2002 Lexus IS300 traction control

6.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
vi
Page
1Power door lock switch and power window switches 21, 33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Power rear view mirror control switches 103 . . . . . .
3Rear fog light switch 29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Headlight cleaner switch 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Headlight, turn signal and fog light
switch 26, 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6Transmission shift switches 229
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Instrument panel light control 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Cruise control switch 237
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Wiper and washer switches 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10Ignition switch 223
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Emergency flasher switch 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Outside temperature display/Clock 57
. . . . . . . . . . . .
13Front passenger's seat belt reminder light 45 . . . . . Page
14Automatic air conditioning controls
176
. . . . . . . . . .
15Car audio 190
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Seat heater switches 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17Glove box 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18Parking brake lever 224
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Driving pattern selector switch
(Automatic transmission) 226 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20Ashtray 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
21Cigarette lighter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22Automatic transmission selector lever/Manual
transmission gear shift lever 226, 235 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23Traction control system off/Snow mode switch
(Manual transmission) 240 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Hood lock release lever 80
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viii
Page
1Tachometer41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Headlight high beam indicator light 28
. . . . . . . . . . .
3Low engine oil level warning light 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Vehicle skid control system warning light 49 . . . . . .
5Turn signal indicator lights 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6Cruise control indicator light 237
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Momentary fuel consumption meter 40. . . . . . . . . . .
8Voltmeter40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Automatic headlight leveling system warning
light 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
10Engine coolant temperature gauge 39
. . . . . . . . . . . .
11Anti±lock brake system warning light 48
. . . . . . . . . .
12Malfunction indicator lamp 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Fuel gauge 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14Low fuel level warning light 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Odometer and trip meter 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Power mode indicator light 228
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
17Snow mode indicator light
228
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18ODO/TRIP knob 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Automatic transmission indicator lights 226 . . . . . .
20M mode indicator 229
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Gear position indicator for manual control 229 . . . .
22Discharge warning light 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23Rear light failure warning light 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Security indicator light 172. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Traction control system
off indicator/warning light 49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26Low engine oil pressure warning light 46
. . . . . . . . .
27Slip indicator light 240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Brake system warning light 43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29SRS warning light 45
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30Open door warning light 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Driver's seat belt reminder light 45
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
x
Page
1Tachometer41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Headlight high beam indicator light 28
. . . . . . . . . . .
3Low engine oil level warning light 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Vehicle skid control system warning light 49 . . . . . .
5Turn signal indicator lights 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6Cruise control indicator light 237
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Momentary fuel consumption meter 40. . . . . . . . . . .
8Voltmeter40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Automatic headlight leveling system warning
light 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
10Engine coolant temperature gauge 39
. . . . . . . . . . . .
11Anti±lock brake system warning light 48
. . . . . . . . . .
12Malfunction indicator lamp 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Fuel gauge 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14Low fuel level warning light 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Odometer and trip meter 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Power mode indicator light 228
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
17Snow mode indicator light
228
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18ODO/TRIP knob 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Automatic transmission indicator lights 226 . . . . . .
20M mode indicator 229
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Gear position indicator for manual control 229 . . . .
22Discharge warning light 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23Rear light failure warning light 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Security indicator light 172. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Traction control system
off indicator/warning light 49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26Low engine oil pressure warning light 46
. . . . . . . . .
27Slip indicator light 240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Brake system warning light 43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29SRS warning light 45
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30Open door warning light 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Driver's seat belt reminder light 45
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
48Emissions 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 (On±Board Diagnostics) system before taking your
vehicle for the inspection.
For details, see ºEmissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M)
programsº on page 293.
(i) ºABSº Warning Light
The light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the ºONº
position. If the anti±lock brake system and the brake assist
system work properly, the light turns off after a few seconds.
Thereafter, if either of the systems 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, the brake
assist system, the traction control system and/or the vehicle
skid control system do 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.
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.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
49
(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 switch 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)Vehicle Skid Control System Warning Light
(With vehicle skid control system)
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 ºONº,
and will go off after a few seconds.If the ºVSCº warning light comes on, the vehicle skid control
system and traction control system do not work. However, as
conventional braking operates when applied, there is no
problem to continue your driving.
If any 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 ºVSCº warning light does not come on after the ignition
is turned to on.
 The ºVSCº warning light remains on after the ignition is
turned to on.
 The ºVSCº warning light comes on while driving without
pushing ºTRAC OFFº switch.
(o) 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.
(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 ºACCº or ºLOCKº
position.

SECTION 3 ± 1
219
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converter220
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 221
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 222
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 223
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 224
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
How to start the engine 225
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 226
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission 235
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\

Electronic controlled transmission 237
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 237
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Traction control system 240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle skid control system 244
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic throttle control system 246
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 246
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Brake pad wear indicators 250
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 251
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . Limited ±slip differential
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252

STARTING AND DRIVING
240
Cruise control failure warning
If the ºCRUISEº indicator light in the instrument cluster flashes
five times and then goes out when using the cruise control, it
means that there is trouble in the cruise control system.
Contact your Lexus dealer.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
(With vehicle skid 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.
SV31037

Slip 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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
241
SV31033
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.
When getting the vehicle out of mud or new snow, etc. the
traction control system will help operate to prevent the wheels
from spinning.
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.
Traction control system failure warning
SV31035
These lights warn that there is a problem somewhere in the
vehicle skid control system or traction control system.
The lights will come on when the ignition key is turned to ºONº,
and will go off after a few seconds.
If the ºVSCº warning light and ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning
light come on, the vehicle skid control system and traction
control system do not work. However, as conventional braking
operates when applied, there is no problem to continue your
driving.
If any 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 ºVSCº warning light or ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning
light do not come on after the ignition is turned to on.