2003 Lexus IS300 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 IS300 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM53439U)

AUDIO
220Caring for your compact disc player and discs

Your compact disc player is intended for use with 12 cm (4.7
in.) discs only.
 Extremely high temperature can keep your compact disc
player from working. On hot days, use air conditioning to
cool the vehicle interior before you listen to a disc.
 Bumpy roads or other vibrations may make your compact
disc player skip.
 If moisture gets into your compact disc player, you may not
hear any sound even though your compact disc player
appears to be working. Eject all discs from the player and
wait until the player dries.
CAUTION
Compact disc players use an invisible laser beam which
could cause hazardous radiation exposure if directed
outside the unit. Be sure to operate the player correctly.
20L037
Use only compact discs marked as shown above. The
following products may not be playable on your compact
disc player.
Copy±protected CD
CD±R (CD±Recordable)
CD±RW (CD±Re±writable)
CD±ROM
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

AUDIO
221
20E424

Special shaped discs
20E425

Low quality discs
20E423

Labeled discs
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the player or changer, do not usespecial shaped, low quality or labeled discs such asthose shown in the illustrations.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

AUDIO
222
20L038

Correct
Wrong
Handle compact discs carefully, especially when you set
them into the player. Hold them on the edge and do not bend
them. A void getting fingerprints on them, particularly on the
shiny side.
 Dirt, scrapes, warping, pin holes, or other disc damage
could cause the player to skip or to repeat a section of a
track. (To see a pin hole, hold the disc up to the light.)
20L039
To clean a compact disc: Wipe it with a soft, lint±free cloth
that has been dampened with water. Wipe in a straight line from
the center to the edge of the disc (not in a circle). Do not use
a conventional record cleaner or anti±static device.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

SECTION 3 ± 1
223
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converter224
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Engine exhaust caution 225
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Before starting the engine 226
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Ignition switch with steering lock 227
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Parking brake 228
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. . . . . .
How to start the engine 229
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Automatic transmission 230
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Manual transmission 239
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Electronic controlled transmission 240
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Cruise control 241
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. . . . . .
Traction control system 244
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Vehicle skid control system 247
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Electronic throttle control system 249
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Brake system 250
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. . . . . .
Brake pad wear indicators 254
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Types of tires 254
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Limited ±slip differential 255
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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
225

To ensure that the three±way catalytic converter and
the entire emission control system operate properly,your vehicle must receive the periodic inspectionsrequired by the Lexus Maintenance Schedule . Forscheduled maintenance information, refer to theºOwner's Manual Supplement/ScheduledMaintenance º.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 or back door closed while driving.
An open or unsealed trunk lid or back door may
cause exhaust gases to be drawn into the vehicle.
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
227
IGNITION SWITCH WITH STEERINGLOCK
SS31002
ºSTARTº ± Starter motor on. The key will return to the
ºONº position when released.
For starting tips, see page 229.
ºONº ± Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the ºONº position if the engine
is not running. The battery will discharge and theelectronic ignition system could be damaged.
ºACCº ± Accessories such as the radio operate, but the
engine is off. If you leave the key in the ºACCº or ºLOCKº position and open
the driver's door, a buzzer will remind you to remove the key.*
NOTE: *The volume or interval of beep sound can be
changed. Ask your Lexus dealer for details.
SS31003
ºLOCKº ± Engine is off and the steering wheel is locked.
The ignition key can be removed only at this position.
Manual transmission: To turn the key from ºACCº to the
ºLOCKº position, you must push in the key.
Automatic transmission: To turn the key from ºACCº to the
ºLOCKº position you must put the transmission selector lever
in the ºPº position and you must push in the key.
Once you remove the key, the engine immobiliser system is
automatically set. See ºEngine immobiliser systemº on page
12.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)