1998 Lexus LS400 INSTRUMENT

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
125
21L005-2
Driver side setting
Passenger side setting
Mixed settingSETTING OPERATION manual control
If manual air flow selection is desired
21L006-3
The outlets from which air is delivered can be selected manually by
pushing the button. The function of each mode is as follows:
1
Panel Air flows mainly from the instrument panel vents.
2
Bilevel Air flows from both the floor vents and the
instrument panel vents.
3
Floor Air flows mainly from the floor vents.
4
Floor/Windshield Air flows mainly from the floor vents and
windshield vents.

STARTING AND DRIVING
160
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Your automatic transmission has a shift lock system to minimize
the possibility of incorrect operation. This means you can only
shift out of ”P” position when the brake pedal is depressed with
the ignition switch in ”ON” position. ()
31L078
The shift position is displayed on the instrument cluster.P:Parking, engine starting and key removal position
R:Reverse position
N:Neutral position
D:Normal driving position (Shifting into overdrive possible)
4:Position for engine braking (Shifting into overdrive not
possible)
When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift
from ”D” to ”4”, engine braking will not be applied because
the cruise control is not cancelled. For the operation to
decrease the vehicle speed, see page 170.
3, 2:Position for more powerful engine braking
L:Position for maximum engine braking

STARTING AND DRIVING
162
31L008-3
1
Power mode 2
Normal mode 3
Snow mode
2. Set the driving pattern selector switch to the ”Normal”
position.
Your transmission has a driving pattern selector switch which allows
you to select ”Power”, ”Normal” or ”Snow” mode to suit your
driving condition. For ordinary driving, Lexus recommends that
you use the ”Normal” position to improve fuel economy.
3. For more powerful acceleration and sporty driving, use the
”Power” position.
In the POWER position, the ”ECT PWR” light in the instrument
cluster is on and the transmission is shifted up at higher vehicle
speeds and shifted down more responsively than in the NORMAL
position.
For ”Snow” mode, see ”Electronic Throttle Control System” on
page 167.
31l0552
1
”D” (Drive) position 2
Brake pedal
4. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the
selector lever to ”D”.
Always use the ”D” position to improve fuel economy and quiet
driving. Only in this position, shifting into the overdrive gear is
possible. However, while the engine coolant temperature is low, the
transmission will not shift into the overdrive gear even in the ”D”
position. (See ”(b) Using engine braking” and ”(f) Good driving
practice” for exceptions.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while shifting.

STARTING AND DRIVING
168In the power mode, the ”ECT PWR” light in the instrument cluster
is on and the transmission is shifted up at higher vehicle speeds and
shifted down more responsively than is the normal mode.
To return to the normal mode, push the driving pattern selector
switch lightly on the ”SNOW” side.
Snow mode: For slippery road surfaces such as in snow. In this
mode, the spinning of the rear wheels is controlled appropriately.
When you push the driving pattern selector switch on the ”SNOW”
side, the snow mode is turned on and the ”ECT SNOW” light in the
instrument cluster comes on.
To return to the normal mode, push the driving pattern selector
switch on the ”SNOW” side again.
When you turn the ignition switch off in the snow mode, the mode
automatically changes to the normal mode.
CRUISE CONTROL
The cruise control allows you to cruise the vehicle at a desired
speed over 40 km/h (25 mph) with your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
Your cruising speed can be maintained although a slight speed
change may occur when driving up or down a gradient, within the
limits of engine performance. On steeper hills, a great speed change
will occur so it is better to drive without the cruise control.
When the cruise control is on, the driving pattern of the automatic
transmission is fixed in the normal position, regardless of the
position of the selector switch.
CAUTION
To help maintain maximum control of your vehicle, do not
use the cruise control when driving in heavy or varying
traffic, or on slippery (rainy, icy or snowcovered) or
winding roads.
Avoid vehicle speed increases when driving downhill. If the
vehicle speed is too fast in relation to the cruise control set
speed, cancel the cruise control then downshift the
transmission to use engine braking to slow down.

