1998 Lexus LS400 key

STARTING AND DRIVING
172”NORMAL” mode For driving on roads with a normal surface.
”HIGH” mode For driving on rough roads which are unsurfaced
or continually bumpy.
The damping effect is set slightly firmer in ”HIGH” mode. So you
may feel the vibration of the vehicle compared to in ”NORMAL”
mode. However, this does not mean a malfunction in the system. We
recommend you use a ”NORMAL” mode in normal driving.
To change the mode, push the selector switch.
”NORMAL” mode
The vehicle height remains at normal height at all driving speeds.
”HIGH” mode
The vehicle height switches between the following two vehicle
heights according to the driving conditions:
Vehicle height
Driving condition
NormalMedium and high speed driving
HighLow speed driving
31L016-2
The indicator light shows ”HIGH” mode is selected.
When you turn the ignition key to the ”ON” position, the indicator
light will come on for 2 seconds in any mode.
NOTICE
For vehicles equipped with the height control switch, be sure to
turn the ignition switch off before jacking. If this is not done, the
vehicle height adjustment function will operate, which may
cause body damage.
(b) Malfunction warning
If the ”HI” indicator light blinks, there is a malfunction in this
system. Have the system checked by your Lexus dealer at the first
opportunity.

STARTING AND DRIVING
178”ABS” warning light
31L019-2
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the ”ON”
position. After about a few seconds, the light will go off.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a
malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the warning light
system. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible to service the
vehicle.
The light does not come on as described above, or remains on.
The light comes on while driving.
Even if the antilock brake system should fail, the brake system will
still operate conventionally. But when the ”ABS” warning light is
on (and the brake system warning light is off), antilock brake
system is not assisting brake performance so that the wheels could
lock up during a sudden brake or braking on slippery road surfaces.
Have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Drumindisc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drumindisc type parking brake system. This
type of brake system needs beddingdown of the brake shoes
periodically or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or drums are
replaced.
Have your Lexus dealer perform the beddingdown.
Brake pad wear limit warning message
31L082
When your brake pads are worn enough to require replacement,
the brake pad wear warning message in the multi information
display appears.
If the warning message in the multi information display appears
while driving, have the brake pads checked and replaced by your
nearest Lexus dealer immediately.
Continuous driving without replacing the brake pads will cause
expensive rotor damage and increasing brake pedal effort to get the
same stopping distance.

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

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”.)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
194
(b) Starting a flooded engine
If the engine will not start, your engine may be flooded because
of repeated cranking.
If this happens, turn the key to ”START” with the accelerator pedal
held down. Continue this operation for 30 seconds and then stop
cranking. Then try starting the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
If the engine does not start after 30 seconds of cranking, release the
key, wait a few minutes and try again.
If 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 crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may
overheat the starter and wiring systems.
(c) Jump starting
To avoid serious personal injury and damage to your vehicle
which might result from battery explosion, acid burns, electrical
burns, or damaged electronic components, these instructions
must be followed precisely.
If you are unsure about how to follow this procedure, we strongly
recommend that you seek help from your Lexus dealer, Roadside
Assistance or Customer Service Assistance. (See ”Foreword”.).
CAUTION
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which is poisonous and
corrosive. Wear protective safety glasses when jump
starting, and avoid spilling acid on your skin, clothing, or
vehicle.
If you should accidentally get acid on yourself or in your
eyes, remove any contaminated clothing and flush the
affected area with water immediately. Then get immediate
medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with
a sponge or cloth while en route to the medical office.
The gas normally produced by a battery will explode if a
flame or spark is brought near. Use only standardized
jumper cables and do not smoke or light a match while
jump starting.
NOTICE
The battery used for boosting must be 12 V. Do not jump start
unless you are sure that the booster battery is correct.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
206From rear
40L0221
Place the ignition key in the ”ACC” position.
NOTICE
Do not tow with the key removed or in the ”LOCK” position,
as the steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold
the front wheels straight.
When lifting wheels, take care to ensure adequate ground
clearance for towing at the opposite end of the raised vehicle.
Otherwise, the bumper and/or underbody of the towed vehicle
will be damaged during towing.
(b) Using a flat bed truck
40L016
Tie down points
40L017-2

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
209
CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. Avoid sudden
starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would place
excessive stress on the emergency towing eyelet and towing
cable or chain. The eyelet and towing cable or chain may
break and cause serious injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing
vehicles. Securely fasten the cable or chain to the towing eyelet
provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake and put the transmission in
”N”. The ignition key must be in ”ACC” (engine off) or ”ON”
(engine running).
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 YOU CANNOT SHIFT
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SELECTOR LEVER
40L025-3
If you cannot shift the selector lever, use the shift lock override
button as follows:
1
Turn the ignition key to ”LOCK” or ”ACC”. Make sure the
parking brake is applied. Pry up the cover with a flatbladed
screwdriver or equivalent.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
210
40L026-3
2
Insert your finger, the screwdriver or equivalent into the hole
to push down the shift lock override button. You can shift the
selector lever while pushing the button.
For your safety, keep the brake pedal depressed.
Be sure to have the system checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
IF YOU LOSE YOUR KEYS OR
LOCK YOURSELF OUT
Many Lexus dealers can make a new key if you can give them the
key number. Since your vehicle is equipped with the engine
immobiliser system, the dealer will also need your master key.
See the suggestion given in ”Keys” on page 8.
If your keys are locked in the vehicle and you cannot get a duplicate,
many Lexus dealers can still open the door for you, using their
special tools. If you must break a window to get in, we suggest
breaking the smallest side window because it is the least expensive
to replace. Be extremely cautious to avoid cuts from the glass.
Even if you lose only one key, contact your Lexus dealer to make a
new key. If you lose all your master keys, you cannot make new
keys; the whole system must be replaced.