2002 Lexus IS300 ESP

STARTING AND DRIVING
228
SS31019

1Power position 2Normal position
3Snow position
2. Set the driving pattern selector switch to the ºNormalº
position.
Your transmission has a driving pattern selector switch which
allows you to select ºPowerº, ºNormalº or ºSnowº mode \
to suit
your driving condition. For ordinary driving, Lexus
recommends that you use the ºNormalº position to improve fuel
economy.
3. For more powerful acceleration and sporty driving, use
the ºPowerº position.
In the ºPowerº position, the ºECT PWRº light in the instrument\
cluster is on and the transmission is shifted up at higher vehicle
speeds and shifted down more responsively than in the
ºNormalº position.
For ºSnowº mode, see ºElectronic Throttle Control
Systemº on page 246.
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. 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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
232
3Shift into the º2º position. The transmission will downshift
to second gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes
lower than the speed listed below and stronger engine
braking than that of º3º position will be obtained.
4Shift into the ºLº position. The transmission will downshift
to first gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower
than the speed listed below and maximum engine braking
will be enabled.
º4º 177 km/h (110 mph)
º3º 123 km/h ( 76 mph)
º2º 81 km/h ( 51 mph)
ºLº 17 km/h ( 11 mph)
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface.
The abrupt change in engine speed could cause the
vehicle to spin or skid.
(d) Using the º3º, º2º and ºLº positions
The º3º, º2º and ºLº positions are used for strong eng\
ine
braking as described previously.
With the selector lever in º3º, º2º or ºLº, you can start t\
he vehicle
in motion as with the lever in ºDº.
With the selector lever in º3º or º2º, the vehicle will star\
t in the
first gear and automatically shift to third or second gear.
With the selector lever in ºLº, the transmission is engaged in
the first gear.
NOTICE
Be careful not to over±rev the engine. Watch the tachometer to keep engine rpm from going into thered zone. The approximate maximum allowablespeed for each position is given below for yourreference:
º3º 124 km/h (78 mph)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
º2º 81 km/h (51 mph)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ºLº 52 km/h (33 mph)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long
time in the º3º, º2º or ºLº position. This may causesevere automatic transmission damage from
overheating. To prevent such damage, º4º positionshould be used in hill climbing or hard towing.

STARTING AND DRIVING
237
ELECTRONIC CONTROLLEDTRANSMISSION
(Vehicle with automatic transmission only)
SV31039

1Power position 2Normal position
The electronic controlled system has 2 modes: Normal
and Power modes.
Normal mode: For ordinary driving, Lexus recommends that
you use the normal mode to improve fuel economy.
Power mode: For more powerful acceleration and sporty
driving.
In the power mode, the ºECT PWRº light in the instrument
cluster is on and the transmission is shifted up at higher vehicle
speeds and shifted down more responsively than in the normal
mode.
CRUISE CONTROL
The cruise control allows you to cruise the vehicle at a
desired speed over 40 km/h (25 mph) with your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
Your cruising speed can be maintained although a slight speed
change may occur when driving up or down a gradient, within
the limits of engine performance. On steeper hills, a great
speed change will occur so it is better to drive without the cruise
control.
When the cruise control is on, the driving pattern of the
automatic transmission is fixed in the normal position,
regardless of the position of the selector switch.
CAUTION
 To help maintain maximum control of your vehicle,
do not use the cruise control when driving in heavy
or varying traffic, or on slippery (rainy, icy or
snow±covered) or winding roads.
 Avoid vehicle speed increases when driving
downhill. If the vehicle speed is too fast in relation to
the cruise control set speed, cancel the cruise
control then downshift the transmission to use
engine braking to slow down.

