2001 Lexus ES300 check engine

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.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
61
(a) If parking brake
is off, stop
immediately and
contact Lexus
dealer.
(b) Fasten seat belt.
(Indicator and buzzer)
(c) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer
immediately.
(d) Stop and check.
(e) Stop and check. (f) Add engine oil.
(g) Take vehicle to
Lexus dealer.
(h) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
(i) Close all doors.
(j) Replace bulb.
(k) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
(l) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
(m) Add washer fluid.
or
or
and
w069

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
62(n) Low fuel level Fill up tank.
warning light
(o) Automatic headlight Take vehicle to leveling system Lexus dealer.
warning light
(p) Key reminder buzzer Remove key.
(a) Brake System Warning Light
This light comes on in the following cases when the
ignition key is in the ªONº position.
 When the parking brake is applied...
 When the brake fluid level is low...
CAUTION
It is dangerous to continue driving normally when the
brake fluid level is low.
Have your vehicle checked at your Lexus dealer in
the following cases.
The light does not come on even if the parking brake
is applied when the ignition key is in the ªONº position.
CAUTION
If the light does not turn off even after the parking brake
is released while the engine is running, immediately
stop your vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer. In this case, the brakes may not work properly
and your stopping distance will become longer.
Depress the brake pedal firmly and bring the vehicle to
an immediate stop.

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.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
64
(e) Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil pressure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are driving, pull off the
road to a safe place and stop the engine immediately.
Call a Lexus dealer or qualified repair shop for
assistance.
The light may occasionally flicker when the engine is
idling or it may come on briefly after a hard stop. There
is no cause for concern if it then goes out when the
engine is accelerated slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level is extremely
low. It is not designed to indicate low oil level, and the
oil level must be checked using the oil level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the warning light on± even for one block. It may ruin the engine.
(f) Low Engine Oil Level Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil level is too low. Add
oil as soon as possible. (For instructions, see ªChecking
the engine oil levelº on page 410.)
While driving on steep inclines or rough roads which
causes the vehicle to substantially sway or on curves,
this light may come on due to the movement of engine
oil in the engine.
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oilwill damage the engine.
(g) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See ªFuel gaugeº on page 54 for instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely. (See ªFuel tank capº on page 108 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your engine or automatic transmission electrical system.
If it comes on while you are driving in case ªc.º, have your
vehicle checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon
as possible.

AIR CONDITIONING
225
The air intake control button is used to switch the air
intake between the OUTSIDE AIR mode and
RECIRCULATED AIR mode.
With the button in the OUTSIDE AIR mode, the
OUTSIDE AIR mode indicator light will come on and the
system will take fresh outside air into the vehicle.
If quick circulation of cooled air is desired, push the air
intake control button for RECIRCULATED AIR. The
RECIRCULATED AIR mode indicator light will come on.
For normal use, it is best to keep the air intake control
button set to OUTSIDE AIR mode. If recirculated air is
used
during heating, the windows will fog up more easily.
When the air conditioning is ON, if the engine coolant
temperature becomes extremely high, the
RECIRCULATED AIR mode is automatically selected.
This is not a malfunction. When the engine coolant
temperature is lowered, the previous mode resumes.
If manual on±off of the air conditioning is desired ±
Push the ªA/Cº button to turn the air conditioning on and
push it again to turn the air conditioning off.
The air conditioning does not work if the outside
temperature is lowered down to around 0 C (32F).
If the system is used for ventilation, heating in dry
weather or removing frost or exterior fog on the
windshield, turn the air conditioning off once it is no
longer required. This will improve fuel economy. The air
conditioning can be used for year±round automatic temperature
control including cooling and dehumidifying
operation.
If the air conditioning compressor does not operate, the
indicator of the ªA/Cº button will blink. If the indicator of
the ªA/Cº button blinks even when the ªA/Cº button is
pushed again, have the compressor checked by your
nearest Lexus dealer.
Displaying the outside temperature ±
When you push the ªOUTSIDE TEMPº knob, the
temperature display shows the outside temperature. To
return to the display of the current set temperature, push
the knob again. The temperature display ranges from
±30 C (±22 F) up to 50C (122F).

STARTING AND DRIVING
275
NOTICEA large amount of unburned gases flowing intothe three±way catalytic converter may cause it tooverheat and create a fire hazard. To prevent this
and other damage, observe the following precautions:
Use only unleaded gasoline.
Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level;running out of fuel could cause the engine tomisfire, creating an excessive load on thethree±way catalytic converter.
Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed formore than 20 minutes.
Avoid racing the engine.
Do not push±start or pull±start your vehicle.
Do not turn off the ignition while the vehicle ismoving.
Keep your engine in good running order.Malfunctions in the engine electrical system,electronic ignition system/distributor ignitionsystem or fuel system could cause anextremely high three±way catalytic converter
temperature.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stallsfrequently, take your vehicle in for a check±upas soon as possible. Remember, your Lexusdealer knows your vehicle and its three±waycatalytic converter system best.

STARTING AND DRIVING
277
CAUTION
Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust. It contains
carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless
gas. It can cause unconsciousness or even death.
 Make sure the exhaust system has no holes or loose
connections. The system should be checked from
time to time. If you hit something, or notice a change
in the sound of the exhaust, have the system checked
immediately.
 Do not run the engine in a garage or enclosed area
except for the time needed to drive the vehicle in or
out. The exhaust gases cannot escape, making this
a particularly dangerous situation.
 Do not remain for a long time in a parked vehicle with
the engine running. If it is unavoidable, however, do
so only in an unconfined area and adjust the heating
or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle.
 Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. An open or
unsealed trunk lid may cause exhaust gases to be
drawn into the vehicle.