2004 Lexus IS300 engine

AIR CONDITIONING
196However, 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.
03 07.09

AUDIO
208
Using your audio system: some basics
This section describes some of the basic features of the Lexus
audio system. Some information may not pertain to your
system.
Your audio system works when the ignition key is in the ºACCº
or ºONº position.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not leave the car audio on longer than necessary when theengine is not running.
(a) Turning the system on and off
SV22067
Push this knob to turn the audio system on and off. Turn
this knob to adjust the volume.
The system turns on in the last mode used.
SV22068
Push ºAMº, ºFMº, ºT APEº or ºDISCº to turn on that mode.
The selected mode turns on directly.
Push these buttons if you want to switch from one mode to
another.
If the tape or disc is not set, the cassette player or compact disc
player does not turn on.
You can turn off the cassette player by ejecting the cassette
tape. If the audio system was previously off, then the entire
audio system will be turned off when you eject the cassette
tape. If another function was previously playing, it will come on
again.
03 07.09

SECTION 3 - 1
231
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three-way catalytic converter232
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Engine exhaust caution 233
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Before starting the engine 234
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Ignition switch with steering lock 235
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Parking brake 236
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How to start the engine 237
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Automatic transmission 238
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Manual transmission 247
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Electronic controlled transmission 248
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Cruise control 249
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Traction control system 252
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Vehicle stability control system 258
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Electronic throttle control system 260
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Brake system 261
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Brake pad wear indicators 265
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Limited -slip differential
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03 07.09

STARTING AND DRIVING
232
THREE-W AY 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.
03 07.09

STARTING AND DRIVING
233

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.
03 07.09

STARTING AND DRIVING
234
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.
03 07.09

STARTING AND DRIVING
235
IGNITION SWITCH WITH STEERINGLOCK
SS31002
ºSTARTº - Starter motor on. The key will return to the
ºONº position when released.
For starting tips, see page 237.
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 immobilizer system is
automatically set. See ºEngine immobilizer systemº on page
12.
03 07.09

STARTING AND DRIVING
236When starting the engine, the key may seem stuck at the
ºLOCKº position. To free it, first be sure the key is pushed all
the way in, and then rock the steering wheel slightly while
turning the key gently.
If, in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the
vehicle is moving, turn the key only to ºACCº.
CAUTION
For manual transmission:
Never remove the key when the vehicle is moving, as
this will lock the steering wheel and result in loss of
steering control.
PARKING BRAKE
SV31017
To set: Pull up the lever. For better holding power, first
depress the brake pedal and hold it while setting the
parking brake.
To release: Pull up the lever slightly (1) , press the lock
release button (2), and lower (3).
To remind you that the parking brake is set, the parking brake
reminder light in the instrument panel remains on until you
release the parking brake.
CAUTION
Before driving, make sure the parking brake is fully
released
and that the parking brake reminder light is off.
03 07.09