2003 Lexus IS300 service indicator

STARTING AND DRIVING
245
Traction control system failure warning
SV31041
These lights warn that there is a problem somewhere in the
vehicle skid control system or traction control system.
The lights will come on when the ignition key is turned to ºONº,
and will go off after a few seconds.
If the ºVSCº warning light and ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning
light come on, the vehicle skid control system and traction
control system do not work. However, as conventional braking
operates when applied, there is no problem to continue your
driving.
If any of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a
malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the warning
light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible
to service the vehicle:
 The ºVSCº warning light or ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning
light do not come on after the ignition is turned to on. 
The ºVSCº warning light and ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning
light remain on after the ignition is turned to on.
 The ºVSCº warning light and ªTRAC OFFº indicator/warning
light come on while driving without pushing ºTRAC OFFº
switch.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of
the vehicle and power to the rear wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction control system is
in operation. Do not drive the vehicle under any speed
or maneuvering conditions which will cause the vehicle
to lose traction. In situations where the road surface is
covered with ice or snow, your vehicle should be fitted
with snow tires or tire chains. Always drive at an
appropriate and cautious pace.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

STARTING AND DRIVING
247
If the light flashes, this indicates a malfunction in the traction
control system. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of
the vehicle and power to the rear wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction control system is
in operation. Do not drive the vehicle under any speed
or maneuvering conditions which will cause the vehicle
to lose traction. In situations where the road surface is
covered with ice or snow, your vehicle should be fitted
with snow tires or tire chains. Always drive at an
appropriate and cautious pace.
VEHICLE SKID CONTROL SYSTEM
The vehicle skid control system helps provide integrated
control of the systems such as an anti±lock brake system,
brake assist system, traction control, engine control, etc.
This system automatically controls the output of the
brakes or engine to help prevent the vehicle from skidding
when cornering on a slippery road surface or abrupt
steering wheel operation occurs.
SV31037

Slip indicator light
If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the slip indicator
light flashes and an alarm sounds intermittently.
The vehicle skid control activates when the vehicle speed is
about more than 15 km/h (9 mph).
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

STARTING AND DRIVING
248You 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 vehicle skid control is in the
self±check mode and does not indicate a malfunction.
When
you turn the ignition switch on, this system always turns
on.
Vehicle skid control system failure warning
SV31041
These lights warn that there is a problem somewhere in the
vehicle skid control system or traction control system.
The lights will come on when the ignition key is turned to ºONº,
and will go off after a few seconds.
If the ºVSCº warning light and ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning
light come on, the vehicle skid control system and traction
control system do not work. However, as conventional braking
operates when applied, there is no problem to continue your
driving.
If any of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a
malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the warning
light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible
to service the vehicle:
 The ºVSCº warning light or ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning
light do not come on after the ignition is turned to on.
 The ºVSCº warning light and ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning
light remain on after the ignition is turned to on.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

MAINTENANCE
294Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the maintenance schedule. (For
scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the
ªOwner's Manual Supplementº or ªScheduled Maintenanceº.)
See page 333 for additional information.
Fluid leaks
Check under
neath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid after
the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes
or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected
immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors, including trunk lid or back door, operate
smoothly and all latches lock securely. Make sure the engine
hood secondary latch secures the hood when the primary latch
is released.
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlight, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal
lights, and other lights are working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers function properly. Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified free play. Be alert for changes
in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive free
play or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters,
seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly. Ch
eck that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold
securely in any latched position. For folding±down rear
seatbacks, check that the latches lock securely.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors
and anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the
belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal ef fort
or catching.
Clutch pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and free play. Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

MAINTENANCE
297
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE (I/M) PROGRAMS
Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs
which include OBD (On±Board Diagnostics) checks.
The OBD system monitors the operation of the emission
control system. When the OBD system determines that a
problem exists somewhere in the emission control system, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on. In this case, your vehicle
may not pass the I/M test and need to be repaired. Contact
your Lexus dealer to service the vehicle.
Even if the malfunction indicator lamp does not come on, your
vehicle may not pass I/M test as readiness codes have not
been set in the OBD system.
Readiness codes are automatically set during ordinary driving.
However, when the battery is disconnected or run down, the
codes are erased. Also, depending on your driving habits, the
codes may not be completely set.
Also, if the malfunction indicator lamp had come on recently
due to temporary malfunction such as a loose fuel tank cap,
your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
The malfunction indicator lamp will go off after taking several
driving trips, but the error code in the OBD system will not be
cleared unless about 40 trips or more are taken.
If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test as readiness codes
have not been set, contact your Lexus dealer to prepare the
vehicle for re±testing.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

