2000 Lexus LS400 engine

AUDIO
244program
(See page 261 for details.)
CD mode: Direct access to a desired
program (See page 270 for details.)
Using your audio system: some basics
This section describes some of the basic features of the
Lexus audio system. Some information may not pertain
to your system.
Your audio system works when the ignition key is in the
ºACCº or ºONº position.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not leave the car audio on longer than necessarywhen the engine is not running.
(a) Turning the system on and off

SECTION 3 ± 1
279
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converter279
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 282
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 283
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 286
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 288
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 289
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic throttle control system 303
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 305
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronically modulated air suspension 309
. . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system 312
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle skid control system 315
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 321
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 328
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THREE±WAY CATALYTIC
CONVERTER

STARTING AND DRIVING
280
31L002a
Three±way catalytic converters are emission
control devices installed in the exhaust system.
It looks somewhat like a muffler, but its purpose is to
reduce pollutants in the exhaust gas.
CAUTION
Keep people and combustible materials away from
the exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The
exhaust gas is very hot.
 Do not drive, idle or park your vehicle over anything
that might burn easily such as grass, leaves, paper or
rags.

STARTING AND DRIVING
281
NOTICEA large amount of unburned gases flowing intothe three±way catalytic converter may cause it tooverheat and create a fire hazard. To prevent this
and other damage, observe the following precautions:
Use only unleaded gasoline.
Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level;running out of fuel could cause the engine tomisfire, creating an excessive load on thethree±way catalytic converter.
Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed formore than 20 minutes.
Avoid racing the engine.
Do not push±start or pull±start your vehicle.
Do not turn off the ignition while the vehicle ismoving.
Keep your engine in good running order.Malfunctions in the engine electrical system,electronic ignition system or fuel system could
cause an extremely high three±way catalytic converter temperature.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stallsfrequently, take your vehicle in for a check±up
as soon as possible. Remember, your Lexusdealer knows your vehicle and its three±waycatalytic converter system best.

STARTING AND DRIVING
282
To ensure that the three±way catalytic
converter and the entire emission controlsystem operate properly, your vehicle mustreceive the periodic inspections required bythe Lexus Maintenance Schedule. Forscheduled maintenance information, refer tothe ªOwner's Manual Supplement /
Maintenance Scheduleº.ENGINE EXHAUST CAUTION
CAUTION
 Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust. It contains
carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless
gas. It can cause unconsciousness or even death.
 Make sure the exhaust system has no holes or loose
connections. The system should be checked from
time to time. If you hit something, or notice a change
in the sound of the exhaust, have the system checked
immediately.
 Do not run the engine in a garage or enclosed area
except for the time needed to drive the vehicle in or
out. The exhaust gases cannot escape, making this
a particularly dangerous situation.
 Do not remain for a long time in a parked vehicle with
the engine running. If it is unavoidable, however, do
so only in an unconfined area and adjust the heating
or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle.

STARTING AND DRIVING
283
Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. An
open or unsealed trunk lid may cause exhaust
gases to be drawn into the vehicle.
 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 ºONº, and check the fuel
gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.

STARTING AND DRIVING
285
ºSTARTº ± Starter motor on. The key will return to
the ºONº position when released.
For starting tips, see page 288.
ºONº ± Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the ºONº position if the
engine is not running. The battery will dischargeand the electronic ignition system could bedamaged.
ºACCº ± Accessories such as the radio operate, but
the engine is off. If you leave the key in the ºACCº or ºLOCKº position and
open the driver's door, a buzzer will remind you to
remove the key.*
NOTE: *The volume or interval of beep sound can be
changed. Ask your Lexus dealer for details.
31L003±1

STARTING AND DRIVING
286ºLOCKº ± Engine is off and the steering wheel is
locked. The ignition key can be removed only at this
position.
To turn the key from ºACCº to the ºLOCKº position, you
must put the transmission selector lever in the ºPº
position.
Once you remove the key, the engine immobiliser
system is automatically set. See ºEngine immobiliser
systemº on page 15.
When
starting the engine, the key may seem stuck at the
ºLOCKº position. To free it, first be sure the key is
pushed all the way in, and then rock the steering wheel
slightly while turning the key gently.
If, in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while
the vehicle is moving, turn the key only to ºACCº.
PARKING BRAKE
31L005a