2003 Lexus ES300 ignition

AUDIO
185
Push
this button on the lower side to skip backward. Push the
button until “REW” and the number you want to skip appear on
the display.
 If you set “REW 1”, the player will rewind to the beginning
of the current program.
 When counting the number of programs you want to rewind,
remember to count the current program as well. For
example, if you want to rewind to a song that is two before
the song you are listening to, push this button until “REW
3” appears on the display.
When the beginning of the tape is reached, the player
automatically resumes normal play.
There must be at least 3 seconds of blank space between
programs for this feature to work correctly.
“RPT”, “SKIP” and “Automatic program selection”
features: These features may not work well with some spoken
word, live or classical recordings.
Compact disc player operation
(a) Inserting or ejecting compact discs
The ignition switch must be in the “ACC” or “ON” position.
 Setting a compact disc:
Gently push a disc in with the label faces up. (The player
will automatically eject a disc if the label faces down.)

AUDIO
198
Using your audio system: some basics
This section describes some of the basic features of the Lexus
audio system. Some informat ion may not pertain to your
system.
Your audio system adjusts to the optimum volume and tone
quality automatically. While the system is adjusting the audio
sound, the audio sound fades out and then fades in.
Your audio system works when the ignition switch is in the
“ACC” or “ON” position.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not
leave the car audio on longer than necessary when the
engine is not running.
(a) Turning the system on and off
Push this knob to turn the audio system on and off. Turn
this knob to adjust the volume.
The system turns on in the last mode used.

AUDIO
209
Push
this button on the lower side to skip backward. Push the
button until “REW” and the number you want to skip appear on
the display.
 If you set “REW 1”, the player will rewind to the beginning
of the current program.
 When counting the number of programs you want to rewind,
remember to count the current program as well. For
example, if you want to rewind to a song that is two before
the song you are listening to, push this button until “REW
3” appears on the display.
When the beginning of the tape is reached, the player
automatically resumes normal play.
There must be at least 3 seconds of blank space between
programs for this feature to work correctly.
“RPT”, “SKIP” and “Automatic program selection”
features: These features may not work well with some spoken
word, live or classical recordings.
Compact disc player operation
(a) Inserting or ejecting compact discs
The ignition switch must be in the “ACC” or “ON” position.
Your compact disc player with changer can store up to 6 discs.
 Setting a single compact disc:
1. Push the “LOAD” button briefly.
The green indicators of the slot start blinking and “WAIT”
appears on the display. After the blinking indicators stay on
and “WAIT” changes to “LOAD”, the CD door opens.
2. Insert only one disc while the CD door is open.
You can set a disc at the lowest empty disc number.
After insertion, the set disc is automatically loaded.
If the label faces down, the disc cannot be played. In this case,
“ERROR 1” and disc number appear on the display.

SECTION 3 – 1
221
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three−way catalytic converter222
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 223
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Before starting the engine 224
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 225
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 226
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
How to start the engine 226
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 227
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 234
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. . . . . .
Electronic modulated suspension 237
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system 237
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle skid control system 240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 242
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 246
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 246
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .

STARTING AND DRIVING
222
THREEWAY CATALYTICCONVERTER
The threeway catalytic converters are emission control
devices installed in the exhaust system.
It looks somewhat like a muffler, but its purpose is to reduce
pollutants in the exhaust gas.
CAUTION
Keep people and combustible materials away from
the exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The
exhaust gas is very hot.
 Do not drive, idle or park your vehicle over anything
that might burn easily such as grass, leaves, paper or
rags.
NOTICE
A large amount of unburned gases flowing into the
threeway catalytic converter may cause it to overheat
and create a fire hazard. To prevent this and other
damage, observe the following precautions:
 Use only unleaded gasoline.
 Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level; running
out of fuel could cause the engine to misfire, creating
an excessive load on the threeway catalytic
converter.
 Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed for more
than 20 minutes.
 Avoid racing the engine.
 Do not pushstart or pullstart your vehicle.
 Do not turn off the ignition while the vehicle is
moving.
 Keep your engine in good running order.
Malfunctions in the engine electrical system,
electronic ignition system/distributor ignition
system or fuel system could cause an extremely high
threeway catalytic converter temperature.
 If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, take your vehicle in for a checkup as
soon as possible. Remember, your Lexus dealer
knows your vehicle and its threeway catalytic
converter system best.

STARTING AND DRIVING
225
IGNITION SWITCH WITH STEERINGLOCK
“START” Starter motor on. The key will return to the
“ON” position when released.
For starting tips, see page 226.
“ON” Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the “ON” position if the engine
is not running. The battery will discharge and the
electronic ignition system could be damaged.
“ACC” Accessories such as the radio operate, but the
engine is off. If you leave the key in the “ACC” or “LOCK” position and open
the driver’s door, a buzzer will remind you to remove the key.
“LOCK” Engine is off and the steering wheel is locked.
The ignition key can be removed only at this position.
To turn the ignition switch from “ACC” to the “LOCK” position,\
you must put the transmission selector lever in the “P”
position.
Once you remove the key, the engine immobiliser system is
automatically set. See “Engine immobiliser system” on page
14.
When starting the engine, the key may seem stuck at the
“LOCK” position. To free it, first be sure the key is pushed all
the way in, and then rock the steering wheel slightly while
turning the key gently.
If, in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the
vehicle is moving, turn the key only to “ACC”.

STARTING AND DRIVING
227
If the weather is below freezing, let the engine warm up for a
few minutes before driving. Do not leave the vehicle while the
engine is warming up.
If the engine stalls ...
Simply restart it, using the correct procedure given in normal
starting.
If the engine will not start ...
See “If your vehicle will not start” on page 264.
NOTICE

Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This
may overheat the starter and wiring systems.
 Do not race a cold engine.
 If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, have the engine checked immediately.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Your automatic transmission has a shift lock system to
minimize the possibility of incorrect operation. This
means you can only shift out of “P” position when the
brake pedal is depressed with the ignition switch in “ON”
position. ( )
31E158

STARTING AND DRIVING
229
(a) Normal driving
 1“P” (Park) position 2“N” (Neutral) position
1. Start the engine as instructed in “How to start the
engine” on page 226.
The transmission must be in “P” or “N”. The engine will not start
in any drive position even if the ignition key is turned to
“START”.
 1 Brake 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.