ENGINE
312
Cleaner burning gasoline
Cleaner burning gasoline, including reformulated
gasoline that contains oxygenates such as ethanol or
MTBE is available in many areas.
Lexus recommends the use of cleaner burning gasoline and
appropriately blended reformulated gasoline. These types of
gasoline provide excellent vehicle performance, reduce
vehicle emissions, and improve air quality.
Oxygenates in gasoline
Lexus allows the use of oxygenate blended gasoline
where the oxygenate content is up to 10% ethanol or 15%
MTBE. If you use gasohol in your Lexus, be sure that it has
an octane rating no lower than 87.
Lexus does not recommend the use of gasoline containing
methanol.
Gasoline containing MMT
Some gasoline contain an octane enhancing additive
called MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese
Tricarbonyl).
Lexus does not recommend the use of gasoline that contains
MMT. If fuel containing MMT is used, your emission control
system may be adversely affected. The Malfunction Indicator
Lamp on the instrument cluster may come on. If this happens,
contact your Lexus dealer for service.
Gasoline quality
In a very few cases, you may experience driveability problems
caused by the particular gasoline that you are using. If you
continue to have unacceptable driveability, try changing
gasoline brands. If this does not rectify your problem, then
consult your Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
Do not use gasohol other than stated above. It will cause fuel system damage or vehicle performanceproblems.
If driveability problems are encountered (poor hotstarting, vaporizing, engine knock, etc.), discontinueits use.
Take care not to spill gasohol during refueling.Gasohol may cause paint damage.
Fuel tank capacity
66 L (17.5 gal., 14.5 lmp.gal.)
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
346
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
1 D FR P/W20Power window system
2 TAIL10Tail lights, Side marker lights,
License plate lights,
Parking lights
3 GAUGE10
Back±up lights, Power window,
Gauges and meters,
Service reminder indicators and
buzzers,
Emergency flashers,
Windshield defogger,
Outside rear view mirror
defogger
4 DOOR20Door lock system
5 PANEL7.5
Instrument panel lights,
Seat heater, Cigarette lighter,
Automatic transmission system,
Traction control system,
Rear fog light, Ashtray light
6 WASHER15Windshield washer,
Headlight cleaner
7 STARTER7.5Starting system
8 FR DEF20Windshield wiper deicer
9 A/C10Air conditioning system
10 SEAT HTR15Seat heater
11 CIG15Cigarette lighter, Power outlet
12 S/ROOF30Moon roof
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
13 ECU±IG10
Radiator fan,
Anti±lock brake system,
Moon roof, Shift lock system,
Air conditioning system,
Door lock system,
Headlight beam level control,
Theft deterrent system
14 SRS±ACC10SRS system
15 STOP15Stop lights, Shift lock system,
Anti±lock brake system
16 WIPER25Windshield wipers
17 RADIONO.210Audio, Air conditioning,
Outside rear view mirror,
Shift lock system
18 DOOR DL15Power seat system
19 DOME7.5
Interior lights, Trunk light,
Vanity lights,
Ignition switch light, Map light,
Door courtesy lights
20 FR FOG15Fog lights
21 P FR P/W20Power window system
22 PWR
OUTLET15Power outlets
23 ECU±B27.5Theft deterrent system,
Door lock system
24 D RR P/W20Power window system
25 MIR HTR15Outside rear view mirror
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
347
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
26 MPX±B10
Power window system,
Air conditioning,
Gauges and meters,
Theft deterrent system
27 P RR P/W20Power window system
28 SRS±B7.5SRS system, Door lock system
29 TV7.5Television
30 OBD7.5On±board diagnosis system
31 IGN7.5
SRS system,
Multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system,
Cruise control system
32 ECU±B120
Theft deterrent system,
Door lock system,
Interior light, Trunk light,
Vanity light, Ignition switch light,
Map light, Door courtesy lights,
Power window system,
Air conditioning,
Gauges and meters
33 ALT±S7.5Charging system
34 ETCS15Electronic throttle control
system
35 AM220
Starting system, SRS system,
Multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system, Cruise control
system
36 HORN10Horn
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
37 RADIONO.120Audio
38 TURN±HAZ15Turn signal lights
39 EFI25
Multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system,
Emission control system,
Engine immobiliser system
40 DRL NO.230Daytime running light system
41 DRL NO.17.5Daytime running light system
42 H±LP L LW R15Left±hand headlight
(low beam), Fog lights
43 H±LP R LW R15Right±hand headlight
(low beam)
44 ABS27.5Anti±lock brake system
45 SPARESpare fuse
46 SPARESpare fuse
47 SPARESpare fuse
48 H±LP LUPR10Left±hand headlight
(high beam)
49 H±LP R UPR10
Right±hand headlight
(high beam),
Service reminder indicators and
buzzers
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)