1999 Lexus LS400 lock

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
230
(d) Operating tips
Make sure the air inlet grilles in front of the windshield
are not blocked by leaves or other obstructions.
 If air flow control is not satisfactory, check the
dashboard vents. (See ºCenter ventsº, ºSide ventsº,
ºLower ventº and ºRear ventsº.)
 To help cool down the interior after parking in the hot
sun, drive for the first few minutes with the windows
open. After the excess heat has blown away, close
the windows.
 When driving on dusty roads, close all windows. If
dust thrown up by the vehicle is still drawn into the
vehicle after closing the windows, it is recommended
that the air intake control button be left to the
OUTSIDE AIR mode and the fan speed control button
be pressed to anywhere except the ºOFFº button.
 If following another vehicle on a dusty road, or driving
in windy and dusty conditions, it is recommended that
the air intake control button be temporarily pressed in
to the RECIRCULATED AIR mode, which will close
off the outside passage and prevent outside air and
dust from entering the vehicle interior.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
255
20L019-2
1. Push the lock release button and open the cover.
20L020-1
2. Push this button to eject the magazine.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
256
20L021
3. Pull out the tray while pushing the lock release
button.
20L022
4. Put a disc on the tray with its label face down and
push the tray back into the magazine.
If the label faces up, the disc cannot be played. In this
case, ºErrº and the disc number appears on the display.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
264
Car audio system operating hints
NOTICE
To ensure the correct audio system operation:
Be careful not to spill beverages over the audiosystem.
Do not put anything other than a cassette tapeor CD magazine into the cassette tape slot or
CD changer.
The use of cellular phone inside or near thevehicle may cause a noise from the speakers of
the audio system which you are listening to. However, this does not indicate a malfunction.
Radio reception
Usually, the problem with radio reception does not mean
there is a problem with your radio ± it is just the normal
result of conditions outside the vehicle.
For example, nearby buildings and terrain can interfere
with FM reception. Power lines or telephone wires can
interfere with AM signals. And of course, radio signals
have a limited range, and the farther you are from a
station, the weaker its signal will be. In addition,
reception conditions change constantly as your vehicle
moves.
Here are some common reception problems that
probably do not indicate a problem with your radio:
FM
Fading and drifting stations ± Generally, the effective
range of FM is about 40 km (25 miles). Once outside this
range, you may notice fading and drifting, which
increase with the distance from the radio transmitter.
They are often accompanied by distortion.
Multi±path ± FM signals are reflective, making it
possible for two signals to reach your antenna at the
same time. If this happens, the signals will cancel each
other out, causing a momentary flutter or loss of
reception.
Static and fluttering ± These occur when signals are
blocked by buildings, trees, or other large objects.
Increasing the bass level may reduce static and

SECTION 3 ± 1
271
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converter271
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 274
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 275
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 276
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 279
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 280
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 281
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic throttle control system 295
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronically modulated air suspension 301
. . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle skid control system 307
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 313
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 319
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THREE±WAY CATALYTIC
CONVERTER

STARTING AND DRIVING
275
Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. An
open or unsealed trunk lid may cause exhaust
gases to be drawn into the vehicle.
 To allow proper operation of your vehicle's
ventilation system, keep the inlet grilles in front
of the windshield clear of snow, leaves, or other
obstructions.
 If you smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle, drive
with the windows open and the trunk lid closed.
Have the cause immediately located and
corrected.BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, head restraint
height and steering wheel angle.
3. Adjust inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts.
Remember to check that the service reminder indicators
function when turning the key to ºONº, and check the fuel
gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.

STARTING AND DRIVING
276
IGNITION SWITCH WITHSTEERING LOCK
31L001±1

STARTING AND DRIVING
277
ºSTARTº ± Starter motor on. The key will return to
the ºONº position when released.
For starting tips, see page 280.
ºONº ± Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the ºONº position if the
engine is not running. The battery will dischargeand the electronic ignition system/distributorignition system could be damaged.
ºACCº ± Accessories such as the radio operate, but
the engine is off.
If you leave the key in the ºACCº or ºLOCKº position and
open the driver's door, a buzzer will remind you to
remove the key.*
NOTE: *The volume or interval of beep sound can bechanged. Ask your Lexus dealer for details.