1999 Lexus ES300 heating

SWITCHES
48
CAUTION
Occupants must use caution when operating the seat
heater because they may experience minor burns even
at low temperatures. Use extra caution for;
Baby, small child, elderly person, sick person or
handicapped person
 Persons who have delicate skin
 Persons who are exhausted
 Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs which
induce sleep (sleeping drug, cold remedy, etc.).
To prevent the seat from overheating, do not use the
seat heater with a blanket, cushion, or other insulating
objects which cover the seat.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
206
20E005±1
The outlets from which air is delivered can be selected
manually by pushing the button. The function of each
mode is as follows:
1Panel ± Air flows mainly from the instrument panel
vents.
2 Bi±level ± Air flows from both the floor vents and
the instrument panel vents.
3 Floor ± Air flows mainly from the floor vents.
4Floor/Windshield ± Air flows mainly from the floor
vents and windshield vents. If quick heating or cooling is desired ±
Turn the ºTEMPº knob until ºMAX. HOTº or ºMAX.
COLDº appears on the display.
When the ºMAX. COLDº is selected, the air intake is
automatically set to ºRECIRCULATED AIRº mode.
If manual fan speed control is desired ±

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
209
The air intake control button is used to switch the air
intake between the OUTSIDE AIR mode and
RECIRCULATED AIR mode.
With the button in the OUTSIDE AIR mode, the
OUTSIDE AIR mode indicator light will come on and the
system will take fresh outside air into the vehicle.
If quick circulation of cooled air is desired, push the air
intake control button for RECIRCULATED AIR. The
RECIRCULATED AIR mode indicator light will come on.
For normal use, it is best to keep the air intake control
button set to OUTSIDE AIR mode. If recirculated air is
used
during heating, the windows will fog up more easily.
If the engine coolant temperature becomes extremely
high, the RECIRCULATED AIR mode is automatically
selected. This is not a malfunction. When the engine
coolant temperature is lowered, the previous mode
resumes.
If manual on±off of the air conditioning is desired ±
Push the ºA/Cº button to turn the air conditioning on and
push it again to turn the air conditioning off.
The air conditioning does not work if the outside
temperature is lowered down to around 0 C (32F).
If the system is used for ventilation, heating in dry
weather or removing frost or exterior fog on the
windshield, turn the air conditioning off once it is no
longer required. This will improve fuel economy. The air
conditioning can be used for year±round automatic temperature
control including cooling and dehumidifying
operation.
If the air conditioning compressor does not operate, the
indicator of the ºA/Cº button will blink. If the indicator of
the ºA/Cº button blinks even when the ºA/Cº button is
pushed again, have the compressor checked by your
nearest Lexus dealer.
Displaying the outside temperature ±
When you push the ºOUTSIDE TEMPº knob, the
temperature display shows the outside temperature. To
return to the display of the current set temperature, push
the knob again. The temperature display ranges from
±30 C (±22 F) up to 50C (122F).

STARTING AND DRIVING
254
CAUTION
Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust. It contains
carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless
gas. It can cause unconsciousness or even death.
 Make sure the exhaust system has no holes or loose
connections. The system should be checked from
time to time. If you hit something, or notice a change
in the sound of the exhaust, have the system checked
immediately.
 Do not run the engine in a garage or enclosed area
except for the time needed to drive the vehicle in or
out. The exhaust gases cannot escape, making this
a particularly dangerous situation.
 Do not remain for a long time in a parked vehicle with
the engine running. If it is unavoidable, however, do
so only in an unconfined area and adjust the heating
or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle.
 Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. An open or
unsealed trunk lid may cause exhaust gases to be
drawn into the vehicle.

