2001 Lexus IS300 engine coolant

8.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viii
Page
1 Tachometer37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Headlight high beam indicator light 24
. . . . . . . . . . .
3 Low engine oil level warning light 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic headlight leveling system warning
light 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
5 Turn signal indicator lights 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Cruise control indicator light 177
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Momentary fuel consumption meter 36. . . . . . . . . . .
8 Voltmeter36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Engine coolant temperature gauge 35
. . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Anti±lock brake system warning light 43
. . . . . . . . . .
11 Malfunction indicator lamp 43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Fuel gauge 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Low fuel level warning light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Odometer and trip meter 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Power mode indicator light 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
16 Snow mode indicator light
168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 ODO/TRIP knob 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Automatic transmission indicator lights 166 . . . . . .
19 M mode indicator 170
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Gear position indicator for manual control 170 . . . .
21 Rear light failure warning light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Security indicator light 118. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Traction control system
off indicator/warning light 44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Low oil pressure warning light 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Slip indicator light 180
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Brake system warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 SRS warning light 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 Open door warning light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30 Driver's seat belt reminder light 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
x
Page
1 Tachometer37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Headlight high beam indicator light 24
. . . . . . . . . . .
3 Low engine oil level warning light 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic headlight leveling system warning
light 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
5 Turn signal indicator lights 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Cruise control indicator light 177
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Momentary fuel consumption meter 36. . . . . . . . . . .
8 Voltmeter36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Engine coolant temperature gauge 35
. . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Anti±lock brake system warning light 43
. . . . . . . . . .
11 Malfunction indicator lamp 43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Fuel gauge 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Low fuel level warning light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Odometer and trip meter 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Power mode indicator light 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
16 Snow mode indicator light
168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 ODO/TRIP knob 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Automatic transmission indicator lights 166 . . . . . .
19 M mode indicator 170
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Gear position indicator for manual control 170 . . . .
21 Rear light failure warning light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Security indicator light 118. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Traction control system
off indicator/warning light 44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Low oil pressure warning light 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Slip indicator light 180
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Brake system warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 SRS warning light 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 Open door warning light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30 Driver's seat belt reminder light 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 1 ± 3
33
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder
indicators
Fuel gauge34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Momentary fuel consumption meter 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Odometer and trip meter 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel light control 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
169
SV31022

1Brake pedal 2ºDº (Drive) position
4. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the
selector lever to ºDº.
Always use the ºDº position to improve fuel economy and quiet
driving. Only in this position, shifting into the overdrive gear is
possible. However, while the engine coolant temperature is
low, the transmission will not shift into the overdrive gear even
in the ºDº position. (See º(c) Using engine brakingº and\
º(g)
Good driving practiceº for exceptions.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while
shifting.
5. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress
the accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting.
In normal cruising, the vehicle will start in the first gear and
automatically shift up to the most suitable gear. On inclines,
declines or winding r oads, etc., the vehicle shifts up and down
automatically according to the running conditions to obtain the
suitable driving power and engine braking.
When the lever is in º3º position, the automatic transmission
system will select the most suitable gear for the running
conditions such as hill climbing, hard towing, etc.
If you need to accelerate rapidly while driving, depress the
accelerator pedal to the full throttle position. This provides
more acceleration by automatically downshifting the
transmission to the next lower gear or beyond, depending on
the vehicle speed.
If engine braking is needed, such as in descending a long hill,
see º(b) Using engine brakingº.

DRIVING TIPS
192
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have a proper freeze protection of engine
coolant.
Your coolant must contain ethylene±glycol type coolant for a
proper corrosion protection of aluminum components. Use
ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent. See ºChecking the
engine coolant levelº on page 243 for instructions.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
When it is extremely cold, we recommend to use 60% solution
for your Lexus, to provide protection down to about ±50C
(±58 F). Do not use more than 70% solution for better coolant
performance.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter
starting. Page 266 tells you how to visually inspect the battery.
Your Lexus dealer and most service stations will be pleased to
check the battery charge level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
See page 242 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy
summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Lexus dealer ± they will be pleased to help. Check the electronic ignition system for loose
connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt
lock de±icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto
parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute because it may damage your vehicle's paint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility
it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ºPº and block the front
wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water
accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism may
freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering
difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
202
CAUTION
When making the connections, to avoid serious injury,
do not lean over the battery or accidentally let the
jumper cables or clamps touch anything except the
correct battery terminals or the ground.
5. Start your engine in the normal way. After starting, run it at
about 2000 rpm for several minutes with the accelerator pedal
lightly depressed.
6. Carefully disconnect the cables in the exact reverse order:
the negative cable and then the positive cable.
7. Carefully di spose of the battery cover cloths which may now
contain sulfuric acid.
8. If removed, replace all the battery vent plugs.
If the cause of your battery discharging is not apparent (for
example, lights left on), you should have it checked.
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, if you experience a loss of power, or if you
hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine has
probably overheated.
When the engine overheats
Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your
emergency flashers. Put the transmission in ºPº and apply the
parking brake.
A: If steam is coming from your engine:
Turn off the engine. Leave the hood closed until there is no sign
of steam or coolant. Your engine could have been seriously
damaged already. Call your Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until
there is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is sign of
very high pressure.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
203
B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning.
Check the following.

Is the cooling fan operating?
 Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
 Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
 Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the
engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out
under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the
acceptable range, turn off the engine and call your Lexus
dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant
temperature has cooled to normal, continue driving your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your
vehicle overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible
by your Lexus dealer.
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move
cautiously off the road to a safe place ± well away from the
traffic. A void stopping on the center divider of a highway. Park
on a level spot with firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Firmly set the pa rking brake and put the transmission in ºPº.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side away from
traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.
CAUTION
When jacking, be sure to observe the following to
reduce the possibility of personal injury:
 Follow jacking instructions.
 Do not put any part of your body under a vehicle
supported by a jack. Personal injury may occur.
 Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is
supported by the jack.