service Lexus ES300 1999 Owner's Manuals (in English)

FOREWORD
i
Welcome to the growing group of value±conscious people who drive Lexus\
vehicles. We are proud of the advanced engineering and quality construction
of each vehicle we build.
This Owner's Manual explains the features of your new Lexus. Please read it
and follow the instructions carefully so that you can enjoy many years o\
f safe
motoring.
When it comes to service, remember that your Lexus dealer knows your vehicle
best and is interested in your complete satisfaction. Your Lexus dealer will
provide quality maintenance and any other assistance you may require.
If there is not a Lexus dealer near you, or you need emergency assistanc\
e for
any reason, please call the following number:
U.S. OWNERS


When traveling in the U.S. mainland or Canada:
Lexus Roadside Assistance 1±800±25±LEXUS (Toll±Free)
(1±800±255±3987)

HAWAII:
Lexus Customer Service Assistance 1±800±25±LEXUS (Toll±Free)
(1±800±255±3987)
CANADIAN OWNERS

Please refer to the separate ºOwner's Guideº or ºOwner's Manual
Supplementº.
Please leave this Owner's Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The
next owner will need this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the tim\
e
of printing. However, because of the Lexus policy of continual product
improvement, we reserve the right to make changes at any time without

iiiThis vehicle should not be modified with non±genuine
Lexus products. Modification with non±genuine Lexus
products could affect its performance, safety or
durability, and may even violate governmental
regulations. In addition, damage or performance
problems resulting from the modification may not be
covered under warranty.
Spark ignition system of your Lexus
The spark ignition system in your Lexus meets all
requirements of the Canadian Interference±Causing
Equipment Standard.
Installation of a mobile two±way radio
system
As the installation of a mobile two±way radio system in
your
vehicle could affect electronic systems such as the
multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system, cruise control system, anti±lock brake
system and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), be
sure to check with your Lexus dealer for precautionary
measures or special instructions regarding installation.
Scrapping of your Lexus
The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in your
Lexus consists of driver and front passenger airbags,
side airbags and seat belt pretensioners. The SRS
device contains explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is
scrapped with the airbags and seat belt pretensioners
left as they are, it may cause an accident such as a fire.
Be sure to have the SRS removed and disposed of by
a qualified service shop or by your Lexus dealer before
you scrap your vehicle.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
iv
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
The contents of this manual are explained briefly on
this page to help you make the best use of the
manual. Please read this page and the rest of the
Owner's Manual carefully to make sure you fully
understand the operation of your vehicle.
This will help you enjoy safe and comfortable
driving.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The table of contents and the pictorial index provide
easy reference to the appropriate pages.
BASIC OPERATION ± QUICK REFERENCE
Operation of basic equipment is briefly explained in an
easily understandable way for quick reference.
SECTION 1 ± INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
The vehicle's equipment is divided into the 7 groups
listed below. Use of the equipment is explained,
including any points you should pay particular attention
to.
1. Keys and doors
2. Switches
3. Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators
4. Interior equipment5. Exterior equipment
6. Comfort adjustment
7. Theft deterrent
SECTION 2 ± AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
The features of the vehicle's air conditioning and audio
are explained in detail. Be sure to read this section so
that you can make full use of them.
SECTION 3 ± STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting the engine, driving, stopping, operation of
features affecting vehicle handling, hints on vehicle
safety and safe driving techniques are all explained.
Please read everything in this section, and remember ±
drive safely!
SECTION 4 ± IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
This
section explains what to do in the event of an urgent
situation such as the engine not starting or getting a flat
tire, etc. If such a problem occurs, check the contents
of this Owner's Manual and follow the instructions given.
SECTION 5 ± MAINTENANCE
This section explains the importance of regular
maintenance. Regular and periodic inspection and
maintenance of your Lexus will help to keep your vehicle
in its best condition.
SECTION 6 ± SERVICE PROCEDURES AND

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
v
SPECIFICATIONS
Simple maintenance procedure and service data are
provided here for your reference should you wish to
perform inspection and maintenance yourself.
INDEX
The page number is listed for each item in the Owner's
Manual so that you can rapidly find the item and page
you are searching for.
GAS STATION INFORMATION
The information you need to know for appropriate
servicing at the gas station is provided here.
QUICK INDEX
This is designed so that you can quickly find the needed
information when an urgent situation arises.
Safety symbol
In this manual, you will also see a circle with a slash
through it. This means ºDo notº, ºDo not do thisº, or ºDo
not let this happenº.

SECTION 1 ± 3
50
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder
indicators
Fuel gauge50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer and trip meter 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 56
. . .
Instrument panel light control 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FUEL GAUGE
13E001

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
51


Low fuel level warning light
The gauge is displayed when the ignition switch is
on and indicates the approximate quantity of fuel
remaining in the tank.
It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4 full.
This fuel gauge has a non±return type needle which
remains at the last indicated position when the ignition
switch is turned off.
If the fuel level approaches ºEº 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.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
52
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
13E002±1

Normal range
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature
when the ignition switch is on. 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.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
53
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.
 Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in
stop±and±go traffic.
 Towing a trailer.
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 thetemperature of the engine within the specifiedoperating range.
Do not continue driving with an overheatedengine. See ºIf your vehicle overheatsº onpage 319.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
54
TACHOMETER
13E003
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.
ODOMETER AND TRIP METER

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
55
13E004