1999 Lexus ES300 Traction Control System

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 . . . . .

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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
63
(k) Vehicle Skid Control System WarningLights (Vehicles with Vehicle Skid
Control System only)
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
ºONº, 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.
(l) ºTRAC OFFº Indicator/Warning Light (Vehicles with Traction Control
System only)
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to
ºONº, and will go off after a few seconds. This means
that the system is operating properly.
If the light comes on or flashes, this indicates a
malfunction in the traction control system. Contact your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible to service the vehicle.
(m) Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
This light comes on when the fluid level in the tank
becomes nearly empty. F ill the tank as soon as possible.
(n) Low Fuel Level Warning Light
This light comes on when the fuel level in the tank
becomes nearly empty. F ill the tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the
tank, the low fuel level warning light may come on earlier
than usual.
(o) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer reminds you to remove the key when you
open the driver's door with the ignition key in the ºACCº
or ºLOCKº position.

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

STARTING AND DRIVING
279
When you turn the ignition switch on, this system
always turns on. Leave the system on during
ordinary
driving so that it can operate when needed.
When traction control is applied, the slip indicator
light blinks.
31E054a

STARTING AND DRIVING
280You can turn off the traction control system by
pushing the ºTRAC OFFº switch. The ºTRAC OFFº
indicator/warning light will then come on. Pushing
the ºTRAC OFFº switch a second time turns the
system back on and extinguishes the ºTRAC OFFº
indicator/warning light.
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 traction control
system is in the self
±check mode, and does not indicate
malfunction.
When the traction control system is operating, you may
feel vibration or noise of your vehicle, caused by
operation of the brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly.
When getting the vehicle out of mud or new snow, etc.
the traction control system will help operate to prevent
the wheels from spinning.