coolant temperature Lexus ES330 2006 Starting and Driving / OWNER'S MANUAL (OM33703U)

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each Section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
ivPage
1Tachometer
lvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Traction control system off indicator light cclxxiv .
3Vehicle stability control system/traction control
system warning light lxvi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Engine oil replacement reminder light lxiii
. . . . . . . .
5Headlight indicator light xxxiii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6Headlight high beam indicator light xxxviii . . . . . . . .
7Turn signal indicator light xxxviii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Fog light indicator light xxxix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Cruise control indicator light cclxix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10Slip indicator light cclxxiii, cclxxvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light lxvii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Low fuel level warning light lxvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Automatic transmission indicator lights cclxiii . . . .
14Engine coolant temperature gauge lvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
15Odometer and trip meter
lvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Trip meter reset knob lvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17Fuel gauge lv
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18Low washer fluid warning light lxvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Low engine oil level warning light lxiii
. . . . . . . . . . . .
20Multiinformation display lxviii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Rear light failure warning light lxvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22Low engine oil pressure warning light lxii
. . . . . . . . .
23Brake system warning light lx
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Antilock brake system warning light lxv
. . . . . . . . . .
25Driver’s seat belt reminder light lxi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26Charging system warning light lxii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27SRS warning light lxi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Open door warning light lxvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29Malfunction indicator lamp lxiv
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each Section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viPage
1Tachometer
lvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Traction control system off indicator light cclxxiv .
3Vehicle stability control system/traction control
system warning light lxvi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Tail light indicator light xxxv
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Headlight high beam indicator light xxxviii . . . . . . . .
6Turn signal indicator light xxxviii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Fog light indicator light xxxix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Cruise control indicator light cclxix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Slip indicator light cclxxiii, cclxxvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light lxvii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Low fuel level warning light lxvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Automatic transmission indicator lights cclxiii . . . .
13Engine coolant temperature gauge lvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14Odometer and trip meter
lvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Trip meter reset knob lvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Fuel gauge lv
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17Low washer fluid warning light lxvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18Low engine oil level warning light lxiii
. . . . . . . . . . . .
19Multiinformation display lxviii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20Rear light failure warning light lxvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Low engine oil pressure warning light lxii
. . . . . . . . .
22Brake system warning light lx
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23Antilock brake system warning light lxv
. . . . . . . . . .
24Driver’s seat belt reminder light lxi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Charging system warning light lxii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26SRS warning light lxi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27Open door warning light lxvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Malfunction indicator lamp lxiv
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 1 – 3
liv
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder
indicators
Fuel gaugelv
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge lvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer lvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Odometer and trip meter lvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers lviii
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi−information display lxviii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel light control lxxi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
lvi
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
 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. 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 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 cccviii.

STARTING AND DRIVING
cclxii
HOW TO START THE ENGINE
Before cranking
1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Put the selector lever in “P”. If you need to restart the engine
while the vehicle is moving, put the selector lever in “N”. A
starter safety device will prevent the starter from operating if
the selector lever is in any drive position.
4. Depress the brake pedal and hold it to the floor until driving
off.
Starting the engine
Before starting the engine, be sure to follow the instructions in
“Before cranking”.
Normal starting procedure
The multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system in your engine automatically controls the
proper air −fuel mixture for starting. You can start a cold or hot
engine as follows:
With your foot off the accelerator pedal, crank the engine by
turning the key to “START”. Release it when the engine starts.
Engine should be warmed up by driving, not in idle. For
warming up, drive with smoothly turning engine until engine
coolant temperature is within normal range. If the engine stalls...
Simply restart it, using the correct procedure given in normal
starting.
If the engine will not start...
See “If your vehicle will not start” on page ccciii.
NOTICE

Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This
may overheat the starter and wiring systems.
 Do not race a cold engine.
 If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, have the engine checked immediately.

