2003 Lexus ES300 start car

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.

KEYS AND DOORS
10
KEYS
1Master keys (black) These keys work in every lock.
For your Lexus dealer to make you a new key with
builtin transponder chip, your dealer will need it.
2Sub key (gray) This key will not open the glove box
and rear armrest door in the rear seat.
3Key number plate Keep the plate in a safe place
such as your wallet, not in the vehicle.
A transponder chip for engine immobiliser system has been
placed in the head of the master and sub keys. These chips
are needed to enable the system to function correctly, so be
careful not to lose these keys. If you make your own duplicate
key, you will not be able to cancel the system or start the
engine. To protect items locked in the trunk or glove box when using
valet parking, leave the sub key with the attendant.
The trunk lid can be opened using a loop of wire in the trunk
even with the trunk lid opener main switch in the glove box
turned off. When keeping items in
the trunk, be sure to turn off
the trunk lid opener main switch and lock the glove box and
rear armrest door. To turn off the main switch in the glove box,
see page 85. For locking the glove box, see page 70. For
locking the rear armrest door, see page 99.
Since the doors can be locked without a key, you should
always carry the flat key or spare master key in case you
accidentally lock your keys inside the vehicle.
If you should lose your keys or if you need additional keys,
duplicates can be made by a Lexus dealer using the key
number.
We recommend writing down the key number and storing it in
a safe place.

KEYS AND DOORS
11
Flat key
As a transponder chip is built in its key case, you can start
the engine with this key.
The flat key works in every lock.
A transponder chip for engine immobiliser system has been
placed in the key case of the flat key. This chip is needed to
enable the system to function correctly, so be careful not to
lose this key. If you make your own duplicate key, you will not
be able to cancel the system or start the engine.
Insert your key plate in its key case as shown. We recommend
that you always carry this with you for emergency use. Do not
leave it in your vehicle.
Starting the engine using a flat key
1. Remove the key plate from the key case.
2. Insert the key plate into the ignition switch. The indicator
light keeps flashing.
3. Bring the key case closer to the ignition switch within 10
seconds as indicated by the arrow head. The indicator light
goes out. This means the engine immobiliser system is
automatically canceled. (For details, see “Engine immobiliser
system” on page 14.) You can put the key case away then. You
cannot cancel the engine immobiliser system if 10 seconds
have past after you inserted the key plate. You need to remove
the key plate from the ignition switch and try it again from the
step 2.
4. Start the engine within 20 seconds after the security
indicator light goes out. You cannot start the engine if 20
seconds have past after the security indicator went off. You
need to remove the key plate from the ignition switch and try
it again from the step 2.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
153
By repeating these two steps
and pressing the remaining
button, the driving position for another driver can be recorded.
To set a new memorized position, select the desired position
and perform step 2. The previous memory will be erased and
the new position will be set.
To make only slight changes to an already memorized position,
the easiest way is to first activate the memorized position, then
make the desired changes and perform step 2 above.
Recalling the memorized position
When you push button “1” or “2”, the driving position will
be automatically adjusted to the position recorded for that
button. Conditions for memorized position activation

Ignition key “ON” and selector lever in “P” position.
 Ignition switch off and within 30 seconds of opening driver’s
door.
If any driving position memory switch is pushed while one of
the memorized driving position profiles is being activated, the
operation will stop.
To activate the system, push the desired button (“1” or “2”)\
again.
The driving position memory control system cannot be
operated while the vehicle is moving.
If the vehicle’s battery is disconnected, the computer’s
memory wi ll be erased and the memorized positions will have
to be set again.
CAUTION
 Do not start the vehicle while the adjustments are
being made.
 Take care not to select the wrong button, or the seat
could strike the rear passenger or hit your body
against the steering wheel. If this happens, you can
stop the movement by pressing another driving
position memory switch.

STARTING AND DRIVING
223

To ensure that the threeway catalytic converter and
the entire emission control system operate properly,
your vehicle must receive the periodic inspections
required by the Lexus Maintenance Schedule. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the
“Owner’s Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenance”.
ENGINE EXHAUST CAUTION
CAUTION
Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust. It contains
carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless
gas. It can cause unconsciousness or even death.
 Make sure the exhaust system has no holes or loose
connections. The system should be checked from
time to time. If you hit something, or notice a change
in the sound of the exhaust, have the system checked
immediately.
 Do not run the engine in a garage or enclosed area
except for the time needed to drive the vehicle in or
out. The exhaust gases cannot escape, making this
a particularly dangerous situation.
 Do not remain for a long time in a parked vehicle with
the engine running. If it is unavoidable, however, do
so only in an unconfined area and adjust the heating
or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle.
 Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. An open or
unsealed trunk lid may cause exhaust gases to be
drawn into the vehicle.

