2004 Lexus ES330 Vehicle stability control

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each Section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xi
Page
1Tachometer 53. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Traction control system off indicator light 284. . . .
3Vehicle stability control system/traction control
system warning light 64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Engine oil replacement reminder light 61. . . . . . . . . .
5Headlight indicator light 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6Headlight high beam indicator light 40. . . . . . . . . . . .
7Turn signal indicator light 40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Fog light indicator light 41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Cruise control indicator light 279. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10Slip indicator light 283, 286. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Low fuel level warning light 64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Automatic transmission indicator lights 272. . . . . .
14Engine coolant temperature gauge 51. . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
15Odometer and trip meter 54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Trip meter reset knob 54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17Fuel gauge 50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18Low washer fluid warning light 64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Low engine oil level warning light 60. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20Multi-information display 66. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Rear light failure warning light 64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22Low engine oil pressure warning light 59. . . . . . . . . .
23Brake system warning light 56. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Anti-lock brake system warning light 62. . . . . . . . . . .
25Driver's seat belt reminder light 57. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26Discharge warning light 58. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27SRS warning light 57. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Open door warning light 63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29Malfunction indicator lamp 61. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each Section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xiii
Page
1Tachometer 53. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Traction control system off indicator light 284. . . .
3Vehicle stability control system/traction control
system warning light 64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Tail light indicator light 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Headlight high beam indicator light 40. . . . . . . . . . . .
6Turn signal indicator light 40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Fog light indicator light 41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Cruise control indicator light 279. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Slip indicator light 283, 286. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Low fuel level warning light 64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Automatic transmission indicator lights 272. . . . . .
13Engine coolant temperature gauge 51. . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14Odometer and trip meter 54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Trip meter reset knob 54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Fuel gauge 50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17Low washer fluid warning light 64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18Low engine oil level warning light 60. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Multi-information display 66. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20Rear light failure warning light 64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Low engine oil pressure warning light 59. . . . . . . . . .
22Brake system warning light 56. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23Anti-lock brake system warning light 62. . . . . . . . . . .
24Driver's seat belt reminder light 57. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Discharge warning light 58. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26SRS warning light 57. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27Open door warning light 63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Malfunction indicator lamp 61. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Finish
GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
62At this time, vibration may occur. However, if you depress the
accelerator pedal more firmly and slowly, you can drive your
vehicle at low speeds. Have your vehicle checked by your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Even if the abnormality of the electronic throttle control system
is corrected during low speed driving, the system may not be
recovered until the engine is stopped and the ignition key is
turned to the ACCº or LOCKº position.
CAUTION
Be especially careful to prevent erroneous pedal
operation.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
Your vehicle may not pass a state emission inspection if the
malfunction indicator lamp remains on. Contact your Lexus
dealer to check your vehicle's emission control system and
OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) system before taking your
vehicle for the inspection.
For details, see Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M)
programsº on page 311.
(j) ABSº Warning Light
Vehicles without vehicle stability control system Ð
The light comes on with the ignition key turned to the ONº
position. If the anti-lock brake system works properly, the light
turns off after a few seconds. Thereafter, if the system
malfunctions, the light comes on again.
When the ABSº warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti-lock brake system does not
operate, but the brake system still operates conventionally.
When the ABSº warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti-lock brake system does not
operate so that the wheels could lock up during a sudden
braking or braking on slippery road surfaces.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates
a malfunction somewhere in the components monitored
by the warning light. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon
as possible to service the vehicle.
The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned
to the ONº position, or remains on.
The light comes on while you are driving.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not
indicate a problem.

Finish
GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
63
CAUTION
If the ABSº warning light remains on together with the
brake system warning light, immediately stop your
vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
In this case, not only the anti-lock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.
Vehicles with vehicle stability control system Ð
The light comes on with the ignition key turned to the ONº
position. If the anti-lock brake system and the brake assist
system work properly, the light turns off after a few seconds.
Thereafter, if the system malfunctions, the light comes on
again.
When the ABSº warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti-lock brake system, the brake
assist system, the traction control system and the vehicle
stability control system do not operate, but the brake system
still operates conventionally.
When the ABSº warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti-lock brake system does not
operate so that the wheels could lock up during a sudden
braking or braking on slippery road surfaces.If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates
a malfunction somewhere in the components monitored
by the warning light. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon
as possible to service the vehicle.
The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned
to the ONº position, or remains on.
The light comes on while you are driving.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not
indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If the ABSº warning light remains on together with the
brake system warning light, immediately stop your
vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
In this case, not only the anti-lock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.
(k) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the doors are completely closed.

Finish
GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
64
(l) Rear Light Failure Warning Light
If this light comes on when the headlight switch is turned on (at
the first or second clickstop), it indicates that one or more of the
tail lights are burned out.
If it comes on when the brake pedal is depressed, one or more
stop lights are burned out.
Have defective bulbs replaced as soon as possible.
(m) Vehicle Stability Control System/Traction
Control System Warning Light
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in the
vehicle stability control system or traction control system.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to ONº
and will go off after a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the system does not work.
However, as conventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driving.
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:
The warning light does not come on after the ignition key is
turned to ONº.
The warning light remains on after the ignition key is turned
to ONº.
The warning light comes on while driving.
The TRAC OFFº indicator light will come on when the VSCº
warning light comes on even if the TRAC OFFº switch is not
pushed.
(n) Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
This light comes on when the fluid level in the tank becomes
nearly empty. Fill the tank as soon as possible.
(o) Automatic Headlight Leveling System Warning
Light (vehicles with discharge headlight only)
This light warns that when there is a problem somewhere
in the automatic headlight leveling system.
If it comes on, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.
(p) Low Fuel Level Warning Light
This light comes on when the fuel level in the tank becomes
nearly empty. Fill the tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the tank,
the low fuel level warning light may come on earlier than usual.
(q) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer reminds you to remove the key when you open the
driver's door with the ignition key in the ACCº or LOCKº
position.

SECTION 3 ± 1
262
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three-way catalytic converter263 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution266 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine268 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock268 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake269 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine270 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission272 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control279 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic modulated suspension282 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system283 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle stability control system286 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system288 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators292 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STARTING AND DRIVING
284The slip indicator light comes on for a few seconds when the
ignition key is turned to ONº. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on, contact your Lexus
dealer.
Traction control off mode
If your wheels get stuck in a ditch when you are driving on
a severe off road and sand, turn off the traction control
system. This system that controls engine performance
interferes with the process of freeing your wheels.
To turn off: Push TRAC OFFº switch.
The TRAC OFFº indicator light will come on.
The vehicle stability control system is always activated, even
if the traction control system is turned off.To turn on: Push TRAC OFFº switch once again.
The TRAC OFFº indicator light will go off.
TRAC OFFº indicator light comes on for a few seconds when
the ignition key is turned to ONº. It will come on again when
you push the TRAC OFFº switch to turn off the system.
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:
The indicator light does not come on when the ignition key
is turned to ONº.
The indicator light remains on after the ignition is turned on.
The indicator light comes on with the normal driving mode
while driving.

STARTING AND DRIVING
285
VSCº warning light

U.S.A.

Canada
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in the
traction control system or the vehicle stability control system.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to ONº
and will go off after a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the system does not work.
However, as conventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driving.
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:
The warning light does not come on after the ignition key is
turned to ONº.
The warning light remains on after the ignition key is turned
to ONº.
The warning light comes on while driving.
The TRAC OFFº indicator light will come on when the VSCº
warning light comes on even if the TRAC OFFº switch is not
pushed.