2002 Lexus ES300 Owner's Manuals (in English)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
52
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive belt is broken
or loose.
(f) Low Engine 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 even
for 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 “Checking the engine
oil level” on page 302.)
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 will
damage the engine.
(h) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” position and goes off after the engine starts. This
means that the warning light system is operating properly.
If the lamp remains on, or the lamp comes on while
driving, first check the followings.
 Empty fuel tank
If the fuel tank is empty, refuel immediately.
 Loose fuel tank cap
If the fuel tank cap is loose, securely tighten it.
These cases are temporary malfunctions. The malfunction
indicator lamp will go off after taking several driving trips.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
53
If the lamp will not go off even after the several trips, contact
your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
If the fuel tank is not empty or the fuel tank cap is not
loose...

There is a problem somewhere in the engine, emission
control system, electronic throttle control system, automatic
transmission electrical system or warning light system itself.
Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible to service the
vehicle.
If the engine speed does not increase with the accelerator
pedal depressed down, there may be a problem somewhere
in your electronic throttle control system.
At this time, vibration may occur. However, if you depress the
accelerator pedal more firmly and slowly, you can drive your
vehicle at low speeds. Have your vehicle checked by your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Even if the abnormality 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 “ACC” or “LOCK” position.
CAUTION
Be especially careful to prevent erroneous pedal
operation.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
Your vehicle may not pass a state emission inspection if the
malfunction indicator lamp remains on. Contact your Lexus
dealer to check your vehicle’s emission control system and
OBD (OnBoard Diagnostics) system before taking your
vehicle for the inspection.
For details, see “Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M)
programs” on page 285.
(i) “ABS” Warning Light
Vehicles without vehicle skid control system—
The light comes on with the ignition key turned to the “ON”
position. If the antilock brake system works properly, the light
turns off after a few seconds. Thereafter, if the system
malfunctions, the light comes on again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the antilock brake system does not
operate, but the brake system still operates conventionally.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the antilock brake system does not
operate so that the wheels could lock up during a sudden
braking or braking on slippery road surfaces.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
54If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates
a malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the
warning light. 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 “ON” 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.
CAUTION
If the “ABS” 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 antilock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.
Vehicles with vehicle skid control system—
The light comes on with the ignition key turned to the “ON”
position. If the antilock brake system and the brake assist
system work properly, the light turns off after a few seconds.
Thereafter, if the system malfunctions, the light comes on
again. When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the antilock brake system, the brake
assist
system, the traction control system and the vehicle skid
control system do not operate, but the brake system still
operates conventionally.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the antilock brake system 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. 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 “ON” 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.CAUTION
If the “ABS” 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 antilock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
55
(j) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains 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) Vehicle Skid Control System/Traction Control System Warning Light
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in the
vehicle skid control system or traction control system.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to “ON”
and will go off after a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the system does not work.
However, as conventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driving.
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:
The warning light does not come on after the ignition key is
turned to “ON”.
 The warning light remains on after the ignition key is turned
to “ON”.
 The warning light comes on while driving. The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will come on when the “VSC”
warning light comes on even if the “TRAC OFF” switch is not
pushed.
(m) Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
This light comes on when the fluid level in the tank becomes
nearly empty. Fill the tank as soon as possible.
(n) Automatic Headlight Leveling System
Warning Light (vehicles with discharge
headlight only)
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) 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.
(p) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer reminds you to remove the key when you open the
driver’s door with the ignition key in the “ACC” or “LOCK”
position.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
56
How to check all the service reminder
indicators
(except the low fuel level warning light and low washer
fluid warning light):
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Open the door.
The following service reminder indicator should come on. It
goes off when you close the door completely.
3. Turn the ignition key to “ON”.
The following service reminder indicators should come on.
or

or

w069
The following service reminder indicators go off after a few
seconds.
or
w069
The following service reminder indicator goes off after 6
seconds.
If any service reminder indicator or warning buzzer does not
function as described above, have it checked by your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
57
MULTIINFORMATION DISPLAY
13E068
The following information is displayed in the instrument
cluster when you push the “MODE” button with the
ignition switch turned on.
Each time you push the “MODE” button, the display
toggles through this information.
(1) Instantaneous fuel consumption
(2) Average fuel consumption
(3) Driving range
(4) Average vehicle speed
(5) Driving time
The displayed values in the multiinformation display indicate
general driving conditions. Accuracy varies with driving habits
and road conditions.
When the ignition switch is on, the last previously used mode
displayed just before the ignition switch is off will appear.
If the electrical power source has been disconnected from the
multiinformation display , the display will automatically be set
to the initial mode.
When the instrument panel lights are turned on, the brightness
of the display will be reduced.
CAUTION
Do not adjust the display while the vehicle is moving.
Be sure to adjust the display only when the vehicle is
stopped.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
58
(1) Instantaneous fuel consumption(“MPG” or “L/100km”)
The instantaneous fuel consumption is calculated and
displayed based on distance and fuel consumption for 2
seconds with the engine running.
The displayed value is updated every 2 seconds.
Note that an accurate figure may not be shown in the following
cases.
 When the vehicle is stopped with the engine running, the
display will indicate the extremely high fuel consumption.
 When the vehicle is driving down a long slope, applying the
engine brake, the display will indicate the extremely low fuel
consumption.
The calculation is reset when the ignition switch is turned off.
(2) Average fuel consumption (“AVG. MPG” or “AVG. L/100 km”)
Average fuel consumption is calculated and displayed
based on total driving distance and total fuel consumption
with the engine running.
The displayed value is updated every 10 seconds.
To reset the calculations, push the “RESET” button.
(3) Driving range(“RANGE MI” or “RANGE km”)
The distance the vehicle can travel with the remaining fuel
is calculated and displayed based on the quantity of
remaining fuel and past fuel consumption.
The driving range display indicates the approximate distance
that you can drive until the fuel gauge reaches “E”. It is dif ferent
from the actual distance traveled.
The displayed value is updated every time the fuel equivalent
for 1 mile or 1 km is consumed.
Every time you refuel the vehicle, the calculation is reset.
The actual driving range varies with driving habits and road
conditions. If fuel consumption is good, the driving range will
be longer. If fuel consumption is poor, the driving range will be
shorter.
If the low fuel level warning light comes on, refuel even if the
display indicates that the vehicle can be driven further.
(4) Average vehicle speed (“AVG. MPH” or “AVG. km/h”)
Average vehicle speed is calculated and displayed based
on total driving distance and total driving time with the
engine running.
The displayed value is updated every 10 seconds.
To reset the calculations, push the “RESET” button.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
59
(5) Driving time(“E/T”)
The elapsed time after the engine starts is displayed.
When the engine is started, driving time is counted from 0:00.
Up to 99:59 (99 hours, 59 minutes) can be displayed. When
the driving time exceeds 99:59, the counter returns to 0:00.
To reset the calculations, push the “RESET” button.
INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT CONTROL
To adjust the brightness of the instrument panel lights,
turn the dial.
With the dial turned fully up, the intensity of the instrument
panel lights will not be reduced when the headlight switch is on.
If the instrument panel light control dial is turned fully down, the
foot lights will turn off.