2001 Lexus ES300 gas

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
iv
INDEX
The page number is listed for each item in the Owner's Manual
so that you can rapidly find the item and page you are
searching for.
GAS STATION INFORMATION
The information you need to know for appropriate servicing at
the gas station is provided here.
QUICK INDEX
This is designed so that you can quickly find the needed
information when an urgent situation arises.
Safety symbol
In this manual, you will also see a circle with a slash through
it. This means ªDo notº, ªDo not do thisº, or ªDo not le\
t this
happenº.
Safety and vehicle damage warnings
In this manual you will see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings.
These are used in the following ways:
CAUTION
This is a warning against something which may cause
injury to people if the warning is ignored. You are
informed what you must or must not do in order to avoid
or reduce the risk to yourself and other people.
NOTICE
This is a warning against something which may cause damage to the vehicle or its equipment if the warning isignored. You are informed what you must or must notdo in order to avoid or reduce the risk of damage to yourLexus and its equipment.
Your Lexus Owner's Manual provides you with a
considerable amount of information. To use this
information most effectively, please take the time to
familiarize yourself with the contents and use of the
manual.

SWITCHES
52
NOTICE
Do not put unevenly weighted objects on theseat and do not stick sharp objects (needles,nails, etc.) into the seat.
When cleaning the seats, do not use organicsubstances (paint thinner, benzine, alcohol,gasoline, etc.). They may damage the heaterand seat surface.
To prevent the battery from being discharged,turn the switches on when the engine isrunning.

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
104
TRUNK LID
15E024
To unlock the trunk lid, insert the master key and
turn it clockwise.
To close the trunk lid, lower it and press down on it. After
closing the trunk lid, try pulling it up to make sure it is
securely closed.
The trunk lid can be unlocked using the wireless remote
control key. For details, see page 19.
CAUTION
Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. This not only
keeps the luggage from being thrown out, but also
prevents exhaust gases from entering the vehicle.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
149
16E229

1Front seat belt pretensioner assemblies
2SRS warning light
3Airbag sensor assembly
4Front airbag sensors
The front seat belt pretensioner system mainly consists
of the above components, and their locations are shown
in the illustration.
The front seat belt pretensioners are controlled by the
airbag sensor assembly. The airbag sensor assembly
consists of a safing sensor and airbag sensor.
When the front seat belt pretensioners are activated, an
operating noise may be heard and a small amount of
smoke±like gas may be released. This gas is harmless
and does not indicate that a fire is occurring.
Once the front seat belt pretensioners have been
activated, the seat belt retractors remain locked.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
163
In a severe frontal impact, the sensors detect
deceleration and the system triggers the front airbag
inflators. In a severe side impact, the side airbag sensor
triggers the side airbag inflator. Then a chemical
reaction in the inflators quickly fills the airbags with
non±toxic gas to help restrain the forward or lateral
motion of the occupants.
When the SRS operates, it produces a fairly loud noise
and release some smoke and residue along with
non±toxic
gas. This does not indicate a fire. This gas is
normally harmless; however, for those who have
delicate skin, it may cause a minor skin irritation. Be
sure to wash off any residue as soon as possible to
prevent any potential skin irritation.
Deployment of the airbags happens in a fraction of a
second, so the airbags must inflate with considerable
force. While the system is designed to reduce serious
injuries, it may also cause minor burns or abrasions and
swelling.
Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel hub,
dashboard, front seats) may be hot for several minutes,
but the airbags themselves will not be hot. The airbags
are designed to inflate only once.
A crash severe enough to inflate the driver and front
passenger airbags may break the windshield as the
vehicle buckles. In vehicles with a front passenger
airbag, the windshield may also be damaged by
absorbing some of the force of the inflating airbag.

STARTING AND DRIVING
274
31E085
The three±way catalytic converters are emission
control devices installed in the exhaust system.
It looks somewhat like a muffler, but its purpose is to
reduce pollutants in the exhaust gas.
CAUTION
Keep people and combustible materials away from
the exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The
exhaust gas is very hot.
 Do not drive, idle or park your vehicle over anything
that might burn easily such as grass, leaves, paper or
rags.

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.