1999 LEXUS SC300 water

KEYS AND DOORS
16

Do not bend the key grip.

Do not cover the key grip with any material that cuts
off electromagnetic waves.

Do not knock the key hard against other objects.

Do not leave the key exposed to high temperatures for
a long period, such as on the dashboard and hood
under the direct sunlight.

Do not put the key in water or wash it in an ultrasonic
washer.

Do not use the key with electromagnetic materials.ENGINE IMMOBILISER
SYSTEM

KEYS AND DOORS
20In the following cases, the battery in the key may be
discharged. If this is a case, replace it using a special
screwdriver.


The remote control does not work.

The operational range of wireless remote control becomes
extremely short.

The indicator light on the key is dimmed or does not come
on.
For the replacement of the battery, see ºReplacing the
batteryº on page 25. You can also have the battery of the key
replaced by your Lexus dealer.
If you lose the wireless key, contact your Lexus dealer as soon
as possible to avoid the possibility of theft, or an accident.
You can use up to 4 wireless remote control keys for the same
vehicle. Contact your Lexus dealer for detailed information.
The wireless remote control key is an electronic
component. Observe the following instructions in order
not to cause damage to the key.

Do not leave the wireless remote control key on places
where the temperature becomes high such as on the
dashboard.

Do not disassemble it.

Avoid knocking it hard against other objects or dropping
it.

Avoid putting it in water.
Locking/Unlocking the doors
When you push the ºLOCKº button on the key briefly, all
the doors can be locked from outside the vehicle.
At this time, you can hear one beep. However, when you push
the ºLOCKº button with any door not closed securely, the
buzzer sounds for 10 seconds. To stop the buzzer, close all the
doors securely or push the ºUNLOCKº button. If the key is
in the ignition switch, locking cannot be done.
Make sure all the doors are locked when you leave the
vehicle. Push the ºLOCKº button once again. If they were
already locked, the turn signal lights will flash.
NOTICE
Do not push the ºLOCKº button any longer than 2 to 3
seconds. Pushing the button longer activates an alarm.
For details, see page 22.
When you push the ºUNLOCKº button, the driver's door
is unlocked. Pushing that button once again within 3
seconds from the first push, all other doors are also
unlocked.

SWITCHES
40
CAUTION
Since the mirror surfaces can get hot, keep your hands off
them when the switch is on.
If further defrosting or defogging is desired, simply actuate
the switch again. When the surface has cleared, push the
switch once again to turn the defogger off. Continuous use
may cause the battery to discharge, especially during
stop±and±go driving. The defogger is not designed to dry rain
water or to melt snow.
If the outside rear view mirrors are heavily coated with ice,
use a spray de±icer before operating the switch.
NOTICE

When cleaning the inside of the rear window, be
careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires.

To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not
operate the defogger continuously longer than
necessary.
POWER WINDOW SWITCHES

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
117

Inspect the belt system periodically. Check for cuts,
fraying, and loose parts. Damaged parts should be
replaced. Do not disassemble or modify the system.

Keep the belts clean and dry. If they need cleaning,
use a mild soap solution or lukewarm water. Never
use bleach, dye, or abrasive cleaners ± they may
severely weaken the belts. (See ºCleaning the
interiorº on page 409 for instructions.)

Replace the belt assembly (including bolts) if it has
been used in a severe impact. The entire assembly
should be replaced even if damage is not obvious.
Front seat belts
Make sure the seat belt hanger is secured in raised
position. If it is not, be sure to raise the seat belt hanger
until it locks in position.
You will hear a click when the seat belt hanger locks in
position.

DRIVING TIPS
259
BREAK±IN PERIOD
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
You need not follow a break±in schedule with your new
Lexus. But following a few simple tips for the first 1600 km
(1000 miles) can add to the future economy and long life of
your vehicle:

Do not drive over 88 km/h (55 mph).

Avoid overrevving. Maintain engine speed between 2000
and 4000 rpm.

Avoid full±throttle starts.

Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles).

Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either fast
or slow.

Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500 miles).
OPERATION IN FOREIGN
COUNTRIES
If you plan to drive your Lexus in another country ...
First, comply with the vehicle registration laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the correct fuel (unleaded
and minimum octane rating).
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VARIOUS CONDITIONS

Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow
you much better control.

Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle.
Avoid driving onto high, sharp±edged objects and other
road hazards. Failure to do so can lead to severe tire
damage resulting in tire bursts.

When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they
touch the curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the
parking brake, and place the transmission in ºPº. If
necessary, block the wheels.

Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may
get the brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you and then press the pedal lightly.
If you do not feel a normal braking force, the brakes are
probably wet. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously
while lightly pressing the brake pedal with the parking
brake applied. If they still do not work safely, pull to the
side of the road and call a Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION

Before driving, make sure the parking brake is fully
released and that the parking brake reminder light is off.

DRIVING TIPS
260

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 234.

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.

Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are
wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a
longer stopping distance, and it may pull to one side
when the brakes are applied. Also, the parking
brake will not hold the vehicle securely.WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have a proper freeze protection of engine
coolant.
Your coolant must contain ethylene±glycol type coolant for
a proper corrosion protection of aluminum components. Use
ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent. See ºChecking
the engine coolant levelº on page 347 for instructions.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
When it is extremely cold, we recommend to use 60%
solution for your Lexus, to provide protection down to about
±50 C (±58F). Do not use more than 70% solution for better
coolant performance.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter
starting. Page 380 tells you how to visually inspect the
battery. Your Lexus dealer and most service stations will be
pleased to check the battery charge level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
See page 346 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy
summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call

DRIVING TIPS
261
your Lexus dealer ± they will be pleased to help.
Check
the electronic ignition system for loose connections
or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de±icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them
from freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto
parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute
because it may damage your vehicle's paint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility
it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ºPº and block the
front wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water
accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism
may freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering
difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally. Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you
carry some emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains,
window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger±carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on
handling, performance, braking, durability and driving
economy (fuel consumption, etc.). Your safety and
satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment
and cautious driving habits. For your safety and the safety of
others, you must not overload your vehicle or trailer. Lexus
warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial purposes. Ask your local
Lexus dealer for further details before towing.

DRIVING TIPS
265
Hitches

If you wish to install a trailer hitch, your Lexus dealer
should be consulted.

Use only a hitch which is recommended by Lexus dealer
and conforms to the total trailer weight requirement.

Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.

Lexus recommends removing the trailer hitch whenever
you are not towing a trailer to reduce the possibility of
additional damage caused by the hitch if your vehicle is
struck from behind. After removing the hitch, seal any
mounting holes in the vehicle body to prevent entry of
pollutants such as exhaust fumes, dirt, water, etc.

Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a
trailer so that the rear license plate can be seen clearly.
NOTICE

Install the trailer hitch using only the position
recommended by your Lexus dealer. Do not install the
trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body
damage.

Do not use axle±mounted hitches as they can cause
damage to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels or
tires.
Brakes and safety chains

Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform
to any applicable federal and state/provincial
regulations.

A safety chain must always be used between the towing
vehicle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the
chain for turns. The chain should cross under the
trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to
the ground in case it becomes damaged or separated.
For correct safety chain procedur es, follow the hitch or
trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
CAUTION

If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1000 lb.), trailer
brakes are required.

Never tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system as it will
lower its braking effectiveness.

Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely
attached to both the trailer and the vehicle. If damage
occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, there is possible
danger of the trailer wandering over into another lane.