2003 Lexus IS300 fuel

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
85
Luggage security system
SS15013
After closing the trunk lid, insert the master key and turn
it counterclockwise to deactivate the lock release lever.
At this time, the trunk lid can be opened only by the
phosphorescent handle lever inside the trunk.
FUEL TANK CAP
SS15008
1. To open the fuel filler door, pull the lever up.
When refueling, turn off the engine.
CAUTION
Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames
when refueling. The fumes are flammable.
 When opening the cap, do not remove the cap
quickly. In hot weather, fuel under pressure could
cause injury by spraying out of the filler neck if the
cap is suddenly removed.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
86
SV15011a
2. To remove the fuel tank cap, turn the cap slowly
counterclockwise, then pause slightly before removing it.
The removed cap can be stored on the back side of the fuel
filler door.
It is not unusual to hear a slight swoosh when the cap is
opened. When installing the cap, turn the cap clockwise until
you hear a click.
If the cap is not tightened securely, the malfunction indicator
lamp comes on. Make sure the cap is tightened securely.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times. If the
indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible.
CAUTION
 Make sure the cap is tightened securely to prevent
fuel spillage in case of an accident.
 Use only a genuine Lexus fuel tank cap for
replacement. It is designed to regulate fuel tank
pressure.
Refueling the vehicle
As soon as the correctly operated nozzle switches off
automatically for the first time, the tank is full. Do not try
to add more fuel, because fuel may spill out.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

AIR CONDITIONING
186However, once selecting ºRECIRCULATED AIRº of the air
intake manually will make this function inoperable. In order to
make this function operable again, first select ºOUTSIDE AIRº
of the air intake, turn off the ignition switch, and start the engine
again. Then this function return to be operable.
If manual on±off of the air conditioning is desired ±
Push the ºA/Cº button to turn the air conditioning on and push
it again to turn the air conditioning off.
The air conditioning does not work if the outside temperature
is lowered down to around 0C (32F).
If the system is used for ventilation, heating in dry weather or
removing frost or exterior fog on the windshield, turn the air
conditioning off once it is no longer required. This will improve
fuel economy. The air conditioning can be used for year±round
automatic temperature control including cooling and
dehumidifying operation.
If the air conditioning compressor does not operate, the
indicator of the ºA/Cº button will blink. If the indicator of the
ºA/Cº button blinks even when the ºA/Cº button is pushed
again, have the compressor checked by your nearest Lexus
dealer.
(b) Windshield defogging and defrosting
SV21016
To remove interior fog on the windshield ±
1. Turn the air flow control dial to ºWINDSHIELDº.
2. Set the ºOUTSIDE AIRº mode.
To remove frost or exterior fog on the windshield ±
1. Turn the temperature control dial to the maximum
temperature.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to ºWINDSHIELDº.
3. Turn the fan speed control dial to ºHIº.
4. Leave the air conditioning on±off button off.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

STARTING AND DRIVING
224
THREE±WAY CATALYTICCONVERTER
SV31040
Three±way 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 three±way catalytic converter may cause it to overheatand create a fire hazard. To prevent this and otherdamage, observe the following precautions:
Use only unleaded gasoline.
Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level; runningout of fuel could cause the engine to misfire, creatingan excessive load on the three±way catalyticconverter.
Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed for morethan 20 minutes.
Avoid racing the engine.
Do not push±start or pull±start your vehicle.
Do not turn off the ignition while the vehicle ismoving.
Keep your engine in good running order.Malfunctions in the engine electrical system,electronic ignition system or fuel system could cause
an extremely high three±way catalytic converter temperature.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stallsfrequently, take your vehicle in for a check±up assoon as possible. Remember, your Lexus dealer
knows your vehicle and its three±way catalyticconverter system best.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

STARTING AND DRIVING
226
To allow proper operation of your vehicle's
ventilation system, keep the inlet grilles in front of the
windshield clear of snow, leaves, or other
obstructions.
 If you smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle, drive with
the windows open and the trunk lid or back door
closed. Have the cause immediately located and
corrected.BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, head restraint height
and steering wheel angle.
3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts.
Remember to check that the service reminder indicators
function when turning the key to ºONº, and check the fuel
gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

