1999 Lexus LS400 ECO mode

STARTING AND DRIVING
286

1Power position 2Normal position
3Snow position
2. Set the driving pattern selector switch to the
ºNormalº position.
Your transmission has a driving pattern selector switch
which allows you to select ºPowerº, ºNormalº or ºSnowº\
mode to suit your driving condition. For ordinary driving,
Lexus recommends that you use the ºNormalº position
to improve fuel economy.
3. For more powerful acceleration and sporty
driving, use the ºPowerº position.
In the ºPowerº position, the ºECT PWRº light in the
instrument cluster is on and the transmission is shifted
up at higher vehicle speeds and shifted down more
responsively than in the ºNormalº position.
For ºSnowº mode, see ºElectronic Throttle Control
Systemº on page 295.

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295
ELECTRONIC THROTTLECONTROL SYSTEM
The electronic throttle control system always
maintains appropriate engine output in relation to
the accelerator opening in all driving conditions.
31L008-3

1Power position 2Normal position
3Snow position
The electronic throttle control system has 3 modes:
Normal, Power and Snow modes.
Normal mode: For ordinary driving, Lexus
recommends that you use the normal mode to improve
fuel economy.
Power mode: For more powerful acceleration and
sporty driving.

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303
ºNORMALº
mode ± For driving on roads with a normal
surface.
ºHIGHº mode ± For driving on rough roads which are
unsurfaced or continually bumpy.
The damping effect is set slightly firmer in ºHIGHº mode.
So you may feel the vibration of the vehicle compared to
in ºNORMALº mode. However, this does not mean a
malfunction in the system. We recommend you use a
ºNORMALº mode in normal driving.
To change the mode, push the selector switch.
ºNORMALº mode
The vehicle height remains at normal height at all driving
speeds.
ºHIGHº mode
The vehicle height switches between the following two
vehicle heights according to the driving conditions:
Vehicle height
Driving condition
NormalMedium and high speed driv-
ing
HighLow speed driving

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304
31L016-2
The indicator light shows ºHIGHº mode is selected.
When you turn the ignition key to the ºONº position, the
indicator light will come on for 2 seconds in any mode.
NOTICE
For vehicles equipped with the height controlswitch, be sure to turn the ignition switch offbefore jacking. If this is not done, the vehicleheight adjustment function will operate, whichmay cause body damage.
(b) Malfunction warning
If the ºHIº indicator light blinks, there is a malfunction in
this system. Have the system checked by your Lexus
dealer at the first opportunity.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically helps
control the spinning of the rear wheels which may
occur when accelerating on slippery road surfaces,
thus assisting driver to control the driving power of
the rear wheels.

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305
31L052±1
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.
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 vi bration 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.
To turn off the traction control system, see page 309.

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308

Slip indicator light
If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the slip
indicator light flashes and an alarm sounds.
The vehicle skid control activates when the vehicle
speed is about more than 15 km/h (9 mph).
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly causes a small
noise from the engine compartment. This is a pump
pulsating sound of the brake system and it is not a
malfunction.
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.
31L017a

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315
Anti±lock brake system
The anti±lock brake system is designed to
automatically help prevent lock±up of the wheels
during a sudden brake or braking on slippery road
surfaces. This assists in providing directional
stability and steering performance of the vehicle
under these circumstances.
The anti±lock brake system becomes operative after the
vehicle has accelerated to a speed in excess of
approximately 10 km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when
the vehicle decelerates to a speed below approximately
5 km/h (3 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 anti±lock brake
system is in the self±check mode, and does not indicate
a malfunction.
Effective way to press the ABS brake pedal: When the
anti±lock brake system function is in action, you may feel the
brake pedal pulsating and hear a noise. In this situation, to
let the anti±lock brake system work for you, just hold the
brake pedal down more firmly. Do not pump the brake in a
panic stop. Pumping the brake pedal makes the stopping
distance longer.

DRIVING TIPS
337

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.
Improper alignment not only causes faster tire wear
but also puts an extra load on the engine, which, in
turn, wastes fuel.
 Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud,
etc. This not only lessens weight but also helps
prevent corrosion.
 Keep your vehicle tuned±up and in top shape. A
dirty air cleaner, improper valve clearance, dirty
plugs, dirty oil and grease, brakes not adjusted, etc.
all lower engine performance and contribute to poor