1999 Lexus LS400 length

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
131
Adjustment of telescopic steering
column
16L011±1
To adjust the steering column length, push the
control switch forward or backward to set the
steering wheel to the desired position.
CAUTION
Do not adjust the steering column while the vehicle is
moving.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
143
Fastening front and rear seat belts
16L115a
Adjust the seat as needed and sit up straight and
well back in the seat. To fasten your belt, pull it out
of the retractor and insert the tab into the buckle.
You will hear a click when the tab locks into the buckle.
The seat belt length automatically adjusts to your size
and the seat position.
The retractor will lock the belt during a sudden stop or on
impact. It also may lock if you lean forward too quickly.
A slow, easy motion will allow the belt to extend, and you
can move around freely.When a passenger's shoulder belt is completely
extended and is then retracted even slightly, the belt is
locked in that position and cannot be extended. This
feature is used to hold the child restraint system
securely.
(For details, see ºChild restraintº on page 176.)
To free the belt again, fully retract the belt and then pull
the belt out once more.
If the seat belt cannot be pulled out of the retractor, firmly
pull the belt and release it. You will then be able to
smoothly pull the belt out of the retractor.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
148To release the belt, press the buckle release button
and allow the belt to retract.
If the belt does not retract smoothly, pull it out and check
for kinks or twists. Then make sure it remains untwisted
as it retracts.
Seat belt extender
If your seat belts cannot be fastened securely because
it is not long enough, a personalized seat belt extender
is available from your Lexus dealer free of charge.
Please
contact your local Lexus dealer so that the dealer
can order the proper required length for the extender.
Bring the heaviest coat you expect to wear for proper
measurement and selection of length. Additional
ordering information is available at your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
When using the seat belt extender, observe the
following. Failure to follow these instructions could
result in less effectiveness of the seat belt restraint
system in case of vehicle accident, increasing the
chance of personal injury.
 Never use the seat belt extender if you can fasten the
seat belt without it.
 Remember that the extender provided for you may
not be safe when used on a different vehicle, or for
another person or at a different seating position than
the one originally intended for.
16L026-1

DRIVING TIPS
333
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle
differently than when not towing. The three main
causes of vehicle±trailer accidents are driver error,
excessive speed and improper trailer loading. Keep
these in mind when towing:
 Before starting out, check the operation of the lights
and all vehicle±trailer connections. After driving a
short distance, stop and recheck the lights and
connections. Practice turning, stopping and backing
with a trailer in an area away from traffic until you learn
the feel.
 Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice.
Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your
hand to the left to move the trailer to the left. Move
your hand to the right to move the trailer to the right.
(This procedure is generally opposite to that when
backing without a trailer.) Also, just turn the steering
wheel a little at a time, avoiding sharp or prolonged
turning. Have someone guide you when backing to
reduce the risk of an accident.
 Because stopping distance may be increased,
vehicle±to±vehicle distance should be increased
when towing a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of
speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length
between you and the vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden
braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and
loss of control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.
 Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.

DRIVING TIPS
336
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.

BODY
470
SPECIFICATIONS
± DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTOverall length
Overall width
Overall height
Wheelbase
Tread ± Front ± Rear
Vehicle capacity weight (occupants + luggage)
4995 mm (196.7 in.)
1830 mm (72.0 in.)
1435 mm (56.4 in.)*
2850 mm (112.2 in.)
1575 mm (62.0 in.)
1575 mm (62.0 in.)
410 kg (900 lb.)
*: Unladen vehicle
± FUEL TANK
Capacity
85 L (22.5 gal., 18.7 lmp.gal.)