2001 Lexus IS300 air con

2.
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 ºOwner's Guideº,
ºOwner's Manual Supplementº or ºWarranty 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 ºOwner'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.

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
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
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
42
(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.