1999 LEXUS SC300 engine

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
63
º± ±º, take your vehicle to your Lexus dealer.
(2) Driving time
(Figures with ºE/Tº)
The total time during the engine running is displayed.
When the engine is started again after the ignition is off, the
driving time is added to the previous value. Up to 99 hours
59 minutes can be displayed. When the driving time exceeds
99 hours 59 minutes, the display returns to 0 and recounting
starts.
To count from the beginning, push the ºMODE/RESETº
button for more than 1 second.
(3) Average vehicle speed(Figures with ºAVG MPHº)
The average vehicle speed is calculated and displayed
based on the total driving distance and the total driving
time with the engine running.
The displayed value is updated every 10 seconds.
To calculate from the beginning, push the ºMODE/RESETº
button for more than 1 second.
(4) Average fuel consumption(Figures with ºAVG MPGº)
The average fuel consumption is calculated and displayed
based on the total driving distance and the total fuel
consumption with the engine running.
The value is updated every 10 seconds.
To calculate from the beginning, push the ºMODE/RESETº
button for more than 1 second.
(5) Momentary fuel consumption(Figures with ºMPGº)
The momentary fuel consumption is calculated and
displayed based on the driving distance and the fuel
consumption for 3 seconds with the engine running.
The value is updated every 3 seconds.
If you are driving at low speeds just before stopping, the
accurate figure may not be shown.
For the display (1), (3), (4) or (5), º± ±º will appear\
in case
the data for calculation is not appropriate.

INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
70
To use the cigarette lighter and ashtray, first pull the
button. Then when the ashtray opens out, press in the
cigarette lighter. When it becomes heated, it
automatically pops out ready for use.
Do not hold the cigarette lighter pressed in.
If the engine is not running, the ignition key must be in the
ºACCº position.
When finished with your cigarette, thoroughly extinguish it
in the ashtray to prevent other cigarette butts from catching
fire. After using the ashtray, push it back in completely.
To remove the ashtray, pull it out.
Use a Lexus genuine cigarette lighter or equivalent for
replacement.

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
86
1. To open the fuel filler door, pull the lever under the
instrument panel.
When refueling, turn off the engine.

THEFT DETERRENT
173
Setting the system
1. Turn the ignition key to the ºLOCKº position and
remove it.
The indicator light flashes by means of the engine
immobiliser system.
2. Close and lock all the doors, trunk and hood using an
ignition key or wireless remote control.If you lock them with wireless remote control, the turn signals
flash once.
The flashing indicator light changes to stay on when all the
doors, trunk and hood are closed and locked.
3. After 30 seconds, the indicator starts flashing and the
system is set.
Cancelling the system
When you unlock any door or trunk using an ignition key
or wireless remote control, the system is cancelled.
If you unlock any door or trunk with wireless remote control,
the turn signals flash twice.
Activating the system
The alarm sounds for 60 seconds if any of the following are
operated:


Unlocking any door or trunk without using an ignition key
or wireless remote control.

Opening the hood forcibly.

Reconnecting the battery.
If any door is unlocked and the ignition key is not in the
ignition switch during the alarm sounding, its door is
automatically locked.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
187
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not leave
the car audio on longer than necessary when the engine
is not running.
To ensure the correct audio system operation:


Be careful not to spill beverages over the audio system.

Do no put anything other than a cassette tape or CD
magazine into the cassette tape slot or CD changer.

The use of cellular phone inside or near the vehicle
may cause a noise from the speakers of the audio
system which you are listening to. However, this does
not indicate a malfunction.
You can listen to the car audio when the ignition key is at
ºONº or ºACCº. However, if the engine is not running,
the key must be in the ºACCº position.
You can adjust the brightness of the display. See ºInstrument
panel light control on page 64 for details.
Audio operation is described in detail on the following pages:

Radio operation ± See page 187.

Cassette tape player operation ± See page 192.

Compact disc player operation ± See page 196.
Radio operation
(a) Listening to the radio
1. Push the
(AM) or (FM1/2) button to turn the
radio on and select either an AM or FM broadcast.
ºAMº, ºFM1º or ºFM2º will appear on the display.
The radio can also be turned on by pushing the ºPWR.VOLº
knob if the radio was being used when the system was turned
off.
2. Turn the ºPWR.VOLº knob to adjust the volume.
3. Tune in the desired station. (See º(b) Selecting a stationº.)
The radio will change automatically to stereo reception when
an FM stereo broadcast is being received. At the same time
ºSTº will appear on the display. When the receiving signal
gets weak, the channel separation will automatically be
reduced for lowest noise. If the signal becomes extremely
weak, the radio will switch over to monaural reception.
4. Adjust the tone and sound balance. (See º(d) Adjusting the
toneº and º(e) Adjusting the sound balanceº.)
5. To turn the radio off, push the ºPWR.VOLº knob.

SECTION 3 ± 1
207
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
208
Engine exhaust caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
211
Before starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
212
Ignition switch with steering lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
212
Parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
215
How to start the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
216
Automatic transmission (SC400) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
217
Automatic transmission (SC300) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
229
Electronic throttle control system 241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
242
Traction control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
246
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .

STARTING AND DRIVING
210
CAUTION
Keep people and combustible materials away from the
exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The exhaust gas
is very hot.
 Do not drive, idle or park your vehicle over anything that
might burn easily such as grass, leaves, paper or rags.
NOTICE
A large amount of unburned gases flowing into the
three±way catalytic converter may cause it to overheat
and create a fire hazard. To prevent this and other
damage, observe the following precautions:
Use only unleaded gasoline.
 Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level; running
out of fuel could cause the engine to misfire, creating
an excessive load on the three±way catalytic converter.
 Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed for more
than 20 minutes.
 Avoid racing the engine.
 Do not push±start or pull±start your vehicle.
Do not turn off the ignition while the vehicle is moving.
 Keep your engine in good running order.
Malfunctions in the engine electrical system,
electronic ignition system or fuel system could cause
an extremely high three±way catalytic converter
temperature.
 If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, take your vehicle in for a check±up as soon
as possible. Remember, your Lexus dealer knows your
vehicle and its three±way catalytic converter system
best.
 To ensure that the three±way catalytic converter and
the entire emission control system operate properly,
your vehicle must receive the periodic inspections
required by the Lexus Maintenance Schedule. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the
separate ºOwner's Manual Supplement/
Maintenance Scheduleº.

STARTING AND DRIVING
211
ENGINE EXHAUST CAUTION
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.