2001 Lexus IS300 automatic transmission

STARTING AND DRIVING
178
Setting operation
SV31030

Each function is described below.
1Setting at a desired speed.
The transmission must be in the ºDº position or the gear
position must be º4º or º5º in M mode before you set the cruise
control speed.
Bring the vehicle to the desired speed, press the control lever
downward in the ºSET/COASTº direction and release it. This
sets the vehicle at that speed. Now you may take your foot off
the accelerator pedal. If you need acceleration ± for example,
when passing ± depress the accelerator pedal enough for the
vehicle to exceed the set speed. When you release the
accelerator pedal, the vehicle will return to the speed set prior
to the acceleration.
2 Cancelling the preset speed
You can cancel the preset speed by either of the following:
a. Pulling the control lever in the ºCANCELº direction.
b. Depressing the brake pedal.
If the vehicle speed falls below about 40 km/h (25 mph), the
preset speed will be automatically cancelled.
If the vehicle speed drops 16 km/h (10 mph) below the preset
speed, the preset speed will also automatically be cancelled.
If the preset speed automatically cancels out for other than
these reasons, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus
dealer at the earliest opportunity.
3 Resetting to a faster speed
Press the control lever upward in the ºRES/ACCº direction and
hold it. Release the lever when the desired speed is attained.
While the lever is held upward, the vehicle will gradually gain
speed.
When the difference between the actual vehicle speed and the
set speed is less than 5 km/h (3 mph), the set speed can be
increased 1.6 km/h (1 mph) each time by pressing the control
lever upward in the ºRES/ACCº direction quickly within 0.6
seconds.
However, a quicker way to reset is to accelerate the vehicle
and then press the control lever downward in the
ºSET/COASTº direction.

SECTION 4
197
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
If your engine stalls while driving198
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 198
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle overheats 202
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 203
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.
If your vehicle needs to be towed 212
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever 216
. . . . . . .
If you lose your keys or lock yourself out 217
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
212
IF YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS TO BETOWED
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done
by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
In consultation with them, have your vehicle towed using
either (a) or (b).
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
(b) Using a flat bed truck
(c) Never tow with a sling type truck
Only when you cannot receive a towing service from a
Lexus dealer or commercial tow truck service, tow your
vehicle carefully in accordance with the instructions
given in º(d) Emergency towingº on page 215.
Proper equipment will help ensure that your vehicle is not
damaged while being towed. Commercial operators are
generally aware of the state/provincial and local laws
pertaining to towing.
Your vehicle can be damaged if it is towed incorrectly.
Although most operators know the correct procedure, it is
possible to make a mistake. To avoid damage to your vehicle,
make sure the following precautions are observed. If
necessary, show this page to the tow truck driver.
TOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by the
state/provincial and local laws. The wheels and axle on the
ground must be in good condition. If they are damaged, use
a towing dolly.
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
From front
SS41015
Use a towing dolly under the rear wheels.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission
from the front with rear wheels on the ground, as thismay cause serious damage to the transmission.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
216Towing in this manner may be done only on hard±surfaced
roads
for a short distance and at low speeds. Also, the wheels,
axles, drive train, steering and brakes must all be in good
condition.
CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. Avoid
sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would
place excessive stress on the emergency towing eyelet
and towing cable or chain. The eyelet and towing cable
or chain may break and cause serious injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cable or chainto the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake and put the
transmission in ºNº. The ignition key must be in ºACCº (engine
off) or ºONº (engine running).
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the
brakes and steering will not work so steering and
braking will be much harder than usual.
IF YOU CANNOT SHIFT
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER
SV04007
If you cannot shift the selector lever, use the shift lock
button as follows:
1Turn the ignition key to ºLOCKº or ºACCº. Make sure the
parking brake is applied. Pry up the cover with a
flat±bladed screwdriver or equivalent.

MAINTENANCE
223
Automatic transmission ºParkº mechanism
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in ºPº position and all brakes released.
Engine compartment
Items listed below should be checked from time to time,
e.g. each time when refueling.
Washer fluid
Make
sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See page 272 for
additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the Upper and Lower
lines on the see±through reservoir when the engine is cold.
See page 243 for additional information.
Battery
Your Lexus has a maintenance free battery. You do not have
to add distilled water. For longer life of the battery, however,
see page 266 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 250 for
additional information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and
the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 240 for additional
information. Power steering fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in the
ºHOTº or ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid temperature.
See page 251 for additional information.
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell
exhaust fumes, have the cause located and corrected
immediately. (See engine exhaust cautions in Section 3±1.)

INTRODUCTION
229
NOTICE

Remember that battery and ignition cables carry high
currents or voltages. Be careful of accidentally causing a short circuit.

Before closing the engine hood, check to see that you
have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc.

Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or excessive engine wear could result. Also backfiringcould cause a fire in the engine compartment.

Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, or thetransmission could be damaged.

Be careful not to scratch the glass surface with thewiper frame.
PARTS AND TOOLS
Here is a list of parts and tools you will need to perform
do±it±yourself maintenance. Remember all Lexus parts are
designed in metric sizes, so your tools must be metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):

Use API grade SJ, ºEnergy±Conservingº multigrade engine
oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil. For recommended oil
viscosity, see page 242.
Tools:

Rag or paper towel

Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):

ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
See ºChecking the engine coolant levelº on page 243 for
instructions.

Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)

INTRODUCTION
230
Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):

FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking power steering fluid
Parts (if level is low):

Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III
Tools:

Rag or paper towel

Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking battery condition
Tools:

Warm water

Baking soda

Grease

Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Checking and replacing the blade type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):

Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Checking the cartridge type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):

Genuine Lexus fuse or equivalent with same amperage
rating as original
Adding washer fluid
Parts:

Water

Washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
Tools:

Funnel

CHASSIS
246
SPECIFICATIONS
± AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONFluid capacity Drain and refill
Fluid type
2.4 L (2.5 qt., 2.1 lmp.qt.)
Automatic transmission fluid Type T ± IV*
± DIFFERENTIAL
Oil capacity
Oil type
Oil viscosity
1.15 L (1.22 qt., 1.01 lmp.qt.)
Hypoid gear oil API GL±5
Above ±18 C (0F): SAE 90
Below ±18 C (0F): SAE 80W or SAE 80W±90
*Change automatic transmission fluid only as necessary.
Generally, it is necessary to change automatic transmission
fluid only if your vehicle is driven under one of the Special
Operating Conditions listed in your ºOwner's Manual
Supplement / Maintenance Scheduleº. When changing the
automatic transmission fluid, use only Toyota Genuine ATF
Type T±IV ( ATF JWS3309 or NWS6500) to aid in assuring
optimum transmission performance.NOTICE
Using automatic transmission fluid other than Toyota Genuine ATF T ype T±IV may cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage the automatictransmission of your vehicle.