1998 Lexus LS400 ECU

KEYS AND DOORS
10
11L023-3
Do not bend the key grip.
Do not cover the key grip with any material that cuts off
electromagnetic waves.
Do not knock the key hard against other objects.
Do not leave the key exposed to high temperatures for a long
period, such as on the dashboard and hood under the direct
sunlight.
Do not put the key in water or wash it in an ultrasonic washer.
Do not use the key with electromagnetic materials.
ENGINE IMMOBILISER SYSTEM
11L0243
The engine immobiliser system is a theft prevention system.
When you insert the key in the ignition switch, the transponder
chip in the key’s head transmits an electronic code to the vehicle.
The engine will start, only when the electronic code in the chip
corresponds to the registered ID code for the vehicle.
The system is automatically set when the key is removed from the
ignition switch. At this time, the security indicator light at the
bottom of the instrument cluster flashes. When you insert the key in
the ignition switch, the security indicator light goes out and the
system is canceled automatically, which enables the engine to start.
For your Lexus dealer to make you a new key with builtin
transponder chip, your dealer will need your key number and master
key. However, there is a limit to the number of additional keys your
Lexus dealer can make for you.

KEYS AND DOORS
12In the following cases, the battery in the key may be discharged. If
this is a case, replace it using a special screwdriver.
The remote control does not work.
The operational range of wireless remote control becomes
extremely short.
The indicator light on the key is dimmed or does not come on.
For the replacement of the battery, see ”Replacing the battery” on
page 16. You can also have the battery of the key replaced by your
Lexus dealer.
If you lose the wireless key, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible to avoid the possibility of theft, or an accident.
You can use up to 4 wireless remote control keys for the same
vehicle. Contact your Lexus dealer for detailed information.
The wireless remote control key is an electronic component.
Observe the following instructions in order not to cause damage
on the key.
Do not leave the wireless remote control key on the places where
the temperature becomes high such as on the dashboard.
Do not disassemble it.
Avoid knocking it hard against other objects or dropping it.
Avoid putting it in water.
Locking/Unlocking the doors
When you push the ”LOCK” button on the key briefly, all the
doors can be locked from outside the vehicle.
At this time, you can hear one beep.* However, when you push the
”LOCK” button with any door not closed securely, the buzzer
sounds for 10 seconds.** To stop the buzzer, close all the doors
securely or push the ”UNLOCK” button. If the key is in the ignition
switch, locking cannot be done.
Make sure all the doors are locked when you leave the vehicle. Push
the ”LOCK” button once again. If they were already locked, the turn
signal lights will flash.***
NOTE: *The volume of beep sound can be changed. **The
buzzer can be set not to sound with any door not closed securely.
***The turn signal lights can be set not to flash. Ask your Lexus
dealer for details.
NOTICE
Do not push the ”LOCK” button any longer than 2 to 3 seconds.
Pushing the button longer activates an alarm. For details, see
page 14.
When you push the ”UNLOCK” button, the driver’s door is
unlocked. Pushing that button once again within 3 seconds from
the first push, all other doors are also unlocked.*
NOTE: *Unlocking by a 2time operation can be changed. Ask
your Lexus dealer for details.

KEYS AND DOORS
17
11L0291
2. Remove the module from the key frame.
11L0301
3. Remove the 2 screws to take out the lid of the module.
4. Take out the discharged battery and put a new battery with the
positive side up.
NOTICE
Make sure the positive side and negative side of the battery
should be faced correctly.
Be careful not to bend the electrode of the battery insertion
and that dust or oils do not adhere to the inside of the module.
Take care not to lose the screws and Oring.
5. Install the lid with the Oring and 2 screws.
NOTICE
Take care not to damage or bend the Oring when installing.
6. Install the module into the key frame and secure the cover with
the screw.
7. When pushing any switch on the wireless key, make sure the
indicator light comes on.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
39
(e) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, stop the vehicle, turn off the
engine, and check for the cause. Look first at the engine drive belt.
If it is loose or broken, the generator will not charge the battery
properly.
If the belt is O.K., there is a problem somewhere in the charging
system.
The engine ignition will continue to operate, however, until the
battery is discharged. Turn off the air conditioning, blower, radio,
etc., and drive directly to the nearest Lexus dealer or repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive belt is broken or
loose.
(f) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See ”Fuel gauge” on page 34
for instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely. (See ”Fuel tank cap”
on page 65 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your engine electrical system
or electronic throttle control system.
If it comes on while you are driving in case c., have your vehicle
checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
(g) ”ABS” Warning Light
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in your antilock
brake system.
If the light comes on while you are driving, have your vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to ”ON”, and
will go off after about a few seconds.
When the ”ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system warning
light is off), the brake system operates conventionally but 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.
(h) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the doors are completely closed.

INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
59
14L036
CAUTION
Make sure the floor mat is properly placed on the floor carpet.
If the floor mat slips and interferes with the movement of the
pedals during driving, it may cause an accident.
LUGGAGE STOWAGE
PRECAUTIONS
When stowing luggage or cargo in the vehicle, observe the
following:
Put luggage or cargo in the trunk when at all possible. Be sure all
items are secured in place.
Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as far
forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.
CAUTION
Do not place anything on the filler panel behind the rear
seatback. Such items may be thrown about and possibly
injure people in the vehicle during sudden braking or an
accident.
Do not drive with objects left on top of the instrument
panel. They may interfere with the driver’s field of view.
Or they may move during sharp vehicle acceleration or
turning, and impair the driver’s control of the vehicle. In
an accident they may injure the vehicle occupants.

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
62
HOOD
15L001
To open the hood, pull the hood lock release lever under the
instrument panel. The hood will spring up slightly.
15L002-3
Insert your fingers under the hood, push up the auxiliary catch
lever and lift the hood.Before closing the hood, check to see that you have not forgotten any
tools, rags, etc. Then lower the hood and make sure it locks.
CAUTION
Before driving, be sure that the hood is securely locked.
Otherwise, the hood may open unexpectedly while driving and
an accident may occur.

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
63
TRUNK LID
15L0171
To unlock the trunk lid, insert the master key and turn it
clockwise.
To close the trunk lid, lower it and press down on it. After closing
the trunk lid, try pulling it up to make sure it is securely closed.
The trunk lid can be unlocked using the wireless remote control key.
For details, see page 14.
15L015-1
To open the trunk lid, push it up. It fully opens. However, to
prevent a rain from entering the vehicle, it is designed to stop
partway when you pull down the fully opened trunk lid lightly.
CAUTION
Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. This not only keeps
the luggage from being thrown out, but also prevents exhaust
gases from entering the vehicle.

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
65
FUEL TANK CAP
15L006
1. To open the fuel filler door, pull the lever under the
instrument panel.
When refueling, turn off the engine.
CAUTION
Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames when
refuelling. The fumes are flammable.
When opening the cap, do not remove the cap quickly. In
hot weather, fuel under pressure could cause injury by
spraying out of the filler neck if the cap is suddenly
removed.
15L007-1
2. To remove the fuel tank cap, turn the cap slowly
counterclockwise, then pause slightly before removing it. The
removed cap can be stored on the back side of the fuel filler door.
It is not unusual to hear a slight swoosh when the cap is opened.
When installing the cap, turn the cap clockwise until you hear a click.
If the cap is not tightened securely, the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on. Make sure the cap is tightened securely.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times. If the
indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.