2003 Lexus ES300 Page 57

SWITCHES
42
Operating the windows from outside the
vehicle
The windows can be opened using an ignition key.*NOTE:
* This feature can be deactivated.
Ask your Lexus dealer for details.
Insert the ignition key into the key hole on the driver’s
door.
Turn the key in the unlocking direction and hold it.
After the doors are unlocked, the windows begin to open. To
stop in the middle, return the key.
The windows also can be opened using the wireless remote
control. For details, see page 19.
Jam protection function
During automatic raising operation or key off raising operation,
the window stops and is lowered if something gets caught
between the window and window frame.
If the window receives a strong impact, this function may work
even if nothing is caught.
CAUTION
To avoid serious personal injury, you must do the
following.
 Before you close the power windows, always make
sure there is nobody around the power windows. You
must also make sure the heads, hands and other
parts of the bodies of all occupants are kept
completely inside the vehicle. If someone’s neck,
head or hands get caught in a closing window, it
could result in a serious injury. When anyone closes
the power windows, make sure he or she operates the
windows safely.
 When small children are in the vehicle, never let them
use the power window switches without supervision.
Use the window lock switch to prevent them from
making unexpected use of the switches.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
49
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
stop−and−go 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 269.
TACHOMETER
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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.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
54
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 311.)
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.
In normal conditions, due to engine oil consumption, this light
may come on earlier than the specified service interval of the
scheduled maintenance. This is because the engine oil is
consumed to the low level within the scheduled maintenance
interval and does not indicate a problem. (For detailed
information, see “Facts about engine oil consumption” on page
309.)
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.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
55

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.
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 (On −Board Diagnostics) system before taking your
vehicle for the inspection.
For details, see “Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M)
programs” on page 293.
(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 anti −lock 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 anti− lock 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 anti− lock brake system does not
operate so that the wheels could lock up during a sudden
braking or braking on slippery road surfaces.

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INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
65
Sun visors
1To block out glare from the front , swing the sun visor
down.
2To block out glare from the side, remove the sun visor
from the hook and swing it to the side.
3To block out glare coming obliquely from behind you,
slide the visor backward.
At this position, the vanity light does not come on.
INTERIOR LIGHT
14E130
To turn on the interior light, slide the switch.
The interior light switch has the following positions:
“ON”—Keeps the light on all the time.
“OFF”—Turns the light off.
“DOOR”—Turns the light on when any of the doors is opened.
The light goes off when all the doors are closed. For details,
see “Illuminated entry system” on page 66.

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INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
70
GLOVE BOX
 1Unlock 2Open 3Lock
To open the glove box door, pull the lever. To lock the
glove box door, insert the master key and turn it
clockwise.
With the tail lights on, the glove box light will come on when the
glove box door is open.
The trunk lid opener main switch is installed inside the glove
box. See page 85 for further information.
CAUTION
To reduce the chance of injury in case of an accident or
a sudden stop, always keep the glove box door closed
while driving.
REAR CONSOLE BOX
14E104
 1 Upper tray 2Console box
To access the upper tray, push the lock release button and
raise the lid. To access the console box, pull up the lock
release lever and raise the lid.
The rear console box light comes on when the tail lights are
turned on.
CAUTION
To reduce the chance of injury in case of an accident or
a sudden stop, always keep the rear console box closed
while driving.

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INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
80
CAUTION
Do not touch the brackets fastening the sunshade to
avoid injuring your fingers or hands.
 Do not put your fingers in the sunshade groove while
the sunshade is operating to avoid getting them
caught or injured by the runner.
NOTICE
To prevent the vehicle battery from being discharged,
always operate the sunshade while the engine is
running.
 Observe the following to avoid damage and/or
malfunction:
Do not overload the sunshade motor and other parts
(for instance by pushing down on the sunshade
bracket while it is opening).
Do not place anything where they may hinder the
opening/closing of the sunshade.
Do not affix anything to the sunshade.
Clean the sunshade groove if there is any foreign
matter or dust on it.
Do not operate the rear electric sunshade repeatedly
for a long time as its motor may overheat.
TIEDOWN HOOKS
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To secure your luggage, use the tiedown hooks as
shown above.
See “Luggage stowage precautions” on page 81 for
precautions in loading luggage.

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
85
TRUNK LID
Trunk lid opener
To open the trunk lid, push the switch.
To close the trunk lid, lower it and press down on it. After
closing the trunk lid, try pulling it up to make sure it is securely
closed.
The trunk lid can be unlocked using the wireless remote control
key. For details, see page 18.
CAUTION
Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. This not only
keeps the luggage from being thrown out, but also
prevents exhaust gases from entering the vehicle.
Trunk lid opener main switch
 1 Main switch 2Operative 3Inoperative
If you do not want to activate the trunk lid opener system,
turn off the main switch in the glove box. To turn it on,
push in the main switch.