2003 Lexus ES300 cruise control

INTRODUCTION
ii
New vehicle warranty
Your new vehicle is covered by the following Lexus limited
warranties:
New vehicle warranty
 Emission control systems warranty
 Others
For further information, please refer to the “Owner’s Guide”,
“Owner’s Manual Supplement” or “Warranty Booklet”.
Your responsibility for maintenance
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure the specified
maintenance is performed. Section 5 of this Owner’s Manual
gives details of these maintenance requirements. Included in
Section 6 is general maintenance. For scheduled
maintenance information, please refer to the “Owner’s Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance”.
Accessories, spare parts and modification of
your Lexus
A wide variety of non −genuine spare parts and accessories for
Lexus vehicles are currently available in the market. You
should know that Toyota does not warrant these products and
is not responsible for their performance, repair, or
replacement, or for any damage they may cause to, or adverse
effect they may have on, your Lexus vehicle. This vehicle should not be modified with non
−genuine Lexus
products. Modification with non −genuine Lexus products
could af fect its performance, safety or durability, and may even
violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or
performance problems resulting from the modification may not
be covered under warranty.
Spark ignition system of your Lexus
The spark ignition system in your Lexus meets all
requirements of the Canadian Interference− Causing
Equipment Standard.
Installation of a mobile twoway radio system
As the installation of a mobile two −way radio system in your
vehicle could affect electronic systems such as the multiport
fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel injection system,
cruise control system, anti −lock brake system, SRS airbag
system and seat belt pretensioner system, be sure to check
with your Lexus dealer for precautionary measures or special
instructions regarding installation.
Scrapping of your Lexus
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your
Lexus contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped
with the airbags and seat belt pretensioners left as they are,
this may cause an accident such as fire. Be sure to have the
systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner removed
and disposed of by a qualified service shop or by your Lexus
dealer before you scrap your vehicle.

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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BE056
BE057
Shift while pressing the brake pedal. (Ignition
switch must be in the “ON” position.)
NOTE: When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift from \
“D” to “4”, engine braking will not be enabled
because the cruise control is not cancelled. For the operation to decre\
ase the vehicle speed, see page 236.
OPERATION OF SELECTOR LEVER
SELECTOR LEVER POSITION
P: Parking, engine starting and key removal
position
R: Reverse position
N: Neutral position
D: Normal driving position (shifting into
overdrive possible)
4: Position for engine braking (shifting into
overdrive not possible)
3, 2: Position for more powerful engine braking
L: Position for maximum engine braking
QUICK REFERENCE
4
4. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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
228
The shift position is displayed on the instrument
cluster.
P: Parking, engine starting and key removal position
R: Reverse position
N: Neutral position
D: Normal driving position (shifting into overdrive possible)
4: Position for engine braking (shifting into overdrive not
possible)
When the cruise control is being used, even if you
downshift from “D” to “4”, engine braking will not be
enabled because the cruise control is not cancelled. For
the operation to decrease the vehicle speed, see page
236.
3, 2: Position for more powerful engine braking
L: Position for maximum engine braking Correct
use of the automatic transmission is explained in
the following parts.
(a) Normal driving
(b) Using engine braking
(c) Using the “3”, “2” and “L” positions
(d) Backing up
(e) Parking
(f) Good driving practice
(g) If you cannot shift the selector lever

STARTING AND DRIVING
2303. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress
the accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting.
In normal cruising, the vehicle will start in first gear and
automatically shift up to the most suitable gear. On inclines,
declines or
winding roads, etc., the vehicle shifts up and down
automatically according to the running conditions to obtain the
suitable driving power and engine braking.
When the lever is in the “4” position, the automatic
transmission system will select the most suitable gear for the
running conditions such as hill climbing, hard towing, etc.
If you need to accelerate rapidly while driving, depress the
accelerator pedal to the full throttle position. This provides
more acceleration by auto matically downshifting the
transmission to the next lower gear or beyond, depending on
the vehicle speed.
If engine braking is needed, such as in descending a long hill,
see “(b) Using engine braking”.
(b) Using engine braking
To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the
transmission in the way described below:
1 Shift into the “4” position. The transmission will downshift
to fourth gear and engine braking will be enabled.
When the cruise control is being used, even if you
downshift from “D” to “4”, engine braking will not be
applied because the cruise control is not cancelled. If you
need to decrease the vehicle speed, see page 236.
2 Shift into the “3” position. The transmission will downshift
to third gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower
than 147 km/h (91 mph) and more powerful engine
braking will be enabled.