1999 LEXUS SC300 key

STARTING AND DRIVING
219
(a) Normal driving
1. Start the engine as instructed in ºHow to start the
engineº on page 216.
The transmission must be in ºPº or ºNº. The engine will not
start in any drive position even if the ignition key is turned to
ºSTARTº.

STARTING AND DRIVING
230

The shift position is displayed on the instrument cluster.
P: Parking, engine starting and key removal position
R: Reverse position
N: Neutral position
D: Normal driving position (Shifting into overdrive
possible)
3: Position for engine braking (Shifting into overdrive
not possible)
When the cruise control is being used, even if you
downshift from ºDº to º3º, engine braking will not be
applied because the cruise control is not cancelled. For
the operation to decrease the vehicle speed, see page
245.
2: Position for more powerful engine braking
L: Position for maximum engine braking Correct use of the automatic transmission is explained in
the following parts.
(a) Normal driving
(b) Using engine braking
(c) Using the º2º and ºLº positions
(d) Backing up
(e) Parking
(f) Good driving practice
(g) Rocking your vehicle if stuck
(h) If you cannot shift the selector lever

STARTING AND DRIVING
231
(a) Normal driving
1. Start the engine as instructed in ºHow to start the
engineº on page 216.
The transmission must be in ºPº or ºNº. The engine will not
start in any drive position even if the ignition key is turned to
ºSTARTº.

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
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.

SECTION 4
273
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
If your engine stalls while driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
274
If your vehicle will not start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
275
If your vehicle overheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
280
If you have a flat tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
283
If your vehicle needs to be towed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
297
If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever . . .
306
If you lose your keys or lock yourself out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
307

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
275
IF YOUR VEHICLE WILL NOTSTART
(a) Simple checks
Before making these checks, make sure you have followed
the correct starting procedure instructions in ºHow to start the
engineº on page 216 and that you have sufficient fuel. Since
your vehicle is equipped with the engine immobiliser system,
also check whether the other keys will start the engine. If they
work, your key may be broken. Have the key checked at your
Lexus dealer. If none of your keys work, the system is
possibly broken. Call your Lexus dealer. See ºKeysº on page
12. If the engine is not turning over or is turning over too
slowly ±
1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior
light.
3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is
cranked,
the battery is discharged. You may try jump starting.
See º(c) Jump startingº for further instruction.
If the light is O.K., but the engine still will not start, it needs
adjustment or repair. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside
Assistance or Customer Service Assistance. (See
ºForewordº.)
NOTICE
Do not pull±or push±start the vehicle. It may damage the
vehicle or cause a collision when the engine starts. Also
the three±way catalytic converter may overheat and
become a fire hazard.
If the engine turns over at its normal speed but will not
start ±
1. The engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking.
See º(b) Starting a flooded engineº for further instructions.
2. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or
repair. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer
Service Assistance. (See ºForewordº.)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
276
(b) Starting a flooded engine
If the engine will not start, your engine may be flooded
because of repeated cranking.
If this happens, turn the key to ºSTARTº with the accelerator
pedal held down. Continue this operation for 30 seconds and
then stop cranking. Then try starting the engine with your foot
off the accelerator pedal.
If the engine does not start after 30 seconds of cranking,
release the key, wait a few minutes and try again.
If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair.
Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer
Service Assistance. (See ºForewordº.)
NOTICE
Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This
may overheat the starter and wiring systems.
(c) Jump starting
To avoid serious personal injury and damage to your
vehicle which might result from battery explosion, acid
burns, electrical burns, or damaged electronic
components, these instructions must be followed
precisely.
If you are unsure about how to follow this procedure, we
strongly recommend that you seek help from your Lexus
dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service Assistance.