2003 Lexus ES300 Engine

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
53
(c) Front Passenger’s Seat Belt ReminderLight
This light reminds you to buckle up the front passenger’s seat
belt.
Once the ignition key is tur ned to the “ON” position, the
reminder light flashes if a front passenger sits in the front
passenger seat and does not fasten the seat belt. Unless the
front passenger fastens the belt, the light keeps flashing.
If luggage load is placed on the front passenger seat,
depending on its weight and how it is placed on the seat,
built−in sensors in the seat cushion may detect the pressure,
causing the reminder light to come on.
(d) SRS Warning Light
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This
means the SRS airbags and seat belt pretensioners are
operating properly.
This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor
assembly, front airbag sensors, side and curtain shield airbag
sensor assemblies, curtain shield airbag sensor assemblies,
driver’s seat position sensor, driver’s seat belt buckle switch,
front seat belt pretensioner assemblies, inflators, warning light,
interconnecting wiring and power sources. 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.
 When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, the
light does not come on, remains on or flashes.
 The light comes on or starts flashing while driving.
If the light stays on, it indicates that the driver and front
passenger airbags fail. If the light flashes, the side and curtain
shield airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners fail.
(e) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, stop the vehicle, turn off the
engine, and check for the cause. Look first at the engine drive
belt.
 If it is loose or broken, the generator will not charge the
battery properly.
 If the belt is O.K., there is a problem somewhere in the
charging system.
The engine ignition will continue to operate, however, until the
battery is discharged. Turn off the air conditioning, blower,
radio, etc., and drive directly to the nearest Lexus dealer or
repair shop.

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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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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
60
(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.

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61
(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.

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INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
68
CIGARETTE LIGHTER ANDASHTRAY
Cigarette lighter and ashtray
To use the cigarette lighter and ashtray, first push against
the ashtray cover. Then when the ashtray opens out,
press in the cigarette lighter. After it finishes heating up,
it automatically pops out ready for use.
Do not hold the cigarette lighter pressed in.
If the engine is not running, the ignition key must be in the
“ACC” position to use the lighter.
When finished with your cigarette, thoroughly extinguish it in
the ashtray to prevent other cigarette butts from catching fire.
After using the ashtray, push it back in completely.
To remove the ashtray, just pull it up. Use a Lexus genuine cigarette lighter or equivalent for
replacement.
When finished with your cigarette, thoroughly extinguish it in
the ashtray to prevent other cigarette butts from catching fire.
After using the ashtray, close the lid completely.
To remove the ashtray, pull it
out while pressing on the snuffer
bridge to release the catch.
CAUTION
To reduce the chance of injury in case of an accident or
sudden stop while driving, always completely close the
ashtray after use.

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INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
69
POWER OUTLET
The power outlet is designed for power supply for car
accessories.
The ignition key must be in the “ACC” or “ON” position for t\
he
power outlet to be used.
NOTICE
To prevent the fuse from being blown, do not use the
electricity over the total vehicle capacity of
12V/120W.
 To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not
use the power outlet longer than necessary when the
engine is not running.
Close the power outlet lid when the power outlet is
not in use. Inserting a foreign object other than the
appropriate plug that fits the outlet, or allowing any
liquid into the outlet may cause electrical failure or
short circuits.

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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
14E092
To secure your luggage, use the tiedown hooks as
shown above.
See “Luggage stowage precautions” on page 81 for
precautions in loading luggage.