2002 Lexus ES300 engine coolant

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viiiPage
1
Tachometer 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Traction control system off indicator light 234 . . . .
3 Vehicle skid control system/traction control
system warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Headlight indicator light 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Headlight high beam indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . .
6 Turn signal indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Fog light indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Cruise control indicator light 230
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Slip indicator light 234, 236
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low fuel level warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Automatic transmission indicator lights 223 . . . . . .
13 Engine coolant temperature gauge 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Odometer and trip meter
48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Trip meter reset knob 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Fuel gauge 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Low washer fluid warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Low engine oil level warning light 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Multiinformation display 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Rear light failure warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low engine oil pressure warning light 52
. . . . . . . . .
22 Brake system warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Antilock brake system warning light 53
. . . . . . . . . .
24 Driver’s seat belt reminder light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Discharge warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 SRS warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Open door warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Malfunction indicator lamp 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xPage
1
Tachometer 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Traction control system off indicator light 234 . . . .
3 Vehicle skid control system/traction control
system warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Tail light indicator light 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Headlight high beam indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . .
6 Turn signal indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Fog light indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Cruise control indicator light 230
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Slip indicator light 234, 236
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low fuel level warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Automatic transmission indicator lights 223 . . . . . .
13 Engine coolant temperature gauge 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Odometer and trip meter
48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Trip meter reset knob 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Fuel gauge 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Low washer fluid warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Low engine oil level warning light 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Multiinformation display 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Rear light failure warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low engine oil pressure warning light 52
. . . . . . . . .
22 Brake system warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Antilock brake system warning light 53
. . . . . . . . . .
24 Driver’s seat belt reminder light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Discharge warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 SRS warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Open door warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Malfunction indicator lamp 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 1 – 3
45
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder
indicators
Fuel gauge46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Odometer and trip meter 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multiinformation display 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel light control 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
46
FUEL GAUGE
Low fuel level warning light
The gauge is displayed when the ignition switch is on and
indicates the approximate quantity of fuel remaining in the
tank.
It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4 full.
If the fuel level approaches “E” or the low fuel level warning light\
comes on, fill the fuel tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the tank,
the fuel gauge needle may fluctuate or the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than usual.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the malfunction indicator
lamp comes on. Fill the fuel tank immediately.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times. If the
indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible. See the inner back cover for fuel capacity and recommended
fuel selection.
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
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.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
47
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
stopandgo traffic.
 Towing a trailer.
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in the engine cooling
system as this may cause the engine to overheat. The
thermostat is designed to control the flow of coolant
to keep the temperature of the engine within the
specified operating range.
 Do not continue driving with an overheated engine.
See “If your vehicle overheats” on page 263.
TACHOMETER
13E064
The tachometer indicates engine speed in thousands of
rpm (revolutions per minute). Use it while driving to
prevent engine overrevving.
Driving with the engine running too fast causes excessive
engine wear and poor fuel economy. Remember, in most
cases the slower the engine speed, the greater the fuel
economy.
NOTICE
Do not let the indicator needle get into the red zone. This
may cause severe engine damage.

STARTING AND DRIVING
225
 1Brake pedal 2“D” (Drive) position
2. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the
selector lever to “D”.
Always use the “D” 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 “D” position. (See “(b) Using engine braking” and\
”(f)
Good driving practice” for exceptions.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while
shifting.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress
the accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting.
In normal cruising, the vehicle will start in first gear and
automatically shift up to the most suitable gear. On inclines,
declines or winding roads, 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 the “4” 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 “(b) Using engine braking”.

DRIVING TIPS
246
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have a proper freeze protection of engine
coolant.
Your coolant must contain ethyleneglycol type coolant for a
proper corrosion protection of aluminum components. Use
“Toyota Long Life Coolant” or equivalent. See “Checking the
engine coolant level” on page 306 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 pr ovide enough power for winter
starting. Page 329 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 305 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 deicer 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 “P” and block the rear
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.

DRIVING TIPS
252
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently
than when not towing. The three main causes of
vehicletrailer accidents are driver error , excessive speed
and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when
towing:
 Before starting out, check the operation of the lights and all
vehicletrailer connections. After driving a short distance,
stop and recheck the lights and connections. Practice
turning, stopping and backing with a trailer in an area away
from traffic until you learn the feel.
 Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice. Grip
the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the
left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right
to move the trailer to the right. (This procedure is generally
opposite to that when backing without a trailer.) Also, just
turn the steering wheel a little at a time, avoiding sharp or
prolonged turning. Have someone guide you when backing
to reduce the risk of an accident.
 Because stopping distance may be increased,
vehicletovehicle distance should be increased when
towing a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow
at least one vehicle and trailer length between you and the
vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as you may skid,
resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This is especially
true on wet or slippery surfaces.
 Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration. 
Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit
your vehicle in a tight turn. Slow down before making a turn
to avoid the need of sudden braking.
 Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will
be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn.
Therefore, compensate for this by making a larger than
normal turning radius with your vehicle.
 Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling
of your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention to
the rear from time to time to prepare yourself for being
passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your
vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying happens, firmly grip
the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately but
gradually. Never increase speed. If it is necessary to
reduce speed, brake slowly. Steer straight ahead. If you
make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes,
your vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
 Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires
considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not
forget the length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty
of room before changing lanes.
 In order to maintain efficient engine braking and electrical
charging performance, do not use overdrive.
 Because of the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s
engine may overheat on hot days (at temperatures over
30 C [85 F]) when going up a long or steep grade with a
trailer. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in
use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
See “If your vehicle overheats” on page 263.