2006 Lexus GS430 engine

SECTION 1 – 3
67
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder
indicators
Fuel gauge68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Odometer and trip meter 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light sensitive optitron meter 71
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 72
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi−information display 82
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel light control 96
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
68
FUEL GAUGE
G13001
Low fuel level warning light
The gauge indicates the approximate quantity of fuel
remaining in the tank when the engine switch is selected
in “IGON” mode.
It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4 full.
If the fuel level approaches ”E” or the low fuel level warning light\
comes on, fill the fuel tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the tank,
the fuel gauge needle may fluctuate or the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than usual.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the malfunction indicator
lamp comes on. Fill the fuel tank immediately.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times. If the
indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible. See the inner back cover for fuel capacity and recommended
fuel selection.
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
G13002
 Normal range
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature when
the engine switch is selected in “IGON” mode. The
engine operating temperature will vary with changes in
weather and engine load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your vehicle
and allow the engine to cool.
Your vehicle may overheat during severe operating conditions,
such as:
 Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
 Reducing speed or stopping after high speed driving.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
69

Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in
stop−and−go traffic.
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in the engine cooling
system as this may cause the engine to overheat. The
thermostat is designed to control the flow of coolant
to keep the temperature of the engine within the
specified operating range.
 Do not continue driving with an overheated engine.
See ”If your vehicle overheats” on page 467.
TACHOMETER
G13003
The tachometer indicates engine speed in thousands of
rpm (revolutions per minute). Use it while driving to
prevent engine overrevving.
Driving with the engine running too fast causes excessive
engine wear and poor fuel economy. Remember, in most
cases the slower the engine speed, the greater the fuel
economy.
NOTICE
Do not let the indicator needle get into the red zone. This
may cause severe engine damage.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
74IF THIS INDICATOR OR
BUZZER COMES ON ...
DO THIS.
(p)Key reminder
buzzerTurn off the engine
switch.
(a) Brake System Warning Light (red) and Buzzer
This light comes on in the following cases when the engine
switch is selected in “IG −ON” mode.
 When the parking brake is applied ...
GS430—This light comes on fo r a few seconds when the
engine is started even after the parking brake is released.
GS300—This light comes on fo r a few seconds when the
engine switch is selected in “IG −ON” mode even after the
parking brake is released.
If you drive your vehicle without releasing the parking brake,
the buzzer sounds and the message “PARK BRAKE” appears
on the multi −information display.
 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 case:
The light does not come on even if the parking brake is
applied when the engine is started.
 The light does not come on even if the engine is started with
the parking brake released.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
75
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 this 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 “ABS” warning light.
In this case, not only the antilock brake system will
fail but also the vehicle will become extremely
unstable during braking.
GS430 only—Any of the following conditions may occur,
but do not indicate the malfunction:
The light may stay on for about 60 seconds after the engine
is started. It is normal if it turns off after a while.
 Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the
warning light and buzzer. It is normal if the light turns off and
the buzzer stops sounding after a few seconds. 
You may hear a small sound in the engine compartment
after the engine is started or the brake pedal is depressed
repeatedly. This is a pump pulsating sound of the brake
system, and it is not a malfunction.
(b) Brake System Warning Light (yellow)
The light comes on when the engine switch is selected in
“IG−ON” mode.
GS430—If the engine is started, and the traction control
system, vehicle stability control system and hill −start assist
control system work properly, the light turns off after a few
seconds. Thereafter, if any part of the system malfunctions,
the light comes on again.
GS300—If the engine switch is selected in “IG −ON” mode, and
the traction control system, vehicle stability control system and
hill −start assist control system work properly, the light turns off
after a few seconds. Thereafter, if any part of the system
malfunctions, the light comes on again.
Although it is no problem to continue driving, have your vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
(c) Driver’s Seat Belt Reminder Light and Buzzer
The light and buzzer act as a reminder to have the driver buckle
up the seat belt.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
76Once the engine switch is selected in “IG
−ON” mode, the
reminder light flashes and buzzer sounds if the driver’s seat
belt is not fastened. Unless the driver fastens the belt, the light
continues flashing and the buzzer stops after about 4 to 8
seconds.
