2005 Lexus ES330 Gauges, Meters and Service Reminder Indicators /

AUDIO
248FM
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.
Multipath — 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. 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, l ightening, 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.)

AUDIO
249
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. Caring for your CD player and CD’s

Your CD player is intended for use with 12 cm (4.7 in.) CD’s
only.
 Extremely high temperature can keep your CD player from
working. On hot days, use air conditioning to cool the
vehicle interior before you listen to a CD.
 Bumpy roads or other vibrations may make your CD player
skip.
 If moisture gets into your CD player, you may not hear any
sound even though your CD player appears to be working.
Eject all CD’s from the player and wait until the player dries.
CAUTION
CD players use an invisible laser beam which could
cause hazardous radiation exposure if directed outside
the unit. Be sure to operate the player correctly.

AUDIO
250
Use only CD’s marked as shown above. The following
products may not be playable on your CD player.
Copy− protected CD
CD− R (CD− Recordable)
CD−RW (CD− Re−writable)
CD−ROM Special shaped CD’s
Transparent/translucent CD’s

AUDIO
251
Low quality CD’s
Labeled CD’s
NOTICE
Do not use special shaped, transparent/translucent, low
quality or labeled CD’s such as those shown in the
illustrations. The use of such CD’s may damage the
player or changer, or it may be impossible to eject the
CD.

AUDIO
252
Correct Wrong
 Handle CD’s carefully, especially when you set them into the
player. Hold them on the edge and do not bend them. A void
getting fingerprints on them, particularly on the shiny side.
 Dirt, scratches, warping, pin holes, or other CD damage
could cause the player to skip or to repeat a section of a
track. (To see a pin hole, hold the CD up to the light.)To clean a CD: 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 CD (not in a circle). Do not use a
conventional record cleaner or anti −static device.

SECTION 3 – 1
253
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three−way catalytic converter254
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Engine exhaust caution 255
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Before starting the engine 256
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Ignition switch with steering lock 257
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Parking brake 258
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How to start the engine 259
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Automatic transmission 260
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Cruise control 266
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Electronic modulated suspension 269
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Traction control system 269
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Vehicle stability control system 272
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Brake system 274
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Brake pad wear limit indicators 278
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STARTING AND DRIVING
254
THREEWAY CATALYTICCONVERTER
The threeway 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
threeway catalytic converter may cause it to overheat
and create a fire hazard. To prevent this and other
damage, observe the following precautions:
 Use only unleaded gasoline.
 Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level; running
out of fuel could cause the engine to misfire, creating
an excessive load on the threeway catalytic
converter.
 Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed for more
than 20 minutes.
 Avoid racing the engine.
 Do not pushstart or pullstart your vehicle.
 Do not turn off the ignition while the vehicle is
moving.
 Keep your engine in good running order.
Malfunctions in the engine electrical system,
electronic ignition system/distributor ignition
system or fuel system could cause an extremely high
threeway catalytic converter temperature.
 If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, take your vehicle in for a checkup as
soon as possible. Remember, your Lexus dealer
knows your vehicle and its threeway catalytic
converter system best.

STARTING AND DRIVING
255

To ensure that the threeway catalytic converter and
the entire emission control system operate properly,
your vehicle must receive the periodic inspections
required by the Lexus Maintenance Schedule. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the
“Owner’s Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenance”.
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 closed while driving. An open or
unsealed trunk lid may cause exhaust gases to be
drawn into the vehicle.