1998 Lexus LS400 warning

MAINTENANCE
215 Tire rotation
Rotate the tires every 12000 km (7500 miles). See page 242 for
additional information.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes or notice
any leak, have the cause found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors, including trunk lid, operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely. Make sure the engine hood secondary latch
secures the hood when the primary latch is released.
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal lights,
and other lights are working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
function properly.Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified freeplay. Be alert for changes in
steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive freeplay or
strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters, seatback
recliner, etc. operate smoothly. Check that the head restraints move
up and down smoothly and that the locks hold securely in any latched
position.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors and
anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt webbing
is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal effort or
catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper clearance and
freeplay. Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side when
applied.

CHASSIS
244
Uniform tire quality grading
This information has been prepared in accordance with
regulations issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. It
provides the purchasers and/or prospective purchasers of Lexus
vehicles with information on uniform tire quality grading.
Your Lexus dealer will help answer any questions you may have
as you read this information.
DOT quality grades All passenger vehicle tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.
These quality grades are molded on the sidewall.
Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and a half (1 1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and
climate.
Traction A, B, C The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B and C, and they represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking
(straight ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering
(turning) traction.
Temperature A, B, C The temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required
by law.
Warning: The temperature grade of this tire established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

CHASSIS
247
REPLACING WHEELS
When to replace your wheels
If you have wheel damage such as bending, cracks or heavy
corrosion, the wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace damaged wheels, a tire may slip off a wheel or
they may cause loss of handling control.
Replacement with used wheels is not recommended as they may
have been subjected to rough treatment or high mileage and could
fail without warning. Also, bent wheels which have been
straightened may have hidden structural damage and therefore
should not be used. Never use an inner tube in a leaking wheel which
is designed for a tubeless tire.
Wheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that they
are equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter, rim
width, and offset.
Correct replacement wheels are available at your Lexus dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type may adversely affect handling,
wheel and bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer/odometer
calibration, stopping ability, headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or snow chain clearance to the body and
chassis.
ALUMINUM WHEEL
PRECAUTIONS
After driving your vehicle the first 1600 km (1000 miles), check
that the wheel nuts are tight.
If you have rotated, repaired, or changed your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1600 km (1000 miles).
When using tire chains, be careful not to damage the aluminum
wheels.
Use only the Lexus wheel nuts and wrench designed for your
aluminum wheels.
When balancing your wheels, use only Lexus balance weights or
equivalent and a plastic or rubber hammer.
As with any wheel, periodically check your aluminum wheels for
damage. If damaged, replace immediately.
SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS
CAUTION
Do not modify the suspension/chassis with lift kits, spacers,
springs, etc. It can cause dangerous handling characteristics,
resulting in loss of control.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
251
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
1 TURN7.5Turn signal lights
2 WIPER20Windshield wipers
3 HEATER10
Air conditioning system,
Rear window defogger, Multiport
fuel injection system/sequential
multiport fuel injection system
4 FR FOG15Fog lights
5 ECUIG10Power steering control system,
Charging system,
Vehicle skid control system
6 PWRIG15
Automatic headlight leveling
system, Moon roof,
Headlight cleaner,
Power seat switch,
Tilt and telescopic steering, Shift
lock system
7 GAUGE10
Gauges and meters, service
reminder indicators and warning
buzzers,
Backup lights,
Vehicle skid control system,
Multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system, Automatic
transmission system
8 IGN10SRS, Multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system
9 RR FOG7.5No circuit
10 FUEL OPN10Fuel opener system
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
11 RR CIG15Rear cigarette lighter,
Power outlet
12 FR CIG15Front cigarette lighter, SRS
13 A/C7.5Air conditioning system
14 P RR
DOOR20Rear door lock,
Rear power window
15 STOP LP25Stop lights,
High mounted stop light
16 RADIO
NO.215
Audio system,
Outside rear view mirror,
Shift lock system,
Air conditioning system
17 PANEL7.5Instrument panel lights,
Air conditioning system, Glovebox
light, Audio system
18 STARTER7.5
Starting system,
Automatic transmission system,
Multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system
19 TAIL7.5Tail lights, Side marker lights,
License plate lights
20 STOPS7.5
Shift lock system,
Height control system, Antilock
brake system,
Vehicle skid control system
21 RR S/HTR15No circuit
22 WASHER20Windshield washer

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 (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. . . . . . . . . . . .

INDEX (R S)
283
R
Radiator coolant, Engine 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio 137. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio, FM reception tips 149. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear door childprotector 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear vents 131. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirror, Antiglare inside 79. . . . . . . .
Rear view mirrors, Folding 79. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirrors, Outside 77. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirrors, Power 78. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window defogger switch 27. . . . . . . . . . . .
Reporting safety defects
for U.S. owners 276. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S
Safety
Reporting safety defects
for U.S. owners 276. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scrapping of your vehicle Introduction. . . . . . . .
Seats, Seat adjustments 70. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt extender 84. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt pretensioners 86. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt reminder light 38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts
Cleaning 274. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fastening 81. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt precautions 80
Seat heater switch 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service and maintenance 213. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shoulder belt anchor adjustment 83. . . . . . . . . .
Side vents 130. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Slip indicator light 173. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare tire 198. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 234. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications
Engine 225, 226. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chassis 237, 238. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical component 249, 250
Body 269. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS warning light 38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Starting
Cold weather 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 159. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 194. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering
Column lock 157. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telescopic steering column 76. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt steering wheel 76. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sun visors 48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) 86. . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 247. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch
Emergency flasher 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight 5, 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight cleaner 5, 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight dimmer and turn signal 24. . . . . . . .
Ignition 157. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window defogger 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper and washer 25. . . . . . . . . . .