1999 Lexus ES300 Traction Control System

STARTING AND DRIVING
281
Traction control failure warning
If the ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning light flashes,
contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible. There
may be trouble in the traction control system.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of
the vehicle and power to the front wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction control system is
in operation. Do not drive the vehicle under any speed
or maneuvering conditions which will cause the vehicle
to lose traction. In situations where the road surface is
covered with ice or snow, your vehicle should be fitted
with snow tires or tire chains. Always drive at an
appropriate and cautious pace.

STARTING AND DRIVING
282
VEHICLE SKID CONTROLSYSTEM
The vehicle skid control system helps provide
comprehensive control of the systems such as an
anti±lock brake system, traction control, engine
control, etc. This system automatically controls the
output of the brakes or engine to help prevent the
vehicle from skidding when cornering on a slippery
road surface or abrupt steering wheel operation
occurs.
31E013±1

Slip indicator light
If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the slip
indicator light flashes and an alarm sounds
intermittently.
The vehicle skid control activates when the vehicle
speed is about more than 15 km/h (9 mph). You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a
few seconds when the engine is started or just after the
vehicle is started. This means that the vehicle skid
control is in the self±check mode and does not indicate
a malfunction.

STARTING AND DRIVING
283
31E046a
You can turn off the vehicle skid control system by
pushing the ºVSC OFFº switch. The ºVSC OFFº
indicator comes on. At this time, the traction control
system also turns off. You cannot turn off either one
of them. Pushing the ºVSC OFFº switch a second
time turns the system back on and extinguishes the
ºVSC OFFº indicator light.
When you turn the ignition switch on, this system always
turns on.

STARTING AND DRIVING
284
Vehicle skid control system failure
warning
31E047
These lights warn that when there is a problem
somewhere in the vehicle skid control system or traction
control system.
If the ºVSCº warning light and ºVSC OFFº indicator light
come on, have your vehicle checked by Lexus dealer as
soon as possible.
The lights will come on when the ignition key is turned to
ªONº, and will go off after about a few seconds.
If the ºVSCº warning light and ºVSC OFFº indicator light
come on, the vehicle skid control system and traction
control system do not work. However, as conventional
braking operates when applied, there is no problem to
continue your driving.

CHASSIS
392

Vehicles equipped with traction control system
To check the fluid level, simply look at the
see±through
reservoir. The level should be between
the ºMAXº and ºMINº lines on the tank.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as
the brake pads wear. So be sure to keep the reservoir
filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a
serious mechanical problem.
If the level is low, add FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid to the brake reservoir.
Remove and replace the reservoir cover by hand. Add
brake fluid up to the ºMAXº line.
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once opened, brake
fluid absorbs moisture from the air, and excess moisture
can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency.
CAUTION
Take care when filling the reservoir because brake fluid
can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted
surfaces. If fluid gets in your hands or eyes, flush them
with clean water.