STARTING AND DRIVING
169
Turning on the system
31L067
To operate the cruise control, push the main switch. This turns the
system on. The indicator light in the instrument cluster shows that
you can now set your desired cruising speed. Another push on the
switch will turn the system completely off.
When the ignition key is turned off, the main switch is also
automatically turned off. To use the cruise control again, push the
main switch again to turn it on.
CAUTION
To avoid accidental cruise control engagement, keep the main
switch off when not using the cruise control.
Setting at a desired speed
31L068
The transmission must be in ”D” or ”4” before you set the cruise
control speed.
Bring the vehicle to the desired speed, press the control lever
downward in the ”SET/COAST” direction and release it. This sets
the vehicle at that speed. Now you may take your foot off the
accelerator pedal. If you need acceleration for example, when
passing depress the accelerator pedal enough for the vehicle to
exceed the set speed. When you release the accelerator pedal, the
vehicle will return to the speed set prior to the acceleration.
Cancelling the preset speed
You can cancel the preset speed by either of the following:
a. Pulling the control lever in the ”CANCEL” direction.
b. Depressing the brake pedal.

STARTING AND DRIVING
171
Cruise control failure warning
If the ”CRUISE” indicator light in the instrument cluster flashes
when using the cruise control, push the main switch to turn the
system off and then push it again to turn it on.
If any of the following conditions then occurs, there is some trouble
in the cruise control system.
The indicator light does not come on.
The indicator light flashes again.
The indicator light goes out after it comes on.
If this is the case, contact your Lexus dealer and have your Lexus
inspected.
ELECTRONICALLY MODULATED
AIR SUSPENSION
(U.S.A. ONLY)
This electronically modulated air suspension adjusts the
damping effect on the shock absorbers and the vehicle height.
This adjustment is automatically made in response to the driving
conditions to provide good riding comfort and stability in all
driving conditions.
(a) Vehicle height adjustment
31L015-3
This system maintains a stable vehicle height, regardless of
occupants and luggage weight. You can select one of the
following modes using a selector switch.

INTRODUCTION
219
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
61L002
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the legal identifier for
your vehicle. This number is on the left top of the instrument
panel and can be seen through the windshield from outside.
This is the primary identification number for your Lexus. It is used
in registering the ownership of your vehicle.
61L003
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is also on the Certification
Label.
61L0042
The engine number is stamped on the engine block as shown.

ENGINE
228
Improved gasolines
The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA)
has developed a specification of improved gasolines. The AAMA
specification offers optimal fuel information for better vehicle
performance and better protection of your engine.
Lexus recommends the use of gasolines that meet the AAMA
specification, if available, for improved drivability and emission
control system.
Gasolines containing MTBE
Gasolines that contain MTBE (Methyl TertiaryButyl Ether)
are available in the market. If you use a gasoline mixed with
MTBE, make certain that it does not contain more than 15% of
MTBE.
If the use of gasolines containing MTBE causes poor drivability
and/or poor fuel economy, you should stop using them.
Gasolines containing MMT
Some gasolines contain an octaneenhancing additive called
MMT (methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl).
Lexus does not recommend the use of gasolines that contain MMT.
If fuels containing MMT are used, your emission control system may
be adversely affected. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp on the
instrument cluster may come on. If this happens, contact your Lexus
dealer for service.
Gasolines containing alcohol
Gasohol is a mixture of gasoline and ethanol. If you use gasohol
in your Lexus, be sure that it is unleaded, has an octane rating
no lower than 87 and does not contain more than 10% ethanol.
Lexus does not recommend the use of gasolines containing
methanol.
If you use gasoline containing methanol, use only gasoline meeting
the requirements above and also containing less than 5% methanol
with cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for methanol.
NOTICE
Do not use gasohol other than stated above. It will cause fuel
system damage or vehicle performance problems.
If drivability problems are encountered (poor hot starting,
vaporizing, engine knock, etc.), discontinue its use.
Take care not to spill gasohol during refueling. Gasohol may
cause paint damage.
Fuel tank capacity
85 L (22.5 gal., 18.7 lmp.gal.)