STARTING AND DRIVING
231
3Shift into the “2” position. The transmission will downshift
to second gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes
lower than 95 km/h (59 mph) and more powerful engine
braking than that of “3” position will be enabled.
4 Shift into the “L” position. The transmission will downshift
to first gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower
than 41 km/h (25 mph) and maximum engine braking will
be enabled.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface.
The abrupt change in engine speed could cause the
vehicle to spin or skid.
(c) Using the “3”, “2” and “L” positions
The “3”, “2” and “L” positions are used for strong engine
braking as described previously.
With the selector lever in “3”, “2” or “L”, you can start the vehicle
in motion as with the lever in “D”.
With the selector lever in “3” or “2”, the vehicle will start in firs\
t
gear and automatically shift to second gear or third gear.
With the selector lever in “L”, the transmission is engaged in
first gear.
NOTICE
 Be careful not to overrev the engine. Watch the
tachometer to keep engine rpm from going into the
red zone. The approximate maximum allowable
speed for each position is given above for your
reference.
“3” 147 km/h (91 mph) . . .
“2” 94 km/h (58 mph) . . .
“L” 52 km/h (32 mph) . . .
 Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long
time in the “3”, “2” or “L” position. This may cause
severe automatic transmission damage from
overheating. To prevent such damage, “4” position
should be used in hill climbing or hard towing.

STARTING AND DRIVING
240
VEHICLE SKID CONTROL SYSTEM
The vehicle skid control system helps provide integrated
control of the systems such as antilock brake system,
traction control, engine control, etc. This system
automatically controls the brakes and engine to help
prevent the vehicle from skidding when cornering on a
slippery road surface or operating steering wheel
abruptly.
The system will activate when your vehicle speed reaches or
exceeds 15 km/h (9 mph), and will deactivate when the vehicle
speed reduced to below 15 km/h (9 mph).
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle is
started. This means that the system is in the self −check mode
but does not indicate a malfunction.
CAUTION
 Do not rely excessively on the vehicle skid control
system. Even if the vehicle skid control system is
operating, you must always drive carefully and
attentively to avoid serious injury. Reckless driving
will result in an unexpected accident. If the slip
indicator light blinks, sounding an alarm, special
care should be taken while driving.
Only use tires of specified size. The size,
manufacture, brand and tread pattern for all 4 tires
should be the same. If you use the tires other than
specified, or different type or size, the vehicle skid
control system may not function correctly. When
replacing the tires or wheels, contact your Lexus
dealer.
 In situations where the road surface is covered with
ice or snow, your vehicle should be fitted with snow
tires or tire chains.
Slip indicator light
If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the slip indicator
light blinks and an alarm sounds intermittently. Special care
should be taken while driving.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few seconds when the
ignition key is turned to “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on, contact your Lexus
dealer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
243
You may hear a click or motor sound in the engine
compartment for
a few seconds when the engine is started or
just after the vehicle is started. This means that the anti −lock
brake system is in the self− check mode, and does not indicate
a malfunction.
When the antilock brake system is activated, the
following conditions may occur. They do not indicate a
malfunction of the system:
 You may hear the anti− lock brake system operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsating and the vibrations of the vehicle
body and steering wheel. You may also hear the motor
sound in the engine compartment even after the vehicle is
stopped.
 At the end of the anti−lock brake system activation, the
brake pedal may move a little forward.
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the antilock brake system:
Although the antilock brake system assists in
providing vehicle control, it is still important to drive
with all due care and maintain a moderate speed and
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, because
there are limits to the vehicle stability and effectiveness
of steering wheel operation even with the antilock
brake system on.
If tires grip performance exceeds its capability, or if
hydroplaning occurs during high speed driving in the
rain, the antilock brake system does not provide
vehicle control.
Antilock brake system is not designed to shorten the
stopping distance: Always drive at the moderate speed
and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Compared with vehicles without an antilock
brake system, your vehicle may require a longer
stopping distance in the following cases:
 Driving on rough, gravel or snowcovered roads.
 Driving with tire chains installed.
 Driving over the st eps such as the joints on the road.
 Driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or
has other differences in surface height.
Install all 4 tires of specified size at appropriate
pressure: The antilock brake system detects vehicle
speeds using the speed sensors for respective wheels’
turning speeds. The use of tires other than specified
may fail to detect the accurate turning speed resulting
in a longer stopping distance.