2000 Lexus ES300 ignition

STARTING AND DRIVING
303
31E081
You can turn off the vehicle skid control system by
pushing the ªVSC OFFº switch. The ªVSC OFFº
indicator comes on. At this time, the traction control
system also turns off. You cannot turn off either one
of them. Pushing the ªVSC OFFº switch a second
time turns the system back on and extinguishes the
ªVSC OFFº indicator light.
When you turn the ignition switch on, this system always
turns on.Vehicle skid control system failure
warning
31E047

STARTING AND DRIVING
304These lights warn that there is a problem somewhere in
the vehicle skid control system, traction control system
or 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.
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 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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
311
ªABSº warning light
31E068
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.

DRIVING TIPS
320See page 406 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a
heavy summer oil in your vehicle during winter months
may cause harder starting. If you are not sure about
which oil to use, call your Lexus dealer ± they will be
pleased to help.
Check the electronic ignition system for loose
connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de±icer or glycerine into the locks to keep
them from freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most
auto parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions
for how much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other
substitute because it may damage your vehicle'spaint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a
possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ªPº and block
the rear wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow
or water accumulated in and around the parking brake
mechanism may freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the
fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make
steering difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and
check under the fenders occasionally.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
368
CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. Avoid
sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would
place excessive stress on the emergency towing eyelet
and towing cable or chain. The eyelet and towing cable
or chain may break and cause serious injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cableor chain to the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake and put the
transmission in ªNº. The ignition key must be in ªACCº
(engine off) or ªONº (engine running).
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the
brakes and steering will not work so steering and
braking will be much harder than usual.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
369
IF YOU CANNOT SHIFT
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER
40E044
If you cannot shift the selector lever out of ªPº
position to other positions even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override
button as follows:
1Turn the ignition key to ªLOCKº. Make sure the
parking brake is applied.
2Pry up the cover with a flat±bladed screwdriver or
equivalent.

INTRODUCTION
388
NOTICE

Remember that battery and ignition cablescarry high currents or voltages. Be careful ofaccidentally causing a short circuit.

Before closing the engine hood, check to seethat you have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc.

Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or
excessive engine wear could result. Alsobackfiring could cause a fire in the enginecompartment.

Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, orthe transmission could be damaged.

Be careful not to scratch the glass surface withthe wiper frame.
PARTS AND TOOLS
Here is a list of parts and tools you will need to perform
do±it±yourself maintenance. Remember all Lexus parts
are designed in metric sizes, so your tools must be
metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):

Use API grade SJ, ªEnergy±Conservingº multigrade
engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil. For
recommended oil viscosity, see page 406.
Tools:

Rag or paper towel

Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):

ªTOYOTA Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
See ªChecking the engine coolant levelº on page 407
for instructions.

Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)

ENGINE
395
± IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plug ± Make DENSO NGK
± Gap
SK20R11
IFR6A11
1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
± ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery ± Maintenance type battery Specific gravity reading at 20 C (68F):
Charging rates Quick charge Slow charge
± Non±maintenance battery Open voltage at 20C (68F):
Charging rates
1.260 Fully charged
1.160 Half charged
1.060 Discharged
15A max.
5A max.
12.7V Fully charged
12.3V Half charged
11.9V Discharged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after the key is
removed with all the lights turned off]
5A max.