeze 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 157. . . . . . . . . . . . .

INDEX (E G)
280
Checking the coolant level 233. . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant temperature gauge 34. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emission control device 155. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment 220 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 156. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood release 62. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil consumption 229. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil level 230. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 196. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 226. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting procedure 159. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Threeway catalytic converter 155. . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant, Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . .
Engine immobiliser system 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil, Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 34. . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 156. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F
Facts about engine oil consumption 229. . . . . . .
Flasher, Headlight 5, 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire
After changing wheels 204. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing tires 202. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 197 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack point 201. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking precautions 197. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking up 201. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loosening wheel nuts 201 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lowering vehicle 203. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reinstalling wheel ornament 204. . . . . . . . . . .
Removing wheel ornament 200. . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel block 200. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel nuts 201. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor mat 58. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level
Brake 239. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 240. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid 261. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign countries, Operation in 181. . . . . . . . . . Front seat
Lumbar support 73. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Position 71. . . . . . . . . .
Seat cushion angle and height 72. . . . . . . . . . .
Seatback angle 72. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel
Filler door opener 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel economy 189. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel information 227. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gauge 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MTBE 228. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 181. . . . . . . . . .
Tank cap 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse
Blade type fuses 258. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cartridge type fuses 260. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 249. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse box 220. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G
Garage door opener 54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gas station information Inside back cover. . . . .
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature 34. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glovebox 54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 166 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

INDEX (H L)
281
H
Hazard switch 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight cleaner switch 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight switch 5, 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head restraints 73. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height control system 171 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High speed operation
During breakin 181. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood release, Engine 62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 159. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I
Identification
Engine 219. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle 219. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch 157. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch light 50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel
Brightness control 46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter and ashtray 52. . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 51. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel gauge 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi information display 41. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside temperature display 51. . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip meter 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Twin trip meter 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside rear view mirror 79. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel light control 46. . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel overview Pictorial index. . . . . .
Interior lights 49. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
J
Jack, location 198. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 194. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
K
Keys 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key reminder buzzer 40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
L
Light bulbs, Replacing 264. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lock
Doors 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering column 157. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk lid 63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk lid opener 64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low fuel level warning light 34. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lower vent 131. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage stowage precautions 59. . . . . . . . . . . .