2000 Lexus ES300 steering

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
160In a severe frontal impact, the driver and front passenger
airbag sensor detects deceleration and the system
triggers the front airbag inflators. In a severe side
impact, the side airbag sensor triggers the side airbag
inflator.
Then a chemical reaction in the inflators quickly
fills the airbags with non±toxic gas to help restrain the
forward or lateral motion of the occupants.
When the SRS operates, it produces a fairly loud noise
and release some smoke and residue along with
non±toxic gas. This does not indicate a fire. This gas is
normally harmless; however, for those who have
delicate skin, it may cause a minor skin irritation. Be
sure to wash off any residue as soon as possible to
prevent any potential skin irritation.
Deployment of the airbags happens in a fraction of a
second, so the airbags must inflate with considerable
force. While the system is designed to reduce serious
injuries, it may also cause minor burns or abrasions and
swelling.
Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel hub,
dashboard, front seats) may be hot for several minutes,
but the airbags themselves will not be hot. The airbags
are designed to inflate only once.
A crash severe enough to inflate the driver and front
passenger airbags may break the windshield as the
vehicle buckles. In vehicles with a front passenger
airbag, the windshield may also be damaged by
absorbing some of the force of the inflating airbag.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
167
16E030
Do not put objects or your pets on or in front of
the dashboard or steering wheel pad that
houses the driver and front passenger airbag
system. They might restrict inflation or cause
death or serious injury as they are projected
rearward by the force of the deploying airbags.
Likewise, the driver and front passenger
should not hold things in their arms or on their
knees.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
169
Do not use accessories for the seats which
cover the parts where the side airbags inflate.
Such accessories may prevent the side airbags
from activating correctly, causing death or
serious injury.
 Do not modify or remove any wiring. Do not
modify, remove, strike or open any
components, such as the steering wheel pad,
steering wheel, column cover, front passenger
airbag cover, front seats or airbag sensor
assembly. Doing any of these may cause
sudden SRS airbag inflation or disable the
system, which could result in death or serious
injury.
 Do not modify or replace the seats or
upholstery of the front seats with side airbags.
Such changes may disable the system or cause
the side airbags to inflate accidentally,
resulting in death or serious injury. Consult
your Lexus dealer if you consider
modifications of this kind.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
death or serious injury.NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following changes without consulting your Lexus dealer. Suchchanges can interfere with proper operation of the
SRS in some cases.
Installation of electronic devices such as a mobile two±way radio, cassette tape player orcompact disc player
Modification of the suspension system
Modification of the front end structure and sidestructure of the passenger compartment
Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, k angaroo
bar, etc.), snowplow, winches or any other equipment to the front end
Repairs made on or near the front fenders, front
end structure, console, steering column, steering wheel, dashboard near the frontpassenger airbag or front seats

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
172In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible:

Any of the SRS airbags have been inflated.
 The front part of the vehicle and portion of the doors
(shaded in the illustration) were involved in an
accident that was not severe enough to cause the
SRS airbags to inflate.
 The surface of the seats with the side airbags or the
pad section of the steering wheel or front passenger
airbag cover (shaded in the illustration) is scratched,
cracked, or otherwise damaged.
NOTICE
Do not disconnect the battery cables before
contacting your Lexus dealer.
CHILD RESTRAINT
Child restraint precautions
Lexus strongly urges the use of child restraint
systems for children small enough to use them.
The laws of all fifty states in the U.S.A. and Canada now
require the use of a child restraint system.
Your vehicle conforms to SAE J1819.
If a child is too large for a child restraint system, the child
should sit in the rear seat and must be restrained using
the vehicle's seat belt. See ªSeat beltsº on page 132 for
details.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
203
CAUTION
Do not start the vehicle while the adjustments are
being made.
 Take care not to select the wrong button, or the seat
could strike the rear passenger or hit your body
against the steering wheel. If this happens, you can
stop the movement by pressing another driving
position memory switch, or depressing the brake
pedal.

SECTION 3 ± 1
271
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converter271
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 274
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 276
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 277
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 280
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 281
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Automatic transmission 282
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 295
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic modulated suspension 299
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system 299
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle skid control system 302
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 306
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 313
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 313
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THREE±WAY CATALYTIC
CONVERTER

STARTING AND DRIVING
276
To allow proper operation of your vehicle's
ventilation system, keep the inlet grilles in front
of the windshield clear of snow, leaves, or other
obstructions.
 If you smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle, drive
with the windows open and the trunk lid closed.
Have the cause immediately located and
corrected.BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, head restraint
height and steering wheel angle.
3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts.
Remember to check that the service reminder indicators
function when turning the key to ªONº, and check the fuel
gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.

STARTING AND DRIVING
277
IGNITION SWITCH WITHSTEERING LOCK
31E069