2001 Lexus ES300 traction control

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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
65
(h) ªABSº Warning Light
The light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
ªONº position. If the anti±lock brake system and the
brake assist system work properly, the light turns off after
a few seconds. Thereafter, if either of the systems
malfunctions, the light comes on again.
When the ªABSº warning light is on (and the brake
system warning light is off), the anti±lock brake system,
the brake assist system, the traction control system and
the vehicle skid control system do not operate, but the
brake system still operates conventionally.
When the ªABSº warning light is on (and the brake
system warning light is off), the anti±lock brake system
does not operate so that the wheels could lock up during
a sudden braking or braking on slippery road surfaces.
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 when the ignition key is
turned to the ªONº position, or remains on.
 The light comes on while you are driving.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does
not indicate a problem.
(i) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the doors are completely
closed.
(j) Rear Light Failure Warning Light
If this light comes on when the headlight switch is turned
on (at the first or second clickstop), it indicates that one
or more of the tail lights are burned out.
If it comes on when the brake pedal is depressed, one
or more stop lights are burned out.
Have defective bulbs replaced as soon as possible.
(k) Vehicle Skid Control System Warning Lights (Vehicles with Vehicle Skid
Control System only)
These lights warn that there is a problem somewhere in
the vehicle skid control system, traction control system
and brake assist system.
The lights will come on when the ignition key is turned to
ªONº, and will go off after a few seconds.
If the ªVSCº warning light and ªVSC OFFº indicator light
come on, the vehicle skid control system, traction control
system and brake assist system do not work. However,
as conventional braking operates when applied, there is
no problem to continue your driving.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
66If 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 ªVSCº warning light and/or ªVSC OFFº indicator
light do/does not come on after the ignition is turned
to on.
 The ªVSCº warning light and ªVSC OFFº indicator
light are left on after the ignition is turned to on.
 The ªVSCº warning light and ªVSC OFFº indicator
light come on while driving without pushing ªVSC
OFFº switch.
(l) ªTRAC OFFº Indicator/Warning Light
(Vehicles with Traction Control
System only)
This light warns that when there is a problem
somewhere in the traction control system.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to
ªONº, and will go off after a few seconds.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates
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 after the ignition is turned to
on. 
The light is left on after the ignition is turned to on.
 The light comes on while driving without pushing
ªTRAC OFFº switch.
 The light flashes.

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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
302
31E013±1

Slip indicator light
When you turn the ignition switch on, this system
always turns on. Leave the system on during
ordinary driving so that it can operate when needed.
When traction control is applied, the slip indicator
light blinks.
31E067