STARTING AND DRIVING
229
HOW TO START THE ENGINE
Before cranking
1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3.Manual transmission : Press the clutch pedal to the floor
and shift the transmission into neutral. Hold the clutch pedal
to the floor until the engine is started. A starter safety device
will prevent the starter from operating if the clutch pedal is not
fully depressed.
Automatic transmission : Put the selector lever in ºPº. If you
need to restart the engine while the vehicle is moving, put the
selector lever in ºNº. A starter safety device will prevent the
starter from operating if the selector lever is in any drive
position.
4. For automatic transmission only :Depress the brake
pedal and hold it to the floor until driving off.
Starting the engine
Before starting the engine, be sure to follow the instructions in
ºBefore crankingº.
Normal starting procedure
The multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system in your engine automatically controls the
proper air±fuel mixture for starting. You can start a cold or hot
engine as follows:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, crank the engine by
turning the key to ºSTARTº. Release it when the engine starts. 2. After the engine runs for about 10 seconds, you are ready
to drive.
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 ºIf your vehicle will not startº on page 267.
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 stallsfrequently, have the engine checked immediately.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

STARTING AND DRIVING
232
SS31019

1Power position 2Normal position
3Snow position
2. Set the driving pattern selector switch to the ºNormalº
position.
Your transmission has a driving pattern selector switch which
allows you to select ºPowerº, ºNormalº or ºSnowº mode \
to suit
your driving condition. For ordinary driving, Lexus
recommends that you use the ºNormalº position to improve fuel
economy.
3. For more powerful acceleration and sporty driving, use
the ºPowerº position.
In the ºPowerº position, the ºECT PWRº light in the instrument\
cluster is on and the transmission is shifted up at higher vehicle
speeds and shifted down more responsively than in the
ºNormalº position.
For ºSnowº mode, see ºElectronic Throttle Control
Systemº on page 249.
SV31022

1Brake pedal 2ºDº (Drive) position
4. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the
selector lever to ºDº.
Always use the ºDº position to improve fuel economy and quiet
driving. 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 ºDº position. (See º(c) Using engine brakingº and\
º(g)
Good driving practiceº for exceptions.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while
shifting.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

STARTING AND DRIVING
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MANUAL TRANSMISSION
SV31034
The shift pattern is the conventional pattern shown above.
Press the clutch pedal down fully while shifting, and then
release it slowly. Do not rest your foot on the pedal while
driving, because it will cause clutch trouble. And do not use the
clutch to hold the vehicle when stopped on an uphill grade ±
use the parking brake.
Upshifting too soon or downshifting too late will cause lugging,
and possibly pinging. Regularly revving the engine to
maximum speed in each gear will cause excessive engine
wear and high fuel consumption.
Recommended shifting speeds
The transmission is fully synchronized and upshifting or
downshifting is easy.
For the best compromise between fuel economy and vehicle
performance, you should upshift or downshift at the following
speeds: gear km/h (mph)
1 to 2 or 2 to 1 24 (15)
2 to 3 or 3 to 2 40 (25)
3 to 4 or 4 to 3 64 (40)
4 to 5 or 5 to 4 72 (45)
Downshift to the appropriate gear if acceleration is needed
when you are cruising below the above downshifting speeds.
Upshifting too soon or downshifting too late will cause lugging,
and possibly pinging. Regularly revving the engine to
maximum speed in each gear will cause excessive engine
wear and high fuel consumption.
Maximum allowable speeds
To get on a highway or to pass slower traffic, maximum
acceleration may be necessary. Make sure you observe the
following maximum allowable speeds in each gear: gear km/h (mph)
1 56 (35)
2 98 (61)
3 145 (91)
NOTICE
Do not downshift if you are going faster than the maxi-
mum allowable speed for the next lower gear.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)