2001 Lexus ES300 All

FOREWORD
i
Welcome to the growing group of value±conscious people who drive Lexus\
vehicles. We
are proud of the advanced engineering and quality construction of each v\
ehicle we build.
This
Owner's Manual explains the features of your new Lexus. Please read it and follow the
instructions carefully so that you can enjoy many years of safe motoring\
.
When it comes to service, remember that your Lexus dealer knows your veh\
icle best and
is interested in your complete satisfaction. Your Lexus dealer will provide quality
maintenance and any other assistance you may require.
If there is not a Lexus dealer near you, or you need emergency assistance \
for any reason,
please call the following number:
U.S. OWNERS

When traveling in the U.S. mainland or Canada:
Lexus Roadside Assistance 1±800±25±LEXUS (Toll±Free)
(1±800±255±3987)

HAWAII:
Lexus Customer Service Assistance 1±800±25±LEXUS (Toll±Free)
(1±800±255±3987)
CANADIAN OWNERS

Please refer to the ªOwner's Guideº or ªOwner's Manual Supplementº.
Please leave this Owner's Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next owner
will need this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the tim\
e of printing.
However, because of the Lexus policy of continual product improvement, we reserve\
the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment,
including options. Therefore, you may find some explanations for equipm\
ent not
installed on your vehicle.

INTRODUCTION
ii
New vehicle warranty
Your new vehicle is covered by the following Lexus limited
warranties:

New vehicle warranty

Emission control systems warranty

Others
For further information, please refer to the ªOwner's Guideº,
ªOwner's Manual Supplementº or ªWarranty Bookletº.
Your responsibility for maintenance
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure the specified
maintenance is performed. Section 5 of this Owner's Manual
gives details of these maintenance requirements. Included in
Section 6 is general maintenance. For scheduled
maintenance information, pl ease refer to the ªOwner's Manual
Supplement/Maintenance Scheduleº.
Accessories, spare parts and modification of
your Lexus
A wide variety of non±genuine spare parts and accessories for
Lexus vehicles are currently available in the market. You
should know that Toyota does not warrant these products and
is not responsible for their performance, repair, or
replacement, or for any damage they may cause to, or adverse
effect they may have on, your Lexus vehicle. This vehicle should not be modified with non±genuine Lexus
products. Modification with non±genuine Lexus products
could af
fect its performance, safety or durability, and may even
violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or
performance problems re sulting from the modification may not
be covered under warranty.
Spark ignition system of your Lexus
The spark ignition system in your Lexus meets all
requirements of the Canadian Interference±Causing
Equipment Standard.
Installation of a mobile two±way radio system
As the installation of a mobile two±way radio system in your
vehicle could affect electronic systems such as the multiport
fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel injection system,
cruise control system, anti±lock brake system, SRS airbag
system and seat belt pretensioner system, be sure to check
with your Lexus dealer for precautionary measures or special
instructions regarding installation.
Scrapping of your Lexus
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your
Lexus contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped
with the airbags and seat belt pretensioners left as they are,
this may cause an accident such as fire. Be sure to have the
systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner removed
and disposed of by a qualified service shop or by your Lexus
dealer before you scrap your vehicle.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
iii
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
The contents of this manual are explained briefly on this
page to help you make the best use of the manual. Please
read this page and the rest of the Owner's Manual
carefully to make sure you fully understand the operation
of your vehicle.
This will help you enjoy safe and comfortable driving.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The table of contents and the pictorial index provide easy
reference to the appropriate pages.
BASIC OPERATION ± QUICK REFERENCE
Operation of basic equipment is briefly explained in an easily
understandable way for quick reference.
SECTION 1 ± INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
The vehicle's equipment is divided into the 7 groups listed
below. Use of the equipment is explained, including any points
you should pay particular attention to.
1. Keys and doors
2. Switches
3. Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators
4. Interior equipment
5. Exterior equipment
6. Comfort adjustment
7. Theft deterrent
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.