STARTING AND DRIVING
248
Driving on rough, gravel or snow±covered roads.
 Driving with tire chains installed.
 Driving over the steps such as the joints on the road.
 Driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or
has other differences in surface height.
Install all 4 tires of specified size at appropriate
pressure: The anti±lock brake system detects vehicle
speeds using the speed sensors for respective wheels'
turning speeds. The use of tires other than specified
may fail to detect the accurate turning speed resulting
in a longer stopping distance.ºABSº warning light
SV31014

U.S.A.
SV31031

CANADA

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
262
IF YOUR ENGINE STALLS WHILEDRIVING
If your engine stalls while driving . . . .
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line.
Move cautiously off the road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Try starting the engine again.
If the engine will not start, see ºIf your vehicle will not startº\
.
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 INCREASE THEENGINE SPEED
If 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 you vehicle at low speeds. Have your
vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Even if the abnorma lity 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.
CAUTION
Be especially careful to prevent erroneous pedal
operation.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
269
Compact spare tire (Some models)
SV64025
The compact spare tire is designed for temporary
emergency use only.
The compact spare tire is identified by the distinctive wheel
design and color and special wording ºTEMPORARY USE
ONLYº molded into the side wall of the tire.
The standard tire should be repaired and replaced as soon as
possible.
To keep the compact spare tire noticeable, do not hide the
wheel by a wheel cover or such.
The compact spare tire saves space in your luggage
compartment, and its lighter weight helps to improve fuel
economy and permits easier installation in case of a flat tire.The compact spare tire can be used many times, if necessary.
It has tread life of up to 4800 km (3000 miles) depending on
road conditions and your driving habits. When tread wear
indicators appear on the tire, replace the tire. (See ºChecking
and replacing tiresº on page 326.)
CAUTION

The compact spare tire was designed especially for
your Lexus. Do not use it on any other vehicle.
 Do not exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) when driving with the
compact spare tire.
 Avoid sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration and
sharp turns with the compact spare tire.
NOTICE
Your ground clearance is reduced when the compact
spare tire is installed so avoid driving over obstaclesand drive slowly on rough, unpaved roads and speedbumps. Also, do not attempt to go through an automatic
car wash as the vehicle may get caught, resulting in damage.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
272
CAUTION
SportCross:
The spare tire was designed especially for your
Lexus. Do not use it on any other vehicle.
 Do not use more than one spare tire at the same time.
 Do not exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) when driving with the
spare tire.
 Avoid sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration and
sharp turns with the spare tire.
Changing procedure
SV41027

1Jack 2Jack handle 3Wrench 4 Spare tire
1. Get the jack, wrench and spare tire.
To prepare yourself for an emergency, you should familiarize
yourself with the use of the jack and each tool, and their
storage locations.

MAINTENANCE
288
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Your Lexus vehicle has been designed for fewer maintenance
requirements with longer service intervals to save both your
time and money. However, each regular maintenance as well
as day±to±day care is more important than ever before to
ensure smooth, trouble±free, safe, and economical driving.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure the specified
maintenance, including general maintenance services, is
performed. Note that both the new vehicle and emission
control system warranties specify that proper maintenance
and care must be performed. See ºOwner's Guideº, ºOwner's
Manual Supplementº or ºWarranty Bookletº for complete
warranty information.
General maintenance
General maintenance items are those day±to±day care
practices that are important to your vehicle for proper
operation. It is the owner's responsibility to ensure that the
general maintenance items are performed regularly.
These checks or inspections can be done either by yourself or
your Lexus dealer.
Scheduled maintenance
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the ºOwner's
Manual Supplement / Scheduled Maintenanceº are those
required to be serviced at regular intervals.
For details of your maintenance schedule, read the ºOwner's
Manual Supplement / Scheduled Maintenanceº.
It is recommended that only genuine Lexus parts be used
for maintenance.
The owner may elect to use non±Lexus supplied parts for
replacement purposes without invalidating the emission
control system warranty. However, use of replacement
parts which are not of equivalent quality may impair the
effectiveness of the emission control systems.
You may also elect to have maintenance, replacement, or
repair of the emission control devices and system
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual without invalidating this warranty. See
ºOwner's Guideº, ºOwner's Manual Supplementº or
ºWarranty Bookletº for complete warranty information.