STARTING AND DRIVING
cclxv
1Brake pedal 2“D” (Drive) position
2. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the
selector lever to “D”.
Always use the “D” position to improve fuel economy and quiet
driving. Only in this position, shifting into the overdrive gear is
possible. However, while the engine coolant temperature is
low, the transmission will not shift into the overdrive gear even
in the “D” position. (See “(b) Using engine braking” and\
“(f)
Good driving practice” for exceptions.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while
shifting.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress
the accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting.
In normal cruising, the vehicle will start in first gear and
automatically shift up to the most suitable gear. On inclines,
declines or winding roads, etc., the vehicle shifts up and down
automatically according to the running conditions to obtain the
suitable driving power and engine braking.
When the lever is in the “4” position, the automatic
transmission system will select the most suitable gear for the
running conditions such as hill climbing, hard towing, etc.
If you need to accelerate rapidly while driving, depress the
accelerator pedal to the full throttle position. This provides
more acceleration by automatically downshifting the
transmission to the next lower gear or beyond, depending on
the vehicle speed.
If engine braking is needed, such as in descending a long hill,
see “(b) Using engine braking”.

DRIVING TIPS
ccxciv
Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
 Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit
your vehicle in a tight turn. Slow down before making a turn
to avoid the need of sudden braking.
 Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will
be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn.
Therefore, compensate for this by making a larger than
normal turning radius with your vehicle.
 Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling
of your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention to
the rear from time to time to prepare yourself for being
passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your
vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying happens, firmly grip
the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately but
gradually. Never increase speed. If it is necessary to
reduce speed, brake slowly. Steer straight ahead. If you
make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes,
your vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
 Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires
considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget
the length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty of room
before changing lanes.
 In order to maintain efficient engine braking and electrical
charging performance, do not use overdrive. 
Because of the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s
engine may overheat on hot days (at temperatures over
30C [85 F]) when going up a long or steep grade with a
trailer. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in
use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
See “If your vehicle overheats” on page cccviii.
 Always pl ace wheel blocks under both the vehicle and trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. Put
the transmission in “P”. Avoid parking on a slope with a
trailer, but if it cannot be avoided, do so only after performing
the following:
1. Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle
and trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release your brakes
slowly until the blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the parking brake firmly.
5. Shift into “P” and turn off the engine.
When restarting out after parking on a slope:
1. With the transmission in “P” position, start the engine. Be
sure to keep the brake pedal depressed.
2. Shift into the “3”, “2”, “L” or “R” position.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
cccviii
IF YOU CANNOT INCREASEENGINE SPEED
If engine speed does not increase when the accelerator pedal
is depressed, there may be a problem somewhere in the
electronic throttle control system.
At 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 ignition key is
turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position.
CAUTION
Be especially careful to prevent erroneous pedal
operation.
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, if you experience a loss of power, or if you
hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine has
probably overheated.
When the engine overheats
Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your
emergency flashers. Put the transmission in “P” and apply the
parking brake.
A: If steam is coming from your engine:
Turn off the engine. Leave the hood closed until there is no sign
of steam or coolant. Your engine could have been seriously
damaged already. Call your Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until
there is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is sign of
very high pressure.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
cccix
B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning.
Check the following.

Is the cooling fan operating?
 Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
 Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the
engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out
under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the
acceptable range, turn off the engine and call your Lexus
dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant
temperature has cooled to normal, continue driving your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your
vehicle overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible
by your Lexus dealer.
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight
line. Move cautiously off the road to a safe place
— well away from the traffic. Avoid stopping on the
center divider of a highway. Park on a level spot with
firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency
flashers.
3. F i r m l y s e t t h e p a r k i n g b r a k e a n d p u t t h e
transmission in “P”.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side
away from traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.

MAINTENANCE
cccxxxv
Tire inflation pressure
Check the tire inflation pressure with a gauge every
two weeks, or at least once a month and adjust as
shown on the tire and loading information label. See
page ccclxix for additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or
excessive wear. See page ccclxxxiv for additional
information.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the maintenance
schedule. (For scheduled maintenance information,
please refer to the “Owner’s Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance”.) See page
ccclxxxiii for additional information.DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEEDREPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and
visual tip −offs that indicate service is needed. Some important
clues are:
 Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
 Appreciable loss of power
 Strange engine noises
 A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from
the air conditioning after use is normal.)
 Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous
carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
 Flat−looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering,
uneven tire wear
 Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level
road
 Strange noises related to suspension movement
 Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal,
pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to one side when
braking
 Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal