1999 LEXUS SC300 wheel

STARTING AND DRIVING
242In the power mode, 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 normal mode.
To return to the normal mode, push the driving pattern
selector switch lightly on the ºSNOWº side.
Snow mode: For slippery road surfaces such as in snow. In
this mode, the spinning of the rear wheels is controlled
appropriately.
When you push the driving pattern selector switch on the
ºSNOWº side, the snow mode is turned on and the ºECT
SNOWº light in the instrument cluster comes on.
To return to the normal mode, push the driving pattern
selector switch on the ºSNOWº side again.
When you turn the ignition switch off in the snow mode, the
mode automatically changes to the normal mode.
CRUISE CONTROL
The cruise control allows you to cruise the vehicle at a
desired
speed over 40 km/h (25 mph) with your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
Your cruising speed can be maintained although a slight speed
change may occur when driving up or down a gradient, within
the limits of engine performance. On steeper hills, a great
speed change will occur so it is better to drive without the
cruise control.
When the cruise control is on, the driving pattern of the
automatic transmission is fixed in the normal position,
regardless of the position of the selector switch.
CAUTION
 To help maintain maximum control of your vehicle, do not
use the cruise control when driving in heavy or varying
traffic, or on slippery (rainy, icy or snow±covered) or
winding roads.
 Avoid vehicle speed increases when driving downhill. If the
vehicle speed is too fast in relation to the cruise control set
speed, cancel the cruise control then downshift the
transmission to use engine braking to slow down.

STARTING AND DRIVING
246
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.
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 blinks.

STARTING AND DRIVING
247
You can turn off the traction control system by pushing
the ºTRAC OFFº switch. The ºTRAC OFFº indicator/
warning light will then come on. Pushing the ºTRAC
OFFº switch a second time turns the system back on and
extinguishes the ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning light.
You may hear a slight clicking noise in the engine
compartment when the engine 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
vibration 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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
248
Traction control failure warning
If the ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning light flashes, contact
your Lexus dealer as soon as possible. There may be trouble
in the traction control system.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of the
vehicle and power to the rear wheels cannot be maintained,
even though the traction control system is in operation. Do not
drive the vehicle under any speed or maneuvering conditions
which will cause the vehicle to lose traction. In situations
where the road surface is covered with ice or snow, your
vehicle should be fitted with snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious pace.
BRAKE SYSTEM
The tandem master cylinder brake system is a hydraulic
system with two separate sub±systems. If either sub±system
should fail, the other will still work. However, the pedal will
be harder to press, and your stopping distance will be longer.
Also, the brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake system.
Have your brakes fixed immediately.

STARTING AND DRIVING
250
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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
253
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
ºONº
position. After about a few seconds, the light will go
off.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a
malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the
warning light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.
 The light does not come on as described above, or remains
on.
 The light comes on while driving.
Even if the anti±lock brake system should fail, the brake
system will still operate conventionally. But when the ºABSº
warning light is on (and the brake system warning light is off),
anti±lock brake system is not assisting brake performance so
that the wheels could lock up during a sudden brake or
braking on slippery road surfaces. Have your vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Drum±in±disc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drum±in±disc type parking brake system.
This type of brake system needs bedding±down of the brake
shoes periodically or whenever the parking brake shoes
and/or drums are replaced.
Have your Lexus dealer perform the bedding±down.

STARTING AND DRIVING
256
CAUTION
Do not mix summer and all season tires on your vehicle as
this can cause dangerous handling characteristics,
resulting in loss of control.
 Do not use tires other than the manufacturer's designated
tires, and never mix tires or wheels of the sizes different
from the originals.

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.