2001 Lexus ES300 key

STARTING AND DRIVING
303
You can turn off the traction control system by
pushing the ªTRAC OFFº switch. The ªTRAC OFFº
indicator/warning light will then come on. Pushing
the ªTRAC OFFº switch a second time turns the
system back on and extinguishes the ªTRAC OFFº
indicator/warning light.
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 vibration or noise 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.
Traction control failure warning
The ªTRAC OFFº indicator/warning light warns that
when there is a problem somewhere in the traction
control system.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to
ªONº, and will go off after a few seconds.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates
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 after the ignition is turned to
on.
 The light is left on after the ignition is turned to on.
 The light comes on while driving without pushing
ªTRAC OFFº switch.
 The light flashes.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of
the vehicle and power to the front 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
306These 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 come on while driving without pushing ªVSC
OFFº switch.

STARTING AND DRIVING
313
ªABSº warning light
31E068
The light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
ªONº position. If the anti±lock brake system and the
brake
assist system work properly, the light turns off after
a few seconds. Thereafter, if either of the systems
malfunctions, the light comes on again.
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
the vehicle skid control system do 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 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 light does not come on when the ignition key is
turned to the ªONº position, or remains on.
 The light comes on while you are driving.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does
not indicate a problem.

SECTION 4
341
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
If your engine stalls while driving342
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 343
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle overheats 348
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 350
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 366
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever
375
If you lose your keys or lock yourself out 377
. . . . . . . . .

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
343
IF YOUR VEHICLE WILL NOTSTART
(a) Simple checks
Before making these checks, make sure you have
followed the correct starting procedure instructions in
ªHow to start the engineº on page 283 and that you have
sufficient fuel. Since your vehicle is equipped with the
engine immobiliser system, also check whether the
other keys will start the engine. If they work, your key
may be broken. Have the key checked at your Lexus
dealer. If none of your keys work, the system is possibly
broken. Call your Lexus dealer. See ªKeysº on page 7.
If the engine is not turning over or is turning over too
slowly ±
1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior
light.
3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is
cranked, the battery is discharged. You may try jump
starting. See ª(c) Jump startingº for further instruction.
If the light is O.K., but the engine still will not start, it
needs adjustment or repair. Call a Lexus dealer,
Roadside Assistance or Customer Service Assistance.
(See ªForewordº.)
NOTICE
Do not pull± or push±start the vehicle. It may damage the vehicle or cause a collision when theengine starts. Also the three±way catalyticconverter / warm up three±way catalytic convertermay overheat and become a fire hazard.
If the engine turns over at its normal speed but will
not start ±
1. The engine may be flooded because of repeated
cranking. See ª(b) Starting a flooded engineº for further
instructions.
2. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or
repair. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or
Customer Service Assistance. (See ªForewordº.)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
344
(b) Starting a flooded engine
If the engine will not start, your engine may be
flooded because of repeated cranking.
If this happens, turn the key to ªSTARTº with the
accelerator pedal held down. Continue this operation for
30 seconds and then stop cranking. Then try starting the
engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If the engine does not start after 30 seconds of cranking,
release the key, wait a few minutes and try again.
If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or
repair. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or
Customer Service Assistance. (See ªForewordº.)
NOTICE
Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may overheat the starter and wiring systems.
(c) Jump starting
To avoid serious personal injury and damage to
your vehicle which might result from battery
explosion, acid burns, electrical burns, or damaged
electronic components, these instructions must be
followed precisely.
If you are unsure about how to follow this procedure, we
strongly recommend that you seek help from your Lexus
dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service
Assistance. (See ªForewordº.)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
374
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
375
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.