2001 Lexus ES300 service

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.

SECTION 1 ± 3
54
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder
indicators
Fuel gauge54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 60
. . .
Instrument panel light control 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FUEL GAUGE
13E020

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
55


Low fuel level warning light
The gauge is displayed when the ignition switch is
on and indicates the approximate quantity of fuel
remaining in the tank.
It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4 full.
This fuel gauge has a non±return type needle which
remains at the last indicated position when the ignition
switch is turned off.
If the fuel level approaches ªEº or the low fuel level
warning light comes on, fill the fuel tank as soon as
possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the
tank, the fuel gauge needle may fluctuate or the low fuel
level warning light may come on earlier than usual.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the malfunction
indicator lamp comes on. Fill the fuel tank immediately.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times.
If the indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible.
See the inner back cover for fuel capacity and
recommended fuel selection.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
56
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
13E018

Normal range
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature
when the ignition switch is on. The engine operating
temperature will vary with changes in weather and
engine load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your
vehicle and allow the engine to cool.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
57
Your vehicle may overheat during severe operating
conditions, such as:

Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
 Reducing speed or stopping after high speed driving.
 Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in
stop±and±go traffic.
 Towing a trailer.
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in the engine
cooling system as this may cause the engine to
overheat. The thermostat is designed to control the flow of coolant to keep thetemperature of the engine within the specifiedoperating range.
Do not continue driving with an overheatedengine. See ªIf your vehicle overheatsº onpage 348.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
58
TACHOMETER
13E019
The tachometer indicates engine speed in
thousands of rpm (revolutions per minute). Use it
while driving to prevent engine over±revving.
Driving with the engine running too fast causes
excessive engine wear and poor fuel economy.
Remember, in most cases the slower the engine speed,
the greater the fuel economy.
NOTICE
Do not let the indicator needle get into the red
zone. This may cause severe engine damage.
ODOMETER AND TRIP METER