2000 Lexus LS400 check engine

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
v
SECTION 2 ± AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
The features of the vehicle's air conditioning and audio
are explained in detail. Be sure to read this section so
that you can make full use of them.
SECTION 3 ± STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting the engine, driving, stopping, operation of
features affecting vehicle handling, hints on vehicle
safety and safe driving techniques are all explained.
Please read everything in this section, and remember ±
drive safely!
SECTION 4 ± IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
This section explains what to do in the event of an urgent
situation such as the engine not starting or getting a flat
tire, etc. If such a problem occurs, check the contents
of this Owner's Manual and follow the instructions given.
SECTION 5 ± MAINTENANCE
This section explains the importance of regular
maintenance. Regular and periodic inspection and
maintenance of your Lexus will help to keep your vehicle
in its best condition.
SECTION 6 ± SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Simple maintenance procedure and service data are
provided here for your reference should you wish to
perform inspection and maintenance yourself.
INDEX
The page number is listed for each item in the Owner's
Manual so that you can rapidly find the item and page
you are searching for.
GAS STATION INFORMATION
The information you need to know for appropriate
servicing at the gas station is provided here.
QUICK INDEX
This is designed so that you can quickly find the needed
information when an urgent situation arises.
Safety symbol

SWITCHES
38When the headlights come on, the lights automatically
turn off about 30 seconds after any of the doors is
opened and closed with the ignition key turned to the
ºACCº or ºLOCKº position.* To turn them on again, turn
the ignition key to the ºONº position, or turn the headlight
switch off
and then twist the knob until the first or second
clickstop. If you are going to park for over one week,
make sure the headlight switch is off.
When the headlight switch is on with all the doors locked
and the trunk closed, pushing the ºLOCKº button on the
wireless remote control key turns off the headlights.
NOTE: *The time before turning off the lights can be changed. Ask your Lexus dealer for details.
Daytime Running Light System
The headlights turn on at reduced intensity when the
parking brake is released with the engine started, even
with the light switch in the ºOFFº position. They will not
go off until the ignition switch is turned off.
To turn on the other exterior lights and instrument panel
lights, twist the knob to the first clickstop.
Twist the knob to the second clickstop to turn on the
headlights to full intensity for driving at night. When setting the knob to the third clickstop (ºAUTOº),
the headlights will automatically adjust to full intensity
and/or turn on the other lights depending on the
darkness of the surroundings. Likewise, as the
surroundings be
come brighter, the headlights will turn to
reduced intensity, ultimately turning off the other lights.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not leave the lights on longer than necessarywhen the engine is not running.
Automatic headlight leveling system
(Vehicles with discharge headlight only)
As the headlight beam level is always maintained
automatically at the proper level in all loading conditions,
your headlights do not dazzle other road users.
If this system fails, the multi information display shows
a message ºHEADLIGHT LEVELINGº. If this occurs,
have your vehicle checked by Lexus dealer. See page
79 for additional information.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
65
(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
67
(e) 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.
(f) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See ºFuel gaugeº
on page 57 for instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely. (See
ºFuel tank capº on page 114 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your engine
electrical system, automatic transmission electrical
system or electronic throttle control 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.
If this lamp comes on and the engine speed does not
increase with the accelerator pedal depressed down to
about the middle position, there may be a problem
somewhere in your electronic throttle control system.
At this time, if you depress the accelerator pedal more
firmly and slowly, you can drive your vehicle at low
speeds. Have your Lexus checked by your Lexus dealer
as soon as possible.
Even if the abnormality of the electronic throttle control
system is corrected during low speed driving, the system
may not be recovered until the engine is stopped and the
ignition key is turned to ªACCº or ªLOCKº position.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
75
(b) Warning messages
13L052

Reminder light
W40W40
When the engine oil pressure becomes too low, the
above message appears, the reminder light flashes
and the warning tone sounds.
If this message appears 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 message may appear 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 messagedisplayed ± even for one block. It may ruin theengine.
W41W41

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
78
W49W49
In the following cases, the above message appears,
the reminder light comes on and the warning tone
sounds.
When the headlight switch is turned to the first or
second clickstop with one or more of tail light bulbs
burned out.
 When the brake pedal is held down with one or more
of stop light bulbs burned out.
Have defective bulbs replaced as soon as possible.
W50W50
When the engine oil level is too low, the above
message appears, the reminder light comes on and
the warning tone sounds.
Add oil as soon as possible. (For instructions, see
ºChecking the engine oil levelº on page 413.)
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oil will damage the engine.

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.