1999 LEXUS SC300 ignition

STARTING AND DRIVING
243
Turning on the system
To operate the cruise control, push the main switch. This
turns the system on. The indicator light in the instrument
cluster shows that you can now set your desired cruising
speed. Another push on the switch will turn the system
completely off.
When the ignition key is turned off, the main switch is also
automatically turned off. To use the cruise control again, push
the main switch again to turn it on.
CAUTION
To avoid accidental cruise control engagement, keep the main
switch off when not using the cruise control.

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
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.

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.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
299
Place the ignition key in the ºACCº position.
NOTICE

Do not tow with the key removed or in the ºLOCKº
position, as the steering lock mechanism is not strong
enough to hold the front wheels straight.

When lifting wheels, take care to ensure adequate
ground clearance for towing at the opposite end of the
raised vehicle. Otherwise, the bumper and/or
underbody of the towed vehicle will be damaged
during towing.
(b) Using a flat bed truck

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
305
CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. Avoid sudden
starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would place
excessive stress on the emergency towing eyelet and towing
cable or chain. The eyelet and towing cable or chain may
break and cause serious injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in
towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cable or chain to the
towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake and put the
transmission in ºNº. The ignition key must be in ºACCº
(engine off) or ºONº (engine running).
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and
steering will not work so steering and braking will be much
harder than usual.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
306
IF YOU CANNOT SHIFT
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER
If you cannot shift the selector lever out of ºPº position to
other positions even though the brake pedal is depressed,
use the shift lock override button as follows:
1. Turn the ignition key to ºLOCKº. Make sure the parking
brake is applied.
2. Pry up the cover with a flat±bladed screwdriver or
equivalent.

INTRODUCTION
325

Right after driving, the engine compartment ± the
engine, radiator, exhaust manifold and power
steering fluid reservoir, etc. ± will be hot. So be
careful not to touch them. Oil and other fluids may
also be hot.

Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames
near fuel or the battery. Their fumes are fl ammable.

Be extremely cautious when working on the battery.
It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.

Do not get under your vehicle with just the body jack
supporting it. Al ways use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.

Use eye protection whenever you work on or under
your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc.
NOTICE

Remember that battery and ignition cables carry high
currents or voltages. Be careful of accidentally
causing a short circuit.

Before closing the engine hood, check to see that you
have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc.

Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or excessive
engine wear could result. Also backfiring could cause
a fire in the engine compartment.

Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, or the
transmission could be damaged.

Be careful not to scratch the glass surface with the
wiper frame.
PARTS AND TOOLS
Here is a list of parts and tools you will need to perform
do±it±yourself maintenance. Remember all Lexus parts are
designed in metric sizes, so your tools must be metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):

Use API grade SJ, ºEnergy±Conservingº multigrade
engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil. For
recommended oil viscosity, see page 346.
Tools: