2003 Lexus ES300 Traction

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viPage
1
Door lock switch and power window
switches 24, 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Driving position memory switches 152
. . . . . . . . . . .
3 Power rear view mirror control switches 102 . . . . . .
4 Side vents 170
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Instrument panel light control dial 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Headlight, turn signal and
fog light switches 28, 30, 33, 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Multiinformation display control switches 59 . . . .
8 Ignition switch 225
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Wiper and washer switches 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Seat heater switches 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Emergency flasher switch 43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Clock 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . .
13 Car audio 174, 196
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Front passenger’s seat belt reminder light 53 . . . . .
15 Security indicator light 14, 156
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
16 Glove box
70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Automatic air conditioning controls 160
. . . . . . . . . .
18 Rear window and outside rear view mirror
defogger switch 39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Ashtray 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
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20 Automatic transmission selector lever 227 . . . . . . . .
21 Rear electric sunshade switch 79
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Electronic modulated suspension
control switch 237 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Traction control system off switch 238
. . . . . . . . . . .
24 Cruise control switch 234
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Power adjustable pedals switch 100
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Parking brake pedal 226
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Auxiliary box 76
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Hood lock release lever 84
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 Trunk lid opener 85
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30 Fuel filler door opener 87
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viiiPage
1
Tachometer 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Traction control system off indicator light 238 . . . .
3 Vehicle skid control system/traction control
system warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Headlight indicator light 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Headlight high beam indicator light 33
. . . . . . . . . . .
6 Turn signal indicator light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Fog light indicator light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Cruise control indicator light 234
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Slip indicator light 238, 240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low fuel level warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Automatic transmission indicator lights 227 . . . . . .
13 Engine coolant temperature gauge 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Odometer and trip meter
50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Trip meter reset knob 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Fuel gauge 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Low washer fluid warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Low engine oil level warning light 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Multiinformation display 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Rear light failure warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low engine oil pressure warning light 54
. . . . . . . . .
22 Brake system warning light 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Antilock brake system warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . .
24 Driver’s seat belt reminder light 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Discharge warning light 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 SRS warning light 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Open door warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Malfunction indicator lamp 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xPage
1
Tachometer 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Traction control system off indicator light 238 . . . .
3 Vehicle skid control system/traction control
system warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Tail light indicator light 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Headlight high beam indicator light 33
. . . . . . . . . . .
6 Turn signal indicator light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Fog light indicator light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Cruise control indicator light 234
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Slip indicator light 238, 240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low fuel level warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Automatic transmission indicator lights 227 . . . . . .
13 Engine coolant temperature gauge 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Odometer and trip meter
50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Trip meter reset knob 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Fuel gauge 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Low washer fluid warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Low engine oil level warning light 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Multiinformation display 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Rear light failure warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low engine oil pressure warning light 54
. . . . . . . . .
22 Brake system warning light 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Antilock brake system warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . .
24 Driver’s seat belt reminder light 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Discharge warning light 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 SRS warning light 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Open door warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Malfunction indicator lamp 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SWITCHES
38
Shifting the windshield wiper position
 1Rest position 2Retracted position
The wiper blades retract under the hood when the wipers are
turned off.
In the following cases, the wipers should be shifted from the
retracted position (position 2) to the rest position (position 1)
above the hood level.
 When cleaning the windshield
 When inspecting or replacing the wipers
 When the retraction may be obstructed by snow, etc., at the
bottom of the windshield
Other than the above cases, keep the wipers in the retracted
position.
* More than 10 cm (3.9 in.)
SHIFTING TO THE REST POSITION
Hold the connection of the wiper arm and wiper blade and
pull it upward for more than 10 cm (3.9 in.) along the
windshield glass with the force of about 98 N (10 kgf, 22
lbf).
NOTICE
To prevent the wiper blades from being deformed, be
sure to hold the connection of the wiper arm and wiper
blade securely.

Finish
GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
56If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates
a malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the
warning light. 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 “ON” 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 “ABS” 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 antilock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.
Vehicles with vehicle skid control system—
The light comes on with the ignition key turned to the “ON”
position. If the anti−lock brake system and the brake assist
system work 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, the brake
assist system, the traction control system and the vehicle skid
control system do 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.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates
a malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the
warning light. 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 “ON” 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 “ABS” 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 antilock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.

Finish
GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
57
(j) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the doors are completely closed.
(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) Vehicle Skid Control System/Traction Control System Warning Light
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 “ON”
and will go off after a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the system does not work.
However, as conventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driving.
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:
The warning light does not come on after the ignition key is
turned to “ON”.
 The warning light remains on after the ignition key is turned
to “ON”.
 The warning light comes on while driving. The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will come on when the “VSC”
warning light comes on even if the “TRAC OFF” switch is not
pushed.
(m) Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
This light comes on when the fluid level in the tank becomes
nearly empty. Fill the tank as soon as possible.
(n) Automatic Headlight Leveling System
Warning Light (vehicles with discharge
headlight only)
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.
(o) 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.
(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 “ACC” or “LOCK”
position.

SECTION 3 – 1
221
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three−way catalytic converter222
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 223
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
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
237
ELECTRONIC MODULATEDSUSPENSION
This electronic modulated suspension adjusts the
damping effect on the shock absorbers with the control
switch. Select one of the 4 modes which is suited to the
driving conditions with the control switch to provide good
riding comfort and stability.
1 For sporty type driving such as on winding mountain
roads and high speed driving
2For moderate high speed driving
3For ordinary driving such as in the city traffic
4For driving on a bumpy road
5Soft
6Firm
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically helps prevent
the spinning of front wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the ignition key is turned to “ON”, the system
automatically turns on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of
the vehicle and power against front wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction control system is
in operation. Do not drive the vehicle under any speed
or maneuvering conditions which may cause the
vehicle to lose traction control. In situations where the
road surface is covered with ice or snow, your vehicle
should be fitted with snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious speed for the
present road conditions.