If the vehicle speed exceeds about 15 km/h (10 mph) with the
driver’s seat belt reminder light flashing, beeps sound
intermittently for about 20 seconds.
(d) Front Passenger’s Seat Belt Reminder Light
The light acts as a reminder to have the front passenger buckle
up the seat belt.
Once the engine switch is selected in “IG −ON” mode, the
reminder light flashes if a passenger sits in the front passenger
seat and does not fasten the seat belt. Unless the front
passenger fastens the belt, the light continues flashing.
However, if a front passenger uses an additional seat cushion,
the indicator light may not flash even when the seat belt is not
buckled up.
If luggage or other load is placed on the front passenger seat,
depending on its weight and how it is placed on the seat,
built−in sensors in the seat cushion may detect the pressure,
causing the reminder light to flash.
(e) SRS Warning Light
The indicator comes on when the engine switch is
selected in “IGON” mode. It goes off after about 6
seconds. This means the SRS airbags and seat belt
pretensioners are operating properly.
This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor
assembly, front airbag sensors, side and curtain shield airbag
sensor assemblies, curtain shield airbag sensor assemblies,
driver’s seat position sensor, driver’s seat belt buckle switch,
occupant detection sensor, front passenger’s seat belt buckle
switch, seat belt pretensioner assemblies, inflators, warning
light, interconnecting wiring and power sources.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a
malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the warning
light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible
to service the vehicle.
 When the engine switch is selected in “IG−ON” mode, the
light does not come on or remains on for more than 6
seconds.
 The light comes on while driving.
If the light stays on, it indicates that the SRS driver and front
passenger airba gs, SRS side and curtain shield airbags and/or
seat belt pretensioners have a problem.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
77
(f) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, stop the vehicle, turn off the
engine, and check for the cause. Look first at the engine drive
belt.
 If it is loose or broken, the generator will not charge the
battery properly.
 If the belt is O.K., there is a problem somewhere in the
charging system.
The engine ignition will continue to operate, however, until the
battery is discharged. Turn off the air conditioning, blower,
radio, etc., and drive directly to the nearest Lexus dealer or
repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive belt is broken
or loose.
(g) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on when the engine switch is selected in
“IGON” mode and goes off after the engine starts. This
means that the warning light system is operating properly.
If the lamp remains on, or the lamp comes on while
driving, first check the followings:
 Empty fuel tank
If the fuel tank is empty, refuel immediately.
 Loose fuel tank cap
If the fuel tank cap is loose, securely tighten it.
These cases are temporary malfunctions. The malfunction
indicator lamp will go off after taking several driving trips.
If the lamp does not go off even after several trips, contact your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
If the fuel tank is not empty or the fuel tank cap is not
loose...
 There is a problem somewhere in the engine, emission
control system, electronic throttle control system, automatic
transmission electrical system or warning light system itself.
Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible to service the
vehicle.
If this lamp comes on and engine speed does not increase
when the accelerator pedal is depressed, there may be a
problem somewhere in the electronic throttle control system.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
78At 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 engine switch is
selected in “ACC” or “OFF” mode.
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)
programs” on page 497.
(h) Master Warning Light
If any system malfunctions, this warning light comes on or
flashes together with a warning tone, and a warning message
appears on the multi−information display. When the cause of
the problem is eliminated, the warning tone and message on
the display will turn off.
(i) ”ABS” Warning Light
The light comes on when the engine switch is selected in
“IG−ON” mode.
GS430—If the anti−lock brake system and the brake assist
system work properly, the light turns of f in a few seconds after
the engine is started. Thereafter, if either system malfunctions,
the light comes on again.
GS300—If the anti−lock brake system and the brake assist
system work properly, the light turns of f in a few seconds after
the engine switch is selected in “IG−ON” mode. Thereafter, if
either system malfunctions, the light comes on again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on, the anti− lock brake system
and the brake assist system do not operate, but the brake
system still operates conventionally.
If either of the following conditions occur, this indicates a
malfunction somewhere in the components monitored by
the warning light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible to service the vehicle.
 The light does not come on when the engine switch is
selected in “IG −ON” mode.
 The light remains on after the engine is started (GS430), or
remains on after the engine switch is selected in “IG −ON”
mode (GS300).
 The light comes on while you are driving.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not
indicate a problem.