2001 Lexus IS300 traction control

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

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

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.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
44
CAUTION
If the ºABSº warning light remains on together with the
brake system warning light, immediately stop your
vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
In this case, not only the anti±lock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.
(j) Open Door Warning Light and Buzzer
This light and buzzer remain on until all the doors are
completely closed.
(k) 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.
(l) Low Fuel Level Warning Light
This light comes on when the fuel level in the tank becomes
nearly empty. Fill the tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the tank,
the low fuel level warning light may come on earlier than usual.
(m) ºTRAC OFFº Indicator / Warning Lights
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to ºONº, and
will go off after a few seconds. This means that the system is
operating properly.
If the light flashes, this indicates a malfunction in the traction
control system. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.
(n) Automatic Headlight Leveling System Warning Light
This light warns that when there is a problem somewhere
in the automatic headlight leveling system.
If it comes on, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.
(o) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer reminds you to remove the key when you open the
driver's door with the ignition key in the ºACCº or ºLOCKº
position.

SECTION 3 ± 1
160
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converter161
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 162
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 163
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 164
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 165
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
How to start the engine 165
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 166
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic throttle control system 176
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 177
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Traction control system 180
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 181
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Brake pad wear indicators 185
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 185
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . Limited ±slip differential
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

STARTING AND DRIVING
180
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically help control the
spinning of the rear wheels which may occur when
accelerating on slippery road surfaces, thus assisting
driver control the driving power of the rear wheels. When
you turn the ignition switch on, the traction control
system always turns on automatically, and the slip
indicator light w ill come on. The indicator lights will go off
after a few seconds.
SV31011

1Slip indicator light
2ºSNOWº indicator light
Leave the system on during ordinary driving so that it can
operate when needed. When traction control is applied,
the slip indicator light blinks. If your vehicle still skids
even though traction control is applied, more powerful
traction control is applied and the ºSNOWº indicator light
comes on. If the light flashes, this indicates a malfunction in the traction
control system. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.
SV31018
You can turn off the traction control system by pushing
the ºTRAC OFFº switch. The ºTRAC OFFº
indicator/warning light will then come on. Pushing the
ºTRAC OFFº switch a second time turns the system back
on and extinguishes the ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning
light.
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle is
started. This means that the traction control system is in the
self±check mode, and does not indicate malfunction.
When the traction control system is operating, you may feel
vibration of your vehicle, caused by operation of the brakes.
This indicates the system is functioning properly.

STARTING AND DRIVING
181
When getting the vehicle out of mud or new snow, etc. the
traction control system will help operate to prevent the wheels
from spinning.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of
the vehicle and power to the rear wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction control system is
in operation. Do not drive the vehicle under any speed
or maneuvering conditions which will cause the vehicle
to lose traction. In situations where the road surface is
covered with ice or snow, your vehicle should be fitted
with snow tires or tire chains. Always drive at an
appropriate and cautious pace.
BRAKE SYSTEM
The tandem master cylinder brake system is a hydraulic
system with two separate sub±systems. If either sub±system
should fail, the other will still work. However, the pedal will be
harder to press, and your stopping distance will be longer.
Also, the brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake
system. Have your brakes fixed immediately.
Brake booster
The brake booster uses engine vacuum to power±assist the
brakes. If the engine should quit while you are driving, you can
bring the vehicle to a stop with normal pedal pressure. There
is enough reserved vacuum for one or two stops but no more!
CAUTION

Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.
Each push on the pedal uses up your reserved
vacuum.
 Even if the power assist is completely lost, the brakes
will still work. But you will have to push the pedal
hard, much harder than normal. And your braking
distance will be longer.