2001 Lexus ES300 Drive bel

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.

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viii
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge56
. . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 286
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 284 . . . . . .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ªODO/TRIPº knob 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Low fuel level warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low washer fluid warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 SRS warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Vehicle skid control system off
indicator light 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Low engine oil level warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 35
. . . . . . . . . . .
19 Headlight indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Slip indicator light 301, 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low oil pressure warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Seat belt reminder light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Cruise control indicator light 297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Vehicle skid control system warning light 65 . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
x
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge56
. . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 286
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 284 . . . . . .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ªODO/TRIPº knob 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Low fuel level warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low washer fluid warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 SRS warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Vehicle skid control system off
indicator light 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Low engine oil level warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 35
. . . . . . . . . . .
19 Tail light indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Slip indicator light 301, 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low oil pressure warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Seat belt reminder light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Cruise control indicator light 297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Vehicle skid control system warning light 65 . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xii
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge56
. . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 286
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 284 . . . . . .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ªODO/TRIPº knob 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Low fuel level warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low washer fluid warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 SRS warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Traction control system off
indicator/warning light 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Low engine oil level warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 35
. . . . . . . . . . .
19 Headlight indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Slip indicator light 301, 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low oil pressure warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Seat belt reminder light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Cruise control indicator light 297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xiv
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge56
. . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 286
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 284 . . . . . .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ªODO/TRIPº knob 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Low fuel level warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low washer fluid warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 SRS warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Traction control system off
indicator/warning light 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Low engine oil level warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 35
. . . . . . . . . . .
19 Tail light indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Slip indicator light 301, 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low oil pressure warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Seat belt reminder light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Cruise control indicator light 297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

KEYS AND DOORS
27
CAUTION
Before driving, make sure the doors are closed and
locked, especially when small children are in the
vehicle. Along with the proper use of seat belts, locking
the doors helps prevent the driver and passengers from
being thrown out from the vehicle during an accident.
It also helps prevent the doors from being opened
unintentionally.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
63
(b) Seat Belt Reminder Light and Buzzer
This light and buzzer remind you to buckle up the driver's
seat belt.
Once the ignition key is turned to ªONº or ªSTARTº, the
reminder light and buzzer come on if the driver's seat
belt is not fastened. Unless the driver fastens the belt,
the light stays on and the buzzer stops after about 4 to
8 seconds.
(c) SRS Warning Light
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned
to the ªACCº or ªONº position. It goes off after
about 6 seconds. This means the SRS airbags and
seat belt pretensioners are operating properly.
This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor
assembly, front airbag sensors, side airbag sensors,
front seat belt pretensioner assemblies, inflators,
warning light, interconnecting wiring and power sources.
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 as described above.
 The light stays on or flashes.
 The light comes on or starts flashing while driving.
If the light stays on, it indicates that the driver and front passenger airbags fail. If the light flashes, the side
airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners fail.
(d) 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.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
122
Adjusting seatback angle
16E155a
Move the control switch in the desired direction.
Releasing the switch will stop the seatback in that
position.
CAUTION
To reduce the risk of sliding under the lap belt during a
collision, avoid reclining the seatback any more than
needed. The seat belts provide maximum protection in
a frontal or rear collision when the driver and the
passenger are sitting up straight and well back in the
seats. If you are reclined, the lap belt may slide past
your hips and apply restraint forces directly to the
abdomen. Therefore, in the event of a frontal collision,
the risk of personal injury may increase with increasing
recline of the seatback.