2004 Lexus IS300 Electrical Components / LEXUS 2004 IS300 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM53461U)

AUDIO
226
Car audio system operating hints
NOTICE
To ensure correct audio system operations:
Be careful not to spill beverages over the audiosystem.
Do not put anything other than a cassette tape orcompact disc into the cassette tape slot or compact
disc slot.
The use of a cellular phone inside or near the vehiclemay cause a noise from the speakers of the audiosystem which you are listening to. However, thisdoes not indicate a malfunction.
Radio reception
Usually, the problem with radio reception does not mean there
is a problem with your radio - it is just the normal result of
conditions outside the vehicle.
For example, nearby buildings and terrain can interfere with
FM reception. Power lines or telephone wires can interfere
with AM signals. And of course, radio signals have a limited
range. The farther you are from a station, the weaker its signal
will be. In addition, reception conditions change constantly as
your vehicle moves.
Here are some common reception problems that probably do
not indicate a problem with your radio: FM
Fading and drifting stations
- Generally, the effective range
of FM is about 40 km (25 miles). Once outside this range, you
may notice fading and drifting, which increase with the
distance from the radio transmitter. They are often
accompanied by distortion.
Multi-path - FM signals are reflective, making it possible for
two signals to reach your antenna at the same time. If this
happens, the signals will cancel each other out, causing a
momentary flutter or loss of reception.
Static and fluttering - These occur when signals are blocked
by buildings, trees, or other large objects. Increasing the bass
level may reduce static and fluttering.
Station swapping - If the FM signal you are listening to is
interrupted or weakened, and there is another strong station
nearby on the FM band, your radio may tune in the second
station until the original signal can be picked up again.
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AUDIO
227
AM
Fading
- AM broadcasts are reflected by the upper
atmosphere - especially at night. These reflected signals can
interfere with those received directly from the radio station,
causing the radio station to sound alternately strong and weak.
Station interference - When a reflected signal and a signal
received directly from a radio station are very nearly the same
frequency, they can interfere with each other, making it dif ficult
to hear the broadcast.
Static - AM is easily affected by external sources of electrical
noise, such as high tension power lines, lightening, or electrical
motors. This results in static. Caring for your cassette player and tapes
For the best performance for your cassette player and tapes:
Clean the tape head and other parts regularly.

A dirty tape head or tape path can decrease sound quality
and tangle your cassette tapes. The easiest way to clean
them is by using a cleaning tape. (A wet type is recommended.)
Use high-quality cassettes:
 Low-quality cassette tapes can cause many problems,
including poor sound, inconsistent playing speed, and
constant auto-reversing. They can also get stuck or
tangled in the cassette player.
 Do not use a cassette if it has been damaged or tangled or
if its label is peeling off.
 Do not leave a cassette in the player if you are not listening
to it, especially if it is hot outside.
 Store cassettes in their cases and out of direct sunlight.
 Avoid using cassettes with a total playing time longer than
100 minutes (50 minutes per side). The tape used in these
cassettes is thin and could get stuck or tangled in the cassette player.
03 07.09

AUDIO
228Caring 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-R W (CD-Re-writable)
CD-ROM
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AUDIO
229
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.
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AUDIO
230
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. Avoid 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.
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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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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.
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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.
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