2001 Lexus IS300 Electrical Components / LEXUS 2001 IS300 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM53437)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
36
VOLTMETER
SV13013

1Discharge warning light 2Normal range
The voltmeter tells whether the battery is charged or
discharged. Check it while the engine is running ± the
needle should always indicate as shown above.
If the needle reads below or above the normal range while the
engine is running, it indicates that the charging system needs
immediate repair.
However, it is normal for the needle to drop below the normal
range during engine starting.
MOMENTARY FUEL CONSUMPTIONMETER
SV13018

Vehicles sold in U.S.A.
SV13020

Vehicles sold in Canada

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
37
The momentary fuel consumption is calculated and
indicated based on the driving distance and the fuel
consumption with the engine running.
If you are driving at low speeds just before stopping, the
accurate figure may not be shown.
TACHOMETER
SV13016
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.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
38
ODOMETER AND TRIP METER
SV13015
This meter displays the odometer and two trip meters. To
change the mode indication, push the ºODO/TRIPº knob
briefly. Each time you push the knob, the mode changes
in order from the odometer to trip meter A to trip meter B,
then back to the odometer, etc.
The odometer records the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. The twin trip meter records two different
distances independently.
For example, you can use one meter to calculate the fuel
economy and the other to measure the distance on each trip.
To set A trip meter to zero, display the A meter reading,
push the knob and hold it. The same applies for the B trip
meter.
The data of trip meters will be cancelled if the electrical power
source is disconnected.
SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS AND WARNING BUZZERS
IF THIS INDICATOR
OR BUZZER COMES
ON ... DO THIS.
(a)
If parking brake is off,
stop immediately and
contact Lexus dealer.
(b) Fasten driver's seat
belt.
(Indicator and buzzer)
(c) Fasten front
passenger's seat belt.
(d) Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer immediately.
or

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
39
(e) Stop and check.

(f) Stop and check.
(g) Add engine oil.
(h) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
(i) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
If brake system
warning light is also
on, stop immediately
and contact Lexus
dealer.
(j) Close all doors.
(k) Replace bulb. (l) Fill up tank.
(m) Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
(n) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
(o) Remove key.
(a) Brake System Warning Light and Buzzer
This l ight comes on in the following cases when the ignition key
is in the ºONº position.
 When the parking brake is applied ...
This light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition key is
turned to the ºONº position even after the parking brake is
released.
The buzzer beeps once if the vehicle is driven with its parking
brake applied.
 When the brake fluid level is low ...
CAUTION
It is dangerous to continue driving normally when the
brake fluid level is low.
Have your vehicle checked at your Lexus dealer in the
following cases:
or
or
Low fuel level
warning light
Key reminder buzzer

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
40
The light does not come on even if the parking brake is
applied when the ignition key is in the ºONº position.
 The light does not come on even if the ignition key is turned
on with the parking brake released.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not
indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If either of the following conditions occurs, immediately
stop your vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer.
 The light does not turn off even after the parking
brake is released while the engine is running.
In the case, the brakes may not work properly and
your stopping distance will become longer. Depress
the brake pedal firmly and bring the vehicle to an
immediate stop.
 The brake system warning light remains on together
with the ºABSº warning light.
In this case, not only the anti±lock brake system will
fail but also the vehicle will become extremely
unstable during braking.
(b) Driver's Seat Belt Reminder Light and
Buzzer
This light and buzzer remind you to buckle up the driver's seat
belt.
Once the ignition key is turned to ºONº or ºSTARTº, the
reminder light flashes and buzzer sounds if the driver's seat
belt is not fastened. Unless the driver fastens the belt, the light
stays flashing and the buzzer stops after about 4 to 8 seconds.
(c) Front Passenger's Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light reminds you to buckle up the front passenger's seat
belt.
Once the ignition key is turned to ºONº or ºSTARTº, the
reminder light flashes if a passenger sits in the front passenger
seat and does not fasten the seat belt. Unless the front
passenger fastens the belt, the light stays flashing.
If luggage load is placed on the front passenger seat,
depending on its weight and how it is placed on the seat,
built±in sensors in the seat cushion may detect the pressure,
causing the reminder light to come on.

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.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
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(f) Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil pressure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are driving, pull off the road
to a safe place and stop the engine immediately. Call a Lexus
dealer or qualified repair shop for assistance.
The light may occasionally flicker when the engine is idling or
it may come on briefly after a hard stop. There is no cause for
concern if it then goes out when the engine is accelerated
slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level is extremely low. It
is not designed to indicate low oil level, and the oil level must
be checked using the oil level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the warning light on ± evenfor one block. It may ruin the engine.
(g) Low Engine Oil Level Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil level is too low. Add oil as
soon as possible. (For instructions, see ºChecking the engine
oil levelº on page 240.)
While driving on steep inclines or rough roads which causes
the vehicle to substantially sway or on curves, this light may
come on due to the movement of engine oil in the engine.
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oil willdamage the engine.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
43
(h) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See ºFuel gaugeº onpage 34 for instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely. (See ºFuel tank capº on page 65 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your engine electrical system, automatic transmission electrical system or
electronic throttle control system.
If it comes on while you are driving in case ºcº., have your
vehicle checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
If this lamp comes on and the engine speed does not increase
with the accelerator pedal depressed down to about the middle
position, there may be a problem somewhere in your electronic
throttle control system.
At this time, if you depress the accelerator pedal more firmly
and slowly, you can drive your vehicle at low speeds. Have
your Lexus checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Even if the ab normality of the electronic throttle control system
is corrected during low speed driving, the system may not be
recovered until the engine is stopped and the ignition key is
turned to ºACCº or ºLOCKº position.
(i) ºABSº Warning Light
The light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the ºONº
position. If the anti±l ock brake system works properly, the light
turns off after a few seconds. Thereafter, if the system
malfunctions, the light comes on again.
When the ºABSº warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti±lock brake system and/or the
traction control system do/does not operate, but the brake
system still operates conventionally.
When the ºABSº warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti±lock brake system and/or the
traction control system do/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 ºONº 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.