1999 Lexus ES300 Indicator

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
iv
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
The contents of this manual are explained briefly on
this page to help you make the best use of the
manual. Please read this page and the rest of the
Owner's Manual carefully to make sure you fully
understand the operation of your vehicle.
This will help you enjoy safe and comfortable
driving.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The table of contents and the pictorial index provide
easy reference to the appropriate pages.
BASIC OPERATION ± QUICK REFERENCE
Operation of basic equipment is briefly explained in an
easily understandable way for quick reference.
SECTION 1 ± INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
The vehicle's equipment is divided into the 7 groups
listed below. Use of the equipment is explained,
including any points you should pay particular attention
to.
1. Keys and doors
2. Switches
3. Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators
4. Interior equipment5. Exterior equipment
6. Comfort adjustment
7. Theft deterrent
SECTION 2 ± AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
The features of the vehicle's air conditioning and audio
are explained in detail. Be sure to read this section so
that you can make full use of them.
SECTION 3 ± STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting the engine, driving, stopping, operation of
features affecting vehicle handling, hints on vehicle
safety and safe driving techniques are all explained.
Please read everything in this section, and remember ±
drive safely!
SECTION 4 ± IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
This
section explains what to do in the event of an urgent
situation such as the engine not starting or getting a flat
tire, etc. If such a problem occurs, check the contents
of this Owner's Manual and follow the instructions given.
SECTION 5 ± MAINTENANCE
This section explains the importance of regular
maintenance. Regular and periodic inspection and
maintenance of your Lexus will help to keep your vehicle
in its best condition.
SECTION 6 ± SERVICE PROCEDURES AND

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
x
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 52. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Turn signal indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic transmission indicator lights 261 .
5 Overdrive off indicator light 264
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Odometer and trip meter 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 ODO/TRIP knob 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Fuel gauge 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Vehicle skid control system warning light 63 .
10 Cruise control indicator light 274
. . . . . . . . . . .
11 Rear light failure warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . .
12 Seat belt reminder light 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Brake system warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Discharge warning light
61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Low oil pressure warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . .
16 Slip indicator light 278
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Headlight indicator light 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 31 . . . . . .
19 Open door warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Low engine oil level warning light 62 . . . . . . . .
21 Malfunction indicator lamp 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Vehicle skid control system off
indicator light 282 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Anti±lock brake system warning light 62 . . . . .
24 SRS warning light 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Low washer fluid warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . .
26 Low fuel level warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xii
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 52. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Turn signal indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic transmission indicator lights 261 .
5 Overdrive off indicator light 264
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Odometer and trip meter 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 ODO/TRIP knob 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Fuel gauge 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Vehicle skid control system warning light 63 .
10 Cruise control indicator light 274
. . . . . . . . . . .
11 Rear light failure warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . .
12 Seat belt reminder light 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Brake system warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Discharge warning light
61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Low oil pressure warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . .
16 Slip indicator light 278
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Tail light indicator light 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 31 . . . . . .
19 Open door warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Low engine oil level warning light 62 . . . . . . . .
21 Malfunction indicator lamp 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Vehicle skid control system off
indicator light 282 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Anti±lock brake system warning light 62 . . . . .
24 SRS warning light 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Low washer fluid warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . .
26 Low fuel level warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xiv
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 52. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Turn signal indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic transmission indicator lights 261 .
5 Overdrive off indicator light 264
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Odometer and trip meter 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 ODO/TRIP knob 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Fuel gauge 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Cruise control indicator light 274
. . . . . . . . . . .
10 Rear light failure warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . .
11 Seat belt reminder light 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Brake system warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
13 Discharge warning light
61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Low oil pressure warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . .
15 Slip indicator light 278
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Headlight indicator light 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Headlight high beam indicator light 31 . . . . . .
18 Open door warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Low engine oil level warning light 62 . . . . . . . .
20 Malfunction indicator lamp 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Traction control system off
indicator/warning light 63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Anti±lock brake system warning light 62 . . . . .
23 SRS warning light 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Low washer fluid warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . .
25 Low fuel level warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xvi
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 52. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Turn signal indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic transmission indicator lights 261 .
5 Overdrive off indicator light 264
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Odometer and trip meter 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 ODO/TRIP knob 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Fuel gauge 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Cruise control indicator light 274
. . . . . . . . . . .
10 Rear light failure warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . .
11 Seat belt reminder light 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Brake system warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
13 Discharge warning light
61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Low oil pressure warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . .
15 Slip indicator light 278
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Tail light indicator light 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Headlight high beam indicator light 31 . . . . . .
18 Open door warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Low engine oil level warning light 62 . . . . . . . .
20 Malfunction indicator lamp 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Traction control system off
indicator/warning light 63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Anti±lock brake system warning light 62 . . . . .
23 SRS warning light 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Low washer fluid warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . .
25 Low fuel level warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BE003±4
Note: When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift the transmi\
ssion by turning off the overdrive switch, engine
braking will not be applied because the cruise control is not cancelled. For th\
e operation to decrease the vehicle speed, see page
277.
Parking, engine starting and key
removal position
Reverse position
Neutral position
Normal driving position
Position for engine braking
Position for stronger engine braking
than that in º2º position
With the brake pedal depressed,
shift while holding the lock release
button in. (The ignition switch must
be in ºONº position.)
Shift while holding the lock release
button
Overdrive switch
ºOFFº position
(Shifting into
overdrive not
possible)
ºO/D OFFº indicator
light on the instrument
cluster
For selecting either a three±speed or
four±speed transmission
ºONº position
(Shifting into
overdrive possible)
Lock release button (To prevent misshifting)
BASIC OPERATION ± QUICK REFERENCE
3
3. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

KEYS AND DOORS
14The 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
built±in
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. If you make your own duplicate key, you will not be
able to cancel the system or start the engine.
For vehicles sold in U.S.A.
FCC ID: MOZ RI±4ATY MADE IN JAPAN
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
CAUTION
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by
the party responsible for compliance could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.

SWITCHES
29
To turn the lights on, twist the knob on the end of the
lever.
FIRST CLICKSTOP: Only the parking, tail, license
plate, side marker and instrument panel lights turn on.
SECOND CLICKSTOP: Headlights also turn on.
THIRD CLICKSTOP (ºAUTOº): The headlights and all
other lights automatically turn on depending on the
darkness of the surroundings.
Vehicles sold in U.S.A.:
When the headlights are on,
the headlight indicator lights up in the instrument cluster.
Vehicles sold in Canada: When the tail lights are on,
the tail light indicator lights up in the instrument cluster.
Manually twist the knob to the second clickstop to
turn on the headlights if they are needed
immediately when entering a dark tunnel, parking
structure, etc. When
the headlight switch is turned to the first or second
clickstop, the brightness of the instrument cluster will be
reduced slightly unless the instrument panel light control
knob is turned fully on.
12E002