2000 Lexus LS400 traction control

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
68
(g) ºABSº 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.
(h) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the doors are completely
closed.
(i) 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.
(j) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer reminds you to remove the key when you
open the driver's door with the ignition key in the ºACCº
or ºLOCKº position.

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
312
31L016-2
The indicator light shows ºHIGHº mode is selected.
When you turn the ignition key to the ºONº position, the
indicator light will come on for 2 seconds in any mode.
NOTICE
For vehicles equipped with the height controlswitch, be sure to turn the ignition switch offbefore jacking. If this is not done, the vehicleheight adjustment function will operate, whichmay cause body damage.
(b) Malfunction warning
If the ºHIº indicator light blinks, there is a malfunction in
this system. Have the system checked by your Lexus
dealer at the first opportunity.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically helps
control the spinning of the rear wheels which may
occur when accelerating on slippery road surfaces,
thus assisting driver to control the driving power of
the rear wheels.

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
314
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of
the vehicle and power to the rear wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction control system is
in operation. Do not drive the vehicle under any speed
or maneuvering conditions which will cause the vehicle
to lose traction. In situations where the road surface is
covered with ice or snow, your vehicle should be fitted
with snow tires or tire chains. Always drive at an
appropriate and cautious pace.

STARTING AND DRIVING
315
VEHICLE SKID CONTROLSYSTEM
The vehicle skid control system helps to provide
comprehensive control of the systems such as an
anti±lock brake system, traction control, engine
control, electronically modulated air suspension,
etc. This system automatically controls the output
of the brakes or engine to help prevent the vehicle
from skidding when cornering on a slippery road
surface or abrupt steering wheel operation occurs.
31L052±1

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
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.