2001 Lexus ES300 lock

AUDIO
266
Car audio system operating hints
NOTICE
To ensure the correct audio system operation:
Be careful not to spill beverages over the audiosystem.
Do not put anything other than a cassette tapeor CD magazine into the cassette tape slot or
CD changer.
The use of cellular phone inside or near thevehicle may cause a noise from the speakers of
the audio system which you are listening to. However, this does not indicate a malfunction.
Radio reception
Usually, the problem with radio reception does not mean
there is a problem with your radio ± it is just the normal
result of conditions outside the vehicle.
For example, nearby buildings and terrain can interfere
with FM reception. Power lines or telephone wires can
interfere with AM signals. And of course, radio signals
have a limited range. The farther you are from a station,
the weaker its signal will be. In addition, reception
conditions change constantly as your vehicle moves.
Here are some common reception problems that
probably do not indicate a problem with your radio:
FM
Fading and drifting stations ± Generally, the effective
range of FM is about 40 km (25 miles). Once outside this
range, you may notice fading and drifting, which
increase with the distance from the radio transmitter.
They are often accompanied by distortion.
Multi±path ± FM signals are reflective, making it
possible for two signals to reach your antenna at the
same time. If this happens, the signals will cancel each
other out, causing a momentary flutter or loss of
reception.
Static and fluttering ± These occur when signals are
blocked by buildings, trees, or other large objects.
Increasing the bass level may reduce static and
fluttering.

SECTION 3 ± 1
273
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converter273
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 276
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 278
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 279
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 281
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 283
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic modulated suspension 301
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system 301
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle skid control system 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 308
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 315
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 315
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THREE±WAY CATALYTIC
CONVERTER

STARTING AND DRIVING
278
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 ªONº, and check the fuel
gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.

STARTING AND DRIVING
279
IGNITION SWITCH WITHSTEERING LOCK
31E069

STARTING AND DRIVING
280ªSTARTº ± Starter motor on. The key will return to
the ªONº position when released.
For starting tips, see page 283.
ªONº ± Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the ªONº position if the
engine is not running. The battery will dischargeand the electronic ignition system could bedamaged.
ªACCº ± Accessories such as the radio operate, but
the engine is off. If you leave the key in the ªACCº or ªLOCKº position and
open the driver's door, a buzzer will remind you to
remove the key.
31E070

STARTING AND DRIVING
281
ªLOCKº ± Engine is off and the steering wheel is
locked. The ignition key can be removed only at this
position.
You must push in the key to turn it from ªACCº to the
ªLOCKº position. The selector lever must be put in the
ªPº position before turning the key to the ªLOCKº
position.
Once you remove the key, the engine immobiliser
system is automatically set. See ªEngine immobiliser
systemº on page 12.
When
starting the engine, the key may seem stuck at the
ªLOCKº 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 ªACCº.
PARKING BRAKE
31E080

With the brake pedal depressed, shift
while holding the lock release button
in. (The ignition switch must be in the
ªONº position.)
Shift while holding the lock release
button in.
Shift normally.
STARTING AND DRIVING
284
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Your automatic transmission has a shift lock system
to minimize the possibility of incorrect operation.
This means you can only shift out of ªPº position
when the b rake pedal is depressed (with the ignition
switch in ªONº position and the lock release button
depressed). ( )
31E005a
1
Lock release button

STARTING AND DRIVING
296
NOTICE
If you rock your vehicle, observe the followingprecautions to prevent damage to thetransmission and other parts.
Do not depress the accelerator pedal whileshifting the selector lever or before thetransmission is completely shifted to forwardor reverse gear.
Do not race the engine and avoid spinning thewheels.
If your vehicle remains stuck after rocking thevehicle several times, consider other wayssuch as towing.
(i) If you cannot shift the selector lever out of ªPº position
If you cannot shift the selector lever from ªPº position
even though the brake pedal is depressed, use the shift
lock override button. For instructions, see ªIf you cannot
shift automatic transmission selector leverº on page
375.