STARTING AND DRIVING
269
(c) Using the º2º and ºLº positions
The º2º and ºLº positions are used for strong engine
braking as described previously.
With the selector lever in º2º or ºLº, you can start the
vehicle in motion as with the lever in ºDº.
With the selector lever in º2º, the vehicle will start in the
first gear and automatically shift to the second gear.
With the selector lever in ºLº, the transmission is
engaged in the first gear.
NOTICE
Be careful not to overrev the engine. Watch thetachometer to keep engine rpm from going intothe red zone. The approximate maximumallowable speed for each position is givenabove for your reference.
º2º 128 km/h (80 mph) . . .
ºLº 70 km/h (43 mph) . . .
Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for
a long time in the º2º or ºLº position. This maycause severe automatic transmission damagefrom overheating. To prevent such damage,
ºDº position should be used in hill climbing orhard towing.

DRIVING TIPS
296
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is
fully released and that the parking brake reminder
light is off.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear,
and poor fuel economy.
 To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed
and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and not work
properly. See page 267.
 Be careful when accelerating, upshifting,
downshifting or braking on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed, such as sudden
acceleration or engine braking, could cause the
vehicle to spin or skid.
 Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the
legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140 km/h
(85 mph) unless your vehicle has high±speed
capability tires. Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may
result in tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine
whether the tires on your vehicle are high±speed
capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.

DRIVING TIPS
307
wheels will be closer than the vehicle wheels to the
inside of the turn. Therefore, compensate for this by
making a larger than normal turning radius with your
vehicle.

Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect
handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing sway.
Pay attention to the rear from time to time to prepare
yourself for being passed by large trucks or buses,
which may cause your vehicle and trailer to sway. If
swaying happens, firmly grip the steering wheel and
reduce speed immediately but gradually. Never
increase speed. If it is necessary to reduce speed,
brake slowly. Steer straight ahead. If you make no
extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your
vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
 Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing
requires considerable distance. After passing a
vehicle, do not forget the l ength of your trailer and be
sure you have plenty of room before changing lanes.
 In order to maintain efficient engine braking and
electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
 Because of the added load of the trailer, your vehicle's
engine may overheat on hot days (at temperatures
over 30C [85F]) when going up a long or steep
grade with a trailer. If the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, immediately turn off the
air conditioning (if in use), pull your vehicle off the
road and stop in a safe spot. See ºIf your vehicle
overheatsº on page 319 of this manual.
 Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle
and trailer wheels when parking. Apply the parking
brake firmly. Put the transmission in ºPº. Avoid

DRIVING TIPS
309
Slow down and downshift before descending
steep or long downhill grades. Do not make
sudden downshifts.
 Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or
too frequently. This could cause the brakes to
overheat and result in reduced braking
efficiency.
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND
MAKE YOUR VEHICLE LAST
LONGER
Getting more kilometer/mileage from a liter/gallon of fuel
is easy ± just take it easy. It will help make your vehicle
last longer, too. Here are some specific tips on how to
save money on both fuel and repairs:
 Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure.
Check the pressure every two weeks, or at least once
a month. Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes
fuel.
 Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle.
Excess weight puts a heavier load on the engine,
causing greater fuel consumption.
 Avoid lengthy warm±up idling. Once the engine is
running smoothly, begin driving ± but gently.
Remember, however, that on cold winter days this
may take a little longer. 
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit
starts.
 Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait
and you are not in traffic, it is better to turn off the
engine and start again later.
 Avoid engine overrevving . Use a gear position
suitable for the road on which you are traveling.
 Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing
down. Stop±and±go driving wastes fuel.
 Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a steady pace. Try to time the traffic si gnals
so you only need to stop as little as possible or take
advantage of through streets to avoid traffic lights.
Keep a proper distance from other vehicles to avoid
sudden braking. This will also reduce wear on your
brakes.
 Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever
possible.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. This
causes needless wear, overheating and poor fuel
economy.
 Maintain a moderate speed on highways. The
faster you drive, the greater the fuel consumption. By
reducing your speed, you will cut down on fuel
consumption.
 Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid
hitting the curb and slow down on rough roads.