BE028
Note: When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift the transmi\
ssion by turning off the overdrive switch, engine
braking will not be applied because the cruise control is not cancelled. For th\
e operation to decrease the vehicle speed, see page
300.
Parking, engine starting and key
removal position
Reverse position
Neutral position
Normal driving (with overdrive on)
position
Position for stronger engine braking
Position for maximum engine
braking
With the brake pedal depressed,
shift while holding the lock release
button in. (The ignition switch must
be in ªONº position.)
Shift while holding the lock release
button in.
Shift normally.
Overdrive switch
For selecting either a three±speed or
four±speed transmission
Lock release button (To prevent misshifting)
ªO/D OFFº indicator
light on the instrument
cluster
BASIC OPERATION ± QUICK REFERENCE
3
3. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

KEYS AND DOORS
8
1Master key (black) ± The master key works in
every l ock. For your Lexus dealer to make you
a new key with built±in transponder chip, your
dealer will need it.
2 Sub key (gray) ± The sub key will not open the
trunk, glove box and armrest door in the rear
seat.
3Key number plate ± Keep the plate in a safe
place such as your wallet, not in the vehicle.
A transponder chip for engine immobiliser system has
been filled in the head of the master and sub keys.
These chips are needed to enable the system to function
correctly, so be careful not to lose these keys. If you
make your own duplicate key, you will not be able to
cancel the system or start the engine.
To protect things locked in the trunk or glove box when
you have your vehicle parked, leave the sub key with the
attendant. Since
the doors and trunk lid can be locked without a key,
you should always carry a spare master key in case you
accidentally lock your keys inside the vehicle.
If you should lose your keys or if you need additional
keys, duplicates can be made by a Lexus dealer using
the key number.
We recommend you to write down the key number and
keep it in safe place.

KEYS AND DOORS
9
11L003a
Since a transponder chip is not built in this flat key,
you cannot start the engine with this key. Use this
key to release the lock in case you accidentally lock
your keys inside the vehicle or trunk.
Insert your flat key in its key case as shown. We
recommend that you always carry this with you for
emergency use. Do not leave it in your vehicle.NOTICE
Do not let the key case become bent as the keymay fall out or become bent also.
The flat key is designed for emergency useonly.

KEYS AND DOORS
13
11E042
The engine immobiliser system is a theft prevention
system. When you insert the key in the ignition
switch, the transponder chip in the key's head
transmits an electronic code to the vehicle. The
engine will start, only when the electronic code in
the chip corresponds to the registered ID code for
the vehicle.
The system is automatically set when the key is
removed from the ignition switch. At this time, the
security indicator light flashes. When you insert the key
in the ignition switch, the security indicator light goes out
and the system is canceled automatically, which
enables the engine to start.
For your Lexus dealer to make you a new key with
built±in transponder chip, your dealer will need your key
number and master key. However, there is a limit to the
number of additional keys your Lexus dealer can make
for you. If you make your own duplicate key, you will not be
able to cancel the system or start the engine.
For vehicles sold in U.S.A.
FCC ID: MOZ RI±4ETY MADE IN JAPAN
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.

KEYS AND DOORS
16dropping it.
 Avoid putting it in water.
Locking/Unlocking the doors
When you push the ªLOCKº button on the key
briefly, all the doors can be locked from outside the
vehicle.
At this time, one beep sounds and the parking lights and
tail lights flash once. However, when you push the
ªLOCKº button with any door not closed securely, the
buzzer sounds for 10 seconds. To stop the buzzer, close
all the doors securely or push the ªUNLOCKº button. If
the key is in the ignition switch, locking cannot be done.
Make sure all the doors are locked when you leave the
vehicle. Push the ªLOCKº button once again.
NOTICE
Do not push the ªLOCKº button any longer than 2 to 3 seconds. Pushing the button longeractivates an alarm. For details, see page 19.
When you push the ªUNLOCKº button, the driver's
door is unlocked. Pushing that button once again
within 3 seconds from the first push, all other doors
are also unlocked.