2003 Lexus IS300 Fluid

SWITCHES
32
WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHERSWITCH
SS12013b

1Interval adjuster 2Washer on
To turn the wipers on, move the lever down until you reach
the desired speed setting.
The ignition key must be in the ºONº position.
There are 3 settings:
ºINTº position: Intermittent operation
ºLOº position: Low speed operation
ºHIº position: High speed operation
Twist the interval adjuster upward to increase the wiping
time interval between sweeps, and downward to decrease
it.
The wiper lever must be in the ºINTº position. For mist wiper operations (a single wipe), pull the lever
toward you and release it.
To make the washer squirt, push the button on the end of
the lever.
For information on adding washer fluid, see ºAdding washer
fluidº on page 354.
Some m
odels: If you push the windshield washer switch with
the headlights on, the headlight cleaner operates once
automatically.
In cold weather, warm the windshield with the defroster before
using the washer. This will help prevent icing, which could
block your vision.
The rear window and outside rear view mirror defogger
automatically turns on when you operate the wipers.
NOTICE
Do not operate the wipers if the windshield is dry. It may scratch the glass.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

SWITCHES
33
REAR WINDOW WIPER ANDWASHER SWITCH
SV12018

1Washer on during wiping 2Washer on
To turn the wipers on, twist the knob at the end of the lever.
The ignition key must be in the ºONº position.
There are 2 settings:
ºINTº position: Intermittent operation
ºONº position: Low speed operation
To make the washer squirt, twist the knob downward to
position 2.
To make the washer squirt while operating in ºONº
position, twist the knob upward to position 1.
The knob automatically returns from these positions after you
release it. For information on adding washer fluid, see ºAdding washer
fluidº on page 354.
NOTICE
Do not operate the rear window wiper if the rear window
is dry. It may scratch the glass.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

SWITCHES
34
HEADLIGHT CLEANER SWITCH
SV12007
To spray fluid on the headlights, push the switch with the
headlights on.
The ignition key must be in the ºONº position.
Check the fluid level frequently as headlight cleaner uses fluid
a lot. For information on adding washer fluid, see ºAdding
washer fluidº on page 354.
Some models: If you push the windshield washer switch with
the headlights on, the headlight cleaner operates once
automatically.
NOTICE
Do not turn the headlight cleaner on with the washer
fluid tank empty. It may cause the cleaner motor tooverheat.
REAR WINDOW AND OUTSIDE
REAR VIEW MIRROR DEFOGGER,
AND WINDSHIELD WIPER DEICER SWITCH
SL12005
To turn the electric rear window defogger on, push the
switch.
The ignition key must be in the ºONº position.
The thin heater wires on the inside of the rear window and the
heater panels in the outside rear view mirrors will quickly clear
the surface. Keep your hands off the mirror faces when the
switch is on. An indicator light is on when the defogger is
operating.
Some models: the windshield wiper deicers are optionally
equipped to deice the windshield wiper blades by operating
simultaneously with defogger.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
46
(a) Brake System Warning Light and Buzzer
This light comes on in the following cases when the ignition key
is in the ºONº position.
 When the parking brake is applied ...
This light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition key is
turned to the ºONº position even after the parking brake is
released.
If you drive your vehicle without releasing the parking brake,
the buzzer sounds.
 When the brake fluid level is low ...
CAUTION
It is dangerous to continue driving normally when the
brake fluid level is low.
Have your vehicle checked at your Lexus dealer in the
following cases:
The light does not come on even if the parking brake is
applied when the ignition key is in the ºONº position.
 The light does not come on even if the ignition key is turned
on with the parking brake released.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not
indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If either of the following conditions occurs, immediately
stop your vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer.
 The light does not turn off even after the parking
brake is released while the engine is running.
In the case, the brakes may not work properly and
your stopping distance will become longer. Depress
the brake pedal firmly and bring the vehicle to an
immediate stop.
 The brake system warning light remains on together
with the ºABSº warning light.
In this case, not only the anti±lock brake system will
fail but also the vehicle will become extremely
unstable during braking.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

DRIVING TIPS
261
Check the electronic ignition system for loose
connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt
lock de±icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto
parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute because it may damage your vehicle's paint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility
it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ºPº (automatic) or into
first or reverse (manual) and block the front wheels. Do not use
the parking brake, or snow or water accumulated in and around
the parking brake mechanism may freeze the parking brake,
making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering
difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally. Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you
carry some emergency equipment.
Some of
the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains,
window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
271
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, if you experience a loss of power, or if you
hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine has
probably overheated.
When the engine overheats
Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your
emergency flashers. Put the transmission in ºPº (automatic)
or neutral (manual) and apply the parking brake.
A: If steam is coming from your engine:
Turn off the engine. Leave the hood closed until there is no sign
of steam or coolant. Your engine could have been seriously
damaged already. Call your Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until
there is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is sign of
very high pressure.
B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning.
Check the following.
Is the cooling fan operating?
 Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
 Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
CAUTION
When the eng ine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
 Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the
engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out
under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the
acceptable range, turn off the engine and call your Lexus
dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant
temperature has cooled to normal, continue driving your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your
vehicle overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible
by your Lexus dealer.
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
295
Parking brake
Check that the lever has the proper travel and that, on a safe
incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.
Automatic transmission ºParkº mechanism
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in ºPº position and all brakes released.
Engine compartment
Items listed below should be checked from time to time,
e.g. each time when refueling.
Washer fluid
Make
sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See page 354 for
additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the Upper and Lower
lines on the see±through reservoir when the engine is cold.
See page 319 for additional information.
Battery
Your Lexus has a maintenance free battery. You do not have
to add distilled water. For longer life of the battery, however,
see page 348 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 329 for
additional information. Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and
the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 315 for additional
information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in the
ºHOTº or ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid temperature.
See page 330 for additional information.
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell
exhaust fumes, have the cause located and corrected
immediately. (See ªEngine exhaust cautionº on page 225 in
Section 3±1.)
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)