1999 LEXUS SC300 service

FOREWORD
i
Welcome to the growing group of value±conscious people who drive Lexus\
vehicles.
We are proud of the advanced engineering and quality construction of each \
vehicle we
build.
This Owner's Manual explains the features of your new Lexus. Please read it and
follow the instructions carefully so that you can enjoy many years of safe mot\
oring.
When it comes to service, remember that your Lexus dealer knows your vehicle\
best
and is interested in your complete satisfaction. Your Lexus dealer will provide quality
maintenance and any other assistance you may require.
If there is not a Lexus dealer near you, or you need emergency assistance for any
reason, please call the following number:
U.S. OWNERS


When traveling in the U.S. mainland or Canada:
Lexus Roadside Assistance 1±800±25±LEXUS (Toll±Free)
(1±800±255±3987)

HAWAII:
Lexus Customer Service Assistance 1±800±25±LEXUS (Toll±Free)
(1±800±255±3987)
Please leave this Owner's Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next
owner will need this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time of
printing. However, because of the Lexus policy of continual product
improvement, we reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment,\
including options. Ther efore, you may find some explanations for equipment not
installed on your vehicle.

INTRODUCTION
ii
New vehicle warranty
Your new vehicle is covered by the following Lexus limited
warranties:

New vehicle warranty

Emission control systems warranty

Others
For further information, please refer to the separate ºOwner's
Guideº, ºOwner's Manual Supplementº or ºWarranty
Bookletº.
Your responsibility for maintenance
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure the specified
maintenance is performed. Section 5 of this Owner's Manual
gives details of these maintenance requirements. Included in
Section 6 is general maintenance. For scheduled
maintenance information, please refer to the separate
ºOwner 's Manual Supplement/Maintenance Scheduleº.
Accessories, spare parts and modification of
your Lexus
A wide variety of non±genuine spare parts and accessories for
Lexus vehicles are currently available in the market. You
should know that Toyota does not warrant these products and
is not responsible either for their performance, repair or
replacement, or for any damage they may cause to, or adverse
effect they may have on, your Lexus vehicle. This vehicle should not be modified with non±genuine Lexus
products. Modification with non±genuine Lexus products
could affect its performance, safety or durability, and may
even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage
or performance problems resulting from the modification
may not be covered under warranty.
Installation of a mobile two±way radio system
As the installation of a mobile two±way radio system in your
vehicle could affect electronic systems such as the multiport
fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel injection
system, cruise control system, anti±lock brake system and
SRS airbag system, be sure to check with your Lexus dealer
for precautionary measures or special instructions regarding
installation.
Scrapping of your Lexus
The SRS airbag device in your Lexus contains explosive
chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped with the airbags left as
they are, it may cause an accident such as a fire. Be sure to
have the SRS airbag system removed and disposed of by a
qualified service shop or by your Lexus dealer before you
scrap your vehicle.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
iii
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
The contents of this manual are explained briefly on this
page to help you make the best use of the manual. Please
read this page and the rest of the Owner's Manual
carefully to make sure you fully understand the operation
of your vehicle.
This will help you enjoy safe and comfortable driving.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The table of contents and the pictorial index provide easy
reference to the appropriate pages.
BASIC OPERATION ± QUICK REFERENCE
Operation of basic equipment is briefly explained in an easily
understandable way for quick reference.
SECTION 1 ± INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
The vehicle's equipment is divided into the 7 groups listed
below. Use of the equipment is explained, including any
points you should pay particular attention to.
1. Keys and doors
2. Switches
3. Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators
4. Interior equipment
5. Exterior equipment
6. Comfort adjustment 7. Theft deterrent

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
iv
SECTION 2 ± AIR CONDITIONING AND
AUDIO
The features of the vehicle's air conditioning and audio are
explained in detail. Be sure to read this section so that you can
make full use of them.
SECTION 3 ± STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting the engine, driving, stopping, operation of features
affecting vehicle handling, hints on vehicle safety and safe
driving techniques are all explained. Please read everything
in this section, and remember ± drive safely!
SECTION 4 ± IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
This section explains what to do in the event of an urgent
situation such as the engine not starting or getting a flat tire,
etc. If such a problem occurs, check the contents of this
Owner 's Manual and follow the instructions given.
SECTION 5 ± MAINTENANCE
This section explains the importance of regular maintenance.
Regular and periodic inspection and maintenance of your
Lexus will help to keep your vehicle in its best condition.
SECTION 6 ± SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Simple maintenance procedure and service data are provided
here for your reference should you wish to perform inspection
and maintenance yourself.
INDEX
The page number is listed for each item in the Owner's
Manual so that you can rapidly find the item and page you are
searching for.
GAS STATION INFORMATION
The information you need to know for appropriate servicing
at the gas station is provided here.
QUICK INDEX
This is designed so that you can quickly find the needed
information when an urgent situation arises.
Safety symbol

SECTION 1 ± 3
48
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder
indicators
Fuel gauge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
49
Engine coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
50
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . .
51
Odometer and trip meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
52
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers . . . . . . . . .
53
Cruise information display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
60
Instrument panel light control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
64

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
49
FUEL GAUGE
The gauge is displayed when the ignition switch is on and
indicates the approximate quantity of fuel remaining in
the tank.
It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4 full.
This fuel gauge has a non±return type needle which remains
at the last indicated position when the ignition switch is turned
off.
If the fuel level approaches ºEº or the low fuel level warning
light comes on, fill the fuel tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the tank,
the fuel gauge needle may fluctuate or the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than usual.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the malfunction indicator
lamp comes on. Fill the fuel tank immediately.The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times. If the
indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible.
See the inner back cover for fuel capacity and recommended
fuel selection.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
50
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
51
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature when
the ignition switch is on. The engine operating
temperature
will vary with changes in weather and engine
load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your vehicle
and allow the engine to cool.
Your vehicle may overheat during severe operating
conditions, such as:

Driving up a long hill on a hot day.

Reducing speed or stopping after high speed driving.

Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in
stop±and±go traffic.

Towing a trailer.
NOTICE

Do not remove the thermostat in the engine cooling
system as this may cause the engine to overheat. The
thermostat is designed to control the flow of coolant to
keep the temperature of the engine within the specified
operating range.

Do not continue driving with an overheated engine.
See ºIf your vehicle overheatsº on page 280.
TACHOMETER