2001 Lexus ES300 suspension

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
vi
Page
1 Door lock switch and power windowswitches 28, 42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Power rear view mirror control switches 132 . . . . . .
3 Side vents 232
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Instrument panel light control 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Headlight, turn signal and fog light switch 31 . . . . .
6 Wiper and washer switch 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Ignition switch 279
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Emergency flasher switch 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Clock 81
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . .
10 Car audio 238
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Security indicator light 12, 211
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Automatic air conditioning controls 217
. . . . . . . . . .
13 Glove box/CD automatic changer 85/256
. . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Automatic transmission selector lever 284
. . . . . . . .
15 Ashtray 81
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
16 Electronic modulated suspension
control switch 301 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Seat heater switches 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Vehicle skid control system off switch
or Traction control system off switch 301, 305 . . . . .
19 Cruise control switch 297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Trunk lid opener 105
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Fuel filler door opener 108
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Parking brake 281
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Hood lock release lever 102
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Auxiliary box 96
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
150
CAUTION
Do not modify, remove, strike or open the front seat belt
pretensioner assemblies, airbag sensor or surrounding
area or wiring. Doing any of these may cause sudden
operation of the front seat belt pretensioners or disable
the system, which could result in death or serious
injury.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death
or serious injuries.
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following changes without consulting your Lexus dealer. Suchchanges can interfere with proper operation of the
front seat belt pretensioners in some cases.
Installation of electronic devices such as a mobile two±way radio, cassette tape player orcompact disc player
Repairs on or near the front seat belt retractorassemblies
Modification of the suspension system
Modification of the front end structure
Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, kangaroobar, etc.), snowplow, winches or any otherequipment to the front end
Repair made on or near the front fenders, frontend structure or console

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
172
Do not use accessories for the seats which
cover the parts where the side airbags inflate.
Such accessories may prevent the side airbags
from activating correctly, causing death or
serious injury.
 Do not modify or remove any wiring. Do not
modify, remove, strike or open any
components, such as the steering wheel pad,
steering wheel, column cover, front passenger
airbag cover, front seats or airbag sensor
assembly. Doing any of these may cause
sudden SRS airbag inflation or disable the
system, which could result in death or serious
injury.
 Do not modify or replace the seats or
upholstery of the front seats with the side
airbags. Such changes may disable the system
or cause the side airbags to inflate accidentally,
resulting in death or serious injury. Consult
your Lexus dealer if you insist on modifications
of this kind.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
death or serious injury.NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following changes without consulting your Lexus dealer. Suchchanges can interfere with proper operation of the
SRS in some cases.
Installation of electronic devices such as a mobile two±way radio, cassette tape player orcompact disc player
Modification of the suspension system
Modification of the front end structure and sidestructure of the passenger compartment
Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, kangaroobar, etc.), snowplow, winches or any otherequipment to the front end
Repairs made on or near the front fenders, front
end structure, console, steering column, steering wheel, dashboard near the frontpassenger airbag or front seats

SECTION 3 ± 1
273
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converter273
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 276
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 278
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 279
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 281
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 283
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic modulated suspension 301
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system 301
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle skid control system 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 308
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 315
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 315
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THREE±WAY CATALYTIC
CONVERTER

STARTING AND DRIVING
301
Cruise control failure warning
If the ªCRUISEº indicator light in the instrument cluster
flashes five times and then goes out when using the
cruise control, it means that there is trouble in the cruise
control system. Contact your Lexus dealer.
ELECTRONIC MODULATED SUSPENSION
This electronic modulated suspension adjusts the
damping effect on the shock absorbers with the
control switch. Select one of the 4 modes which is
suited to the driving conditions with the control
switch to provide good riding comfort and stability.
31E088
1For sporty type driving such as on winding
mountain roads and high speed driving
2For moderate high speed driving
3For ordinary driving such as in the city traffic
4For driving on a bumpy road
5Soft
6Hard
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically helps
control the spinning of the front wheels which may
occur when accelerating on slippery road surfaces,
thus assisting driver to control the driving power of
the front wheels.

DRIVING TIPS
333
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle's tires are properly inflated.
Adjust the tire pressure to the recommended cold tire
pressure indicated below:
Tire pressure, kPa (kgf/cm
2 or bar, psi)
Front 220 (2.2, 32)
Rear 220 (2.2, 32)
 The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure
recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect
to the total trailer weight.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights must comply with federal,
state/provincial and local regulations. See your local
recreational vehicle dealer or rental agency for the
correct type of wiring and relays for your trailer.
Check for correct operation of the turn signals and
stop lights each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may
damage your vehicle's electrical system and cause a
malfunction of your lights.
Break±in schedule
 Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with
a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train
component (engine, transmission, differential, wheel
bearing, etc.) for the first 800 km (500 miles) of
driving.
Maintenance
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more
frequent maintenance due to the additional load. For
this information, please refer to the scheduled
maintenance information in the ªOwner's Manual
Supplement/ Maintenance Scheduleº.
 Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket
after approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer
driving.
Pre±towing safety check
 Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded
or unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the
vehicle has an abnormal nose±up or nose±down
condition, and check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible causes.
 Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that
it cannot shift.
 Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any
federal, state/provincial or local regulations. If they
do not, install required rear view mirrors appropriate
for towing purposes.

MAINTENANCE
385
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEEDREPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds,
and visual tip±offs that indicate service is needed. Some
important clues are:

Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging

Appreciable loss of power

Strange engine noises

A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water
dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)

Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a
dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the
windows open and have the exhaust system checked
immediately.)

Flat±looking tires, excessive tire squeal when
cornering, uneven tire wear

Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a
level road

Strange noises related to suspension movement

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake
pedal, pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to
one side when braking

Engine coolant temperature continually higher than
normal If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs
adjustment or repair.

SECTION 6 ± 3
420
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications421
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 424
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid 426
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 431
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 432
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 433
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 437
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 440
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 440
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 441
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .