2000 Lexus LS400 ignition

STARTING AND DRIVING
313
31L052±1

Slip indicator light
When you turn the ignition switch on, this system
always turns on. Leave the system on during
ordinary driving so that it can operate when needed.
When traction control is applied, the slip indicator
light blinks.
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a
few seconds when the engine is started or just after the
vehicle is started. This means that the traction control
system is in the self ±check mode, and does not indicate
malfunction.
When the traction control system is operating, you may
feel vi bration of your vehicle, caused by operation of the
brakes. This indicates the system is functioning
properly. When getting the vehicle out of mud or new snow, etc.
the traction control system will help operate to prevent
the wheels from spinning.
To turn off the traction control system, see page 317.

STARTING AND DRIVING
317
You can turn off the vehicle skid control system by
pushing the ºVSC ±OFF±º switch. The ºVSC OFFº
indicator comes on. At this time, the traction control
system
also turns off. You cannot turn off either one
of them. Pushing the ºVSC ±OFF±º switch a second
time turns the system back on and extinguishes the
ºVSC OFFº indicator light.
When you turn the ignition switch on, this system always
turns on.

STARTING AND DRIVING
318
Vehicle skid control failure warning
31L073
In the following cases, the warning message
appears and the reminder light next to the warning
message and the ºVSC OFFº indicator light come
on. And the warning tone also sounds.
(a) After the removal of the battery terminals (See ºInitial
adjustment of vehicle skid control systemº described
below.)
(b) If the vehicle skid control system malfunctions
If the message appears, the brake assist system does
not work, however, there is no problem to continue your
driving. If the message appears for the cause of (b),
have your vehicle checked by Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
Initial adjustment of vehicle skid control system
After the battery terminals are disconnected, an initial
adjustment should be made. At this time, the reminder
light
comes on and the warning message appears in the
multi information display.
Make an initial adjustment in the following ways:
1. Apply the parking brake and put the transmission in
ºPº.
2. Connect the battery terminals.
3. Turn the ignition switch on. At this time, the ºVSC
OFFº i ndicator light comes on and then about 6 seconds
later, the reminder light comes on and the ºCHECK VSCº
warning message appears in the multi information
display.

STARTING AND DRIVING
319
4. The warning message and the ºVSC OFFº indicator
light go out about 15 seconds after the ignition switch is
turned on. If the vehicle is shaken after the ignition
switch is t
urned to ºONº, it may take longer to go out the
warning message.
If the warning message does not go out about 1 minute
after you turn the ignition switch on, turn it off and then
on again.
If the vehicle is on the moving object like a ship or
turntable, an accurate adjustment cannot be made.
Move the vehicle on the ground (or the part not causing
vibrations to the vehicle) and make an adjustment from
step 1.

STARTING AND DRIVING
326ºABSº warning light
31L019±2
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
334See page 416 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 ºPº and block
the front 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
359
from traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.
NOTICE
For vehicles equipped with the height control
switch, be sure to turn the ignition switch offbefore jacking. If this is not done, the vehicleheight adjustment function will operate, whichmay cause body damage.
CAUTION
When jacking, be sure to observe the following to
reduce the possibility of personal injury:
 Follow jacking instructions.
 Do not put any part of your body under a
vehicle supported by a jack. Personal injury
may occur.
Do not start or run the engine while your
vehicle is supported by the jack.
 Stop the vehicle on a level firm ground, firmly
set the parking brake and put the transmission
in ºPº. Block the wheel diagonally opposite to
the one being changed if necessary.
 Make sure to set the jack properly in the jack
point. Raising the vehicle with jack improperly
positioned will damage the vehicle or may
allow the vehicle to fall off the jack and cause
personal injury.
 Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is
supported by the jack alone.
 Use the jack only for lifting your vehicle during
wheel changing.
 Do not raise the vehicle with someone in the
vehicle.
 When raising the vehicle, do not put an object
on or under the jack.
 Raise the vehicle only high enough to remove
and change the tire.
NOTICE

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
377
40L022±1
Place the ignition key in the ºACCº position.
NOTICE
Do not tow with the key removed or in theºLOCKº position, as the steering lockmechanism is not strong enough to hold thefront wheels straight.
When lifting wheels, take care to ensureadequate ground clearance for towing at theopposite end of the raised vehicle. Otherwise,the bumper and/or underbody of the towedvehicle will be damaged during towing.
(b) Using a flat bed truck