2000 Lexus ES300 parking light

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
67
(m) Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
This light comes on when the fluid level in the tank
becomes nearly empty. F ill the tank as soon as possible.
(n) Low Fuel Level Warning Light
This light comes on when the fuel level in the tank
becomes nearly empty. F ill the tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the
tank, the low fuel level warning light may come on earlier
than usual.
(o) Automatic Headlight Leveling System Warning Light (Vehicles with
discharge headlight only)
This light warns that when there is a problem
somewhere in the automatic headlight leveling
system.
If it comes on, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus
dealer.
(p) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer reminds you to remove the key when you
open the driver's door with the ignition key in the ªACCº
or ªLOCKº position.
How to check all the service reminder
indicators
(except the low fuel level warning light and low
washer fluid warning light):
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Open the door.
The following service reminder indicator should come
on. It goes off when you close the door completely.
3. Turn the ignition key to ªACCº.
The following service reminder indicator should come
on. It goes off after 6 seconds.
4. Turn the ignition key to ªONº.
The following service reminder indicators should come
on.
or

or

THEFT DETERRENT
207
If you lock them with wireless remote control, the parking
lights and tail lights flash once.
The flashing indicator light will change 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 parking lights and tail lights 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. To stop the alarm: Use either of the following methods.


Unlock the door or trunk using an ignition key or
wireless remote control.

Turn the ignition switch on.
Testing the system
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the system as described above.
The front doors should be locked with the ignition key or
wireless remote control. Be sure to wait until the
indicator light starts flashing.
3. Unlock one of the doors from the inside.
The system should activate the alarm.
4. Unlock any of the doors with a key or the wireless
remote control to cancel the system.
5. Repeat this operation for the other doors and
hood.
When testing the hood, also check that the system is
activated when the battery terminal is disconnected and
then reconnected.
If the system does not work properly, have it checked by
your Lexus dealer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
280
PARKING BRAKE
31E080
To set: Hold the regular brake pedal down with your
right foot. Push down the parking brake pedal with
your left foot.
To release: Hold the regular brake pedal down with
your right foot and push the parking brake pedal
with your left foot. When you lift your left foot, the
parking brake pedal will follow it to the released
position.
Before leaving your vehicle, firmly apply the parking
brake.
CAUTION
Before driving, make sure the parking brake is fully
released and that the parking brake reminder light is off.

STARTING AND DRIVING
281
HOW TO START THE ENGINE
Before cranking
1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Put the selector lever in ªPº. If you need to restart the
engine while the vehicle is moving, put the selector lever
in ªNº. A starter safety device will prevent the starter
from operating if the selector lever is in any drive
position.
4. Depress the brake pedal and hold it to the floor until
driving off.
Starting the engine
Before starting the engine, be sure to follow the
instructions in ªBefore crankingº.
Normal starting procedure
The multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport
fuel injection system in your engine automatically
controls the proper air±fuel mixture for starting. You can
start a cold or hot engine as follows:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, crank the
engine by turning the key to ªSTARTº. Release it when
the engine starts.
2. After the engine runs for about 10 seconds, you are
ready to drive. If the weather is below freezing, let the engine warm up
for a few minutes before driving. Do not leave the vehicle
while the engine is warming up.
If the engine stalls ...
Simply restart it , using the correct procedure given in
normal starting.
If the engine will not start
See ªIf your vehicle will not startº on page 337.
NOTICE
Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a
time. This may overheat the starter and wiringsystems.
Do not race a cold engine.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stallsfrequently, have the engine checkedimmediately.

STARTING AND DRIVING
312
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.
Brake assist system
When you slam the brakes on, the brake assist
system judges as an emergency stop and provides
more powerful braking for a driver who cannot hold
down the brake pedal firmly.
When you slam the brakes on, more powerful braking
will be applied. At this time, you may hear a sound in the
engine compartment and feel the vibrations of the brake
pedal. This does not indicate a malfunction.
The brake assist 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).
For an explanation of this system's warning light, see
ªABS warning lightº on page 65 and ªVehicle skid control
system warning lightsº on page 65.

DRIVING TIPS
317
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 ªPº.
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.

DRIVING TIPS
318
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is
fully released and that the parking brake reminder
light is off.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear,
and poor fuel economy.
 To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed
and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and not work
properly. See page 288.
 Be careful when accelerating, upshifting,
downshifting or braking on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed, such as sudden
acceleration or engine braking, could cause the
vehicle to spin or skid.
 Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the
legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140 km/h
(85 mph) unless your vehicle has high±speed
capability tires. Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may
result in tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine
whether the tires on your vehicle are high±speed
capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.

MAINTENANCE
377
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g.
while performing periodic services, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlight, stop lights, tail lights, turn
signal lights, and other lights are working. Check
headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified freeplay. Be alert for
changes in steering condition, such as hard steering,
excessive freeplay or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters,
seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly. Check that the
head restraints move up and down smoothly and that the
locks hold securely in any latched position.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles,
retractors and anchors operate properly and smoothly.
Make sure the belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or
damaged. Accelerator pedal
Check
the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal
effort or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and freeplay. Check the brake booster
function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one
side when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the pedal has the proper travel and that, on
a safe incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the
parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission ªParkº mechanism
Check the lock release button of the selector lever for
proper and smooth operation. On a safe incline, check
that your vehicle is held securely with the selector lever
in ªPº position and all brakes released.