2001 Lexus IS300 air conditioning

3.
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.

6.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
vi
Page
1 Power door lock switch and power window switches 18, 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Power rear view mirror control switch 80
. . . . . . . . .
3 Headlight cleaner switch 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Headlight, turn signal and fog light
switch 22, 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Instrument panel light control 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Cruise control switch 177
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Wiper and washer switches 25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Emergency flasher switch 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Outside temperature display/Clock 50
. . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Front passenger's seat belt reminder light 40 . . . . . Page
11 Automatic air conditioning controls
122
. . . . . . . . . .
12 Car audio 135
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Seat heater switches 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Glove box 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Parking brake lever 165
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Driving pattern selector switch 166
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Ashtray 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
18 Cigarette lighter 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Automatic transmission selector lever 166 . . . . . . . .
20 Traction control system off switch 180
. . . . . . . . . . .
21 Hood lock release lever 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
35
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
SV13012

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.
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.
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in the engine cooling
system as this may cause the engine to overheat. Thethermostat is designed to control the flow of coolantto keep the temperature of the engine within thespecified operating range.
Do not continue driving with an overheated engine.See ºIf your vehicle overheatsº on page 202.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
41
(d) SRS Warning Light
The indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned to
the ºACCº or ºONº position. It goes off after about 6
seconds. This means the SRS airbags and front seat belt
pretensioners are operating properly.
The warning light system monitors the airbag sensor
assembly, front airbag sensors, side airbag sensors, door 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.
 When the ignition key is turned to the ºACCº or ºONº
position, the light does not come on, remains 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.
(e) 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.

SECTION 2 ± 1
121
AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
Air conditioningAutomatic air c
onditioning controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

AIR CONDITIONING
122
AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONING CONTROLS
SV21005

You can adjust the brightness of the display. SeeºInstrument panel light controlº on page 46 for details.
The automatic air conditioning automatically maintains
the set temperature.
In the automatic operation mode, the air conditioning selects
the most suitable fan speed, air flow, air intake and on±off of
the air conditioning according to the temperature.
The ignition key must be in the ºONº position.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do notleave the air conditioning on longer than necessarywhen the engine is not running.

SV21006
AIR CONDITIONING
123
1Automatic air flow control position
2Air flow control dial
3Air intake control button
4Temperature control dial
5Automatic fan speed control position
6Air conditioning on±off button
7Fan speed control dial

Air flow selection
(a) Climate control
SETTING OPERATION ± automatic control
SS21005
1. Set the air flow control dial and the fan speed control
dial to ºAUTOº positions.
An indicator light will illuminate to show that the automatic
operation mode has been selected.
Air flow quantity and switching of the diffusers are
automatically adjusted.
When one of the manual control dials is turned while operating
in automatic mode, the operation corresponding to the dial
turned is set. Other conditions continue to be adjusted
automatically.
When the fan speed control dial is turned to ºOFFº, the fan is
turned off.

AIR CONDITIONING
124If the ºA/Cº button indicator flashes, there is a problem in the
air conditioning system and the air conditioning automatically
shuts off. If this happens, take your vehicle to your Lexus
dealer for service.
SV21002
2. Turn the temperature control dial to set the desired
temperature.
The temperature control dial is used to set the desired
passenger compartment temperature.
The temperature of air
delivered to the passenger compartment will be controlled
automatically according to the setting. The figures on the
panel indicate degrees Fahrenheit.
When you adjust the temperature control dial to maximum
cooling, the air intake mode will be automatically changed to
RECIRCULATED AIR.