1999 Lexus ES300 Instrument

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

PICTORIAL INDEX
vii
INSTRUMENT PANEL
PE001±7

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 . . . . .

PICTORIAL INDEX
ix
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Vehicles sold in U. S. A.) (Type A)
PE015

PICTORIAL INDEX
xi
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Vehicles sold in Canada) (Type A)
PE016

PICTORIAL INDEX
xiii
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Vehicles sold in U. S. A.) (Type B)
PE002±2

PICTORIAL INDEX
xv
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Vehicles sold in Canada) (Type B)
PE003±2

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