1999 Lexus ES300 suspension

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viii
Page
1 Door lock switch and power windowswitches 25, 39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Headlight, turn signal and fog light switch 28
3 Power rear view mirror control switch 120 . . .
4 Instrument panel light control 65
. . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Trunk lid opener 99
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Fuel filler door opener 100
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Hood lock release lever 96
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Parking brake 259
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Windshield wiper and washer switch 33 . . . . .
10 Cruise control switch 274
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
11 Vehicle skid control system off switch or
Traction control system off switch 278, 284 . .
12 Emergency flasher switch 45
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Clock 76
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Car audio 213
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Automatic air conditioning controls 200 . . . . .
16 Ashtray 76
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Automatic transmission selector lever 261 . . .
18 Seat heater switches 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Electronic modulated suspension
control switch 278 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Glovebox/CD automatic changer 81/232 . . . . .

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
157
Do not use accessories for the seats which
cover the parts where the side airbags should
inflate. Such accessories may prevent the side
airbags from activating correctly, causing
death or serious injury.
 Do not modify or remove any wiring. Do not
modify, remove, strike or open any
components, such as the steering wheel pad,
steering wheel, column cover, front passenger
airbag cover, front seats, airbag sensor
assembly or seat belt assemblies. Doing any of
these may cause sudden SRS operation or
disable the system, which could result in death
or serious injury.
 Do not modify or replace the seats or surface of
the front seats with side airbags. Such
changes may disable the system or cause the
side airbags to inflate, resulting in death or
serious injury. Consult your Lexus dealer.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
death or serious injuries.NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following changes without consulting your Lexus dealer. Suchchanges can interfere with proper operation of the
SRS in some cases.
Installation of electronic items such as a mobile two±way radio, cassette tape player orcompact disc player.
Modification of the suspension system.
Modification of the front end structure and sidestructure of the passenger compartment.
Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, k angaroo
bar, etc.), snow plow, winches or any other equipment to the front end.
Repairs made on or near the front fenders, front
end structure, console, steering column, steering wheel, dashboard near the frontpassenger airbag, front seats or seat belt
assembly.

SECTION 3 ± 1
250
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converter250
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 253
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 255
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 256
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 259
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 260
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 261
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 274
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic modulated suspension 278
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system 278
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle skid control system 282
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 286
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 292
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 292
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THREE±WAY CATALYTIC
CONVERTER

STARTING AND DRIVING
278
Cruise control failure warning
If the ºCRUISEº indicator light in the instrument cluster
flashes five times and then goes out when using the
cruise control, it means that there is trouble in the cruise
control system. Contact your Lexus dealer.
ELECTRONIC MODULATED SUSPENSION
This electronic modulated suspension adjusts the
damping effect on the shock absorbers with the
control switch. Select one of the 4 modes which is
suited to the driving conditions with the control
switch to provide good riding comfort and stability.
31E044
1For sporty type driving such as on winding
mountain roads and high speed driving
2For moderate high speed driving
3For ordinary driving such as in the city traffic
4For driving on a bumpy road
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically helps
control the spinning of the front wheels which may
occur when accelerating on slippery road surfaces,
thus assisting driver to control the driving power of
the front wheels.
31E013±1

DRIVING TIPS
305
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle's tires are properly inflated.
Adjust the tire pressure to the recommended cold tire
pressure indicated below:
Tire pressure, kPa (kgf/cm
2 or bar, psi)
Front 220 (2.2, 32)
Rear 220 (2.2, 32)
 The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure
recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect
to the total trailer weight.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights must comply with federal,
state/provincial and local regulations. See your local
recreational vehicle dealer or rental agency for the
correct type of wiring and relays for your trailer.
Check for correct operation of the turn signals and
stop lights each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may
damage your vehicle's electrical system and cause a
malfunction of your lights.
Break±in schedule
 Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with
a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train
component (engine, transmission, differential, wheel
bearing, etc.) for the first 800 km (500 miles) of
driving.
Maintenance
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more
frequent maintenance due to the additional load. For
this information, please refer to the scheduled
maintenance information in the ºOwner's Manual
Supplement/ Maintenance Scheduleº.
 Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket
after approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer
driving.
Pre±towing safety check
 Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded
or unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the
vehicle has an abnormal nose±up or nose±down
condition, and check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible causes.
 Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that
it cannot shift.
 Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any
federal, state/provincial or local regulation. If they do
not, install required rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.

MAINTENANCE
356
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEEDREPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds,
and visual tip±offs that indicate service is needed. Some
important clues are:

Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging

Appreciable loss of power

Strange engine noises

A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water
dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)

Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a
dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the
windows open and have the exhaust system checked
immediately.)

Flat±looking tires, excessive tire squeal when
cornering, uneven tire wear

Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a
level road

Strange noises related to suspension movement

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake
pedal, pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to
one side when braking

Engine coolant temperature continually higher than
normal If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs
adjustment or repair.

SECTION 6 ± 3
388
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications389
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 391
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid 393
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 397
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 398
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 399
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 403
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 406
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 406
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 407
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHASSIS
407
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.