2003 Lexus ES300 index

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
iii
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
The contents of this manual are explained briefly on this
page to help you make the best use of the manual. Please
read this page and the rest of the Owner’s Manual
carefully to make sure you fully understand the operation
of your vehicle.
This will help you enjoy safe and comfortable driving.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The table of contents and the pictorial index provide easy
reference to the appropriate pages.
BASIC OPERATION QUICK REFERENCE
Operation of basic equipment is briefly explained in an easily
understandable way for quick reference.
SECTION 1 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
The vehicle’s equipment is divided into the 7 groups listed
below. Use of the equipment is explained, including any points
you should pay particular attention to.
1. Keys and doors
2. Switches
3. Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators
4. Interior equipment
5. Exterior equipment
6. Comfort adjustment
7. Theft deterrent
SECTION 2 AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
The features of the vehicle’s air conditioning and audio are
explained in detail. Be sure to read this section so that you can
make full use of them.
SECTION 3 STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting the engine, driving, stopping, operation of features
affecting vehicle handling, hints on vehicle safety and safe
driving techniques are all explained. Please read everything
in this section, and remember − drive safely!
SECTION 4 IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
This section explains what to do in the event of an urgent
situation such as the engine not starting or getting a flat tire,
etc. If such a problem occu rs, check the contents of this
Owner’s Manual and follow the instructions given.
SECTION 5 MAINTENANCE
This section explains the importance of regular maintenance.
Regular and periodic inspection and maintenance of your
Lexus will help to keep your vehicle in its best condition.
SECTION 6 SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Simple maintenance procedure and service data are provided
here for your reference should you wish to perform inspection
and maintenance yourself.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
iv
INDEX
The page number is listed for each item in the Owner’s Manual
so that you can rapidly find the item and page you are
searching for.
GAS STATION INFORMATION
The information you need to know for appropriate servicing at
the gas station is provided here.
QUICK INDEX
This is designed so that you can quickly find the needed
information when an urgent situation arises.
Safety symbol
In this manual, you will also see a circle with a slash through
it. This means “Do not”, “Do not do this”, or “Do not le\
t this
happen”.
Safety and vehicle damage warnings
In this manual you will see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings.
These are used in the following ways:
CAUTION
This is a warning against anything which may cause
injury to people if the warning is ignored. You are
informed about what you must or must not do in order
to reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others.
NOTICE
This is a warning against anything which may cause
damage to the vehicle or its equipment if the warning is
ignored. You are informed about what you must or must
not do in order to avoid or reduce the risk of damage to
your Lexus and its equipment.
Your Lexus Owner’s Manual provides you with a
considerable amount of information. To use this
information most effectively, please take the time to
familiarize yourself with the contents and use of the
manual.

PICTORIAL INDEX
v
INSTRUMENT PANEL

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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PICTORIAL INDEX
vii
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (vehicles sold in U. S. A.)

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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PICTORIAL INDEX
ix
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (vehicles sold in Canada)

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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .