2000 Lexus ES300 warning

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
55


Low fuel level warning light
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 ªEº 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
60

ªODO/TRIPº knob
This meter displays the odometer and two trip
meters. To change the mode indication, push the
ªODO/TRIPº knob briefly. Each time you push the
knob,
the mode changes in order from the odometer
to trip meter A to trip meter B, then back to the
odometer etc.
The odometer records the total distance the vehicle
has been driven. The twin trip meter records two
different distances independently.
For example, you can use one meter to calculate the fuel
economy and the other to measure the distance on each
trip.
To set the A trip meter to zero, display the A meter
reading, push the knob and hold it. The same
applies for the B trip meter.
The data of trip meters will be cancelled if the electrical
power source is disconnected.
SERVICE REMINDER
INDICATORS AND WARNING BUZZERS
IF THIS INDICATOR
OR BUZZER COMES
ON ... DO THIS.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
62(n) Low fuel level Fill up tank.
warning light
(o) Automatic headlight Take vehicle to leveling system Lexus dealer.
warning light
(p) Key reminder buzzer Remove key.
(a) Brake System Warning Light
This light comes on in the following cases when the
ignition key is turned on.
 When the parking brake is applied...
 When the brake fluid level is low...
Have your vehicle checked at your Lexus dealer in
the following cases.
 The light does not come on even if the parking brake
is applied with the ignition ªONº.
CAUTION
If the light does not go out even after the parking brake
is released during the engine running, immediately stop
your vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer. In this case, the brakes may not work properly
and your stopping distance will be longer. Depress the
brake pedal firmly.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
63
(b) Seat Belt Reminder Light and Buzzer
This light and buzzer remind you to buckle up the driver's
seat belt.
Once the ignition key is turned to ªONº or ªSTARTº, the
reminder light and buzzer come on if the driver's seat
belt is not fastened. Unless the driver fastens the belt,
the light stays on and the buzzer stops after about 4 to
8 seconds.
(c) SRS Warning Light
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned
to the ªACCº or ªONº position. It goes off after
about 6 seconds. This means the SRS is operating
properly.
The SRS warning light system monitors the airbag
sensor assemblies, front airbag sensors, inflators, seat
belt pretensioners, warning light, interconnecting wiring
and power sources.
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.
 The light stays on or flashes.
 The light comes on or starts flashing while driving.
If the light stays on, it indicates that the driver and front passenger airbags fail. If the light flashes, the side
airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners fail.
(d) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, stop the vehicle, turn
off the engine, and check for the cause. Look first at the
engine drive belt.

If it is loose or broken, the generator will not charge
the battery properly.
 If the belt is O.K., there is a problem somewhere in the
charging system.
The engine ignition will continue to operate, however,
until the battery is discharged. Turn off the air
conditioning, blower, radio, etc., and drive directly to the
nearest Lexus dealer or repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive belt is broken or loose.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
64
(e) Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil pressure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are driving, pull off the
road to a safe place and stop the engine immediately.
Call a Lexus dealer or qualified repair shop for
assistance.
The light may occasionally flicker when the engine is
idling or it may come on briefly after a hard stop. There
is no cause for concern if it then goes out when the
engine is accelerated slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level is extremely
low. It is not designed to indicate low oil level, and the
oil level must be checked using the oil level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the warning light on± even for one block. It may ruin the engine.
(f) Low Engine Oil Level Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil level is too low. Add
oil as soon as possible. (For instructions, see ªChecking
the engine oil levelº on page 402.)
While driving on steep inclines or rough roads which
causes the vehicle to substantially sway or on curves,
this light may come on due to the movement of engine
oil in the engine.
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oilwill damage the engine.
(g) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See ªFuel gaugeº
on page 54 for instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely. (See
ªFuel tank capº on page 105 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your engine or
automatic transmission electrical system.
If it comes on while you are driving in case ªc.º, have your
vehicle checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon
as possible.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
65
(h) ªABSº Warning Light
The light comes on with the ignition key turned to ªONº.
If the anti±lock brake system and the brake assist
system work properly, the light goes out after a few
seconds. Thereafter, if either of the systems
malfunctions, the light comes on.
When the ªABSº warning light is on (and the brake
system warning light is off), the anti±lock brake system,
the brake assist system, the traction control system
and/or the vehicle skid control system do/does not
operate, but the brake system still operates
conventionally.
When the ªABSº warning light is on (and the brake
system warning light is off), the anti±lock brake system
does not operate so that the wheels could lock up during
a sudden braking or braking on slippery road surfaces.
If the following conditions occur, 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 with the ignition key
turned to ªONº, or remains on.
 The light comes on while driving.
If the light lit during driving goes out and does not come
on again, it is a normal operation.
(i) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the doors are completely
closed.
(j) Rear Light Failure Warning Light
If this light comes on when the headlight switch is turned
on (at the first or second clickstop), it indicates that one
or more of the tail lights are burned out.
If it comes on when the brake pedal is depressed, one
or more stop lights are burned out.
Have defective bulbs replaced as soon as possible.
(k) Vehicle Skid Control System Warning Lights (Vehicles with Vehicle Skid
Control System only)
These lights warn that there is a problem somewhere in
the vehicle skid control system, traction control system
and brake assist system.
The lights will come on when the ignition key is turned to
ªONº, and will go off after a few seconds.
If the ªVSCº warning light and ªVSC OFFº indicator light
come on, the vehicle skid control system, traction control
system and brake assist system do not work. However,
as conventional braking operates when applied, there is
no problem to continue your driving.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
66If 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 ªVSCº warning light and/or ªVSC OFFº indicator
light do/does not come on after the ignition is turned
to on.
 The ªVSCº warning light and ªVSC OFFº indicator
light are left on after the ignition is turned to on.
 The ªVSCº warning light and ªVSC OFFº indicator
light comes on while driving without pushing ªVSC
OFFº switch.
(l) ªTRAC OFFº Indicator/Warning Light
(Vehicles with Traction Control
System only)
This light warns that when there is a problem
somewhere in the traction control system.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to
ªONº, and will go off after a few seconds.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates
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 after the ignition is turned to
on. 
The light is left on after the ignition is turned to on.
 The light comes on while driving without pushing
ªTRAC OFFº switch.
 The light flashes.

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