lock Lexus ES300 1995 Starting And Driving

SECTION 3 – 1
101
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three−way catalytic converter102 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake105 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine105 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission107 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control11 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system11 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators11 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires11 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STARTING AND DRIVING
103

To ensure that the three−way catalytic converter and
the entire emission control system operate properly,
your vehicle must receive the periodic inspections
required by the Lexus Maintenance Schedule.
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. If you must drive with the trunk
lid open to accommodate a large object, close the
windows, open all the dashboard vents and have the
heating or cooling system deliver fresh air into the
vehicle by turning the fan to high speed with the air
intake control button in the OUTSIDE AIR mode.

To allow proper operation of your vehicle’s ventilation
system, keep the inlet grilles in front of the windshield
clear of snow, leaves, or other obstructions.

If you smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle, drive with the
windows open and the trunk lid closed. Have the cause
immediately located and corrected.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, headrest height and
steering wheel angle.
3. Adjust inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts.
Remember to check that the service reminder indicators
function when turning the key to “ON”, and check the fuel
gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.

STARTING AND DRIVING
104
IGNITION SWITCH WITH STEERING
LOCK
“START” − Starter motor on. The key will return to the
“ON” position when released.
For starting tips, see page 105.
“ON” − Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE:
Do not leave the key in the “ON” position if the engine is
not running. The battery will discharge and the
electronic ignition system / distributor ignition system
could be damaged.
“ACC” − Accessories such as the radio operate, but the
engine is off.If you leave the key in the “ACC” or “LOCK” position and open
the driver’s door, a buzzer will remind you to remove the key.
“LOCK” − Engine is off and the steering wheel is locked.
The ignition key can be removed only at this position.
You must push in the key to turn it from “ACC” to the “LOCK”
position. The selector lever must be put in the “P” position
before turning the key to the “LOCK” position.
When starting the engine, the key may seem stuck at the
“LOCK” position. To free it, first be sure the key is pushed all
the way in, and then rock the steering wheel slightly while
turning the key gently.
If, in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the
vehicle is in motion, turn the key only to “ACC”.

STARTING AND DRIVING
105
PARKING BRAKE
Unlock
Release
Set
To set: Pull up the lever.
To release: Pull up the lever slightly, press the thumb
button, then lower the lever.
Before leaving your vehicle, firmly apply the parking brake.
CAUTION:
Before driving, make sure the parking brake is fully
released and that the parking brake reminder light is off.
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 you are
ready to drive 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:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, crank the engine by
turning the key to “START”. Release it when the engine starts.
2. After the engine runs for about 10 seconds, you are ready
to drive.

STARTING AND DRIVING
Shift while pressing the lock
release button in
Shift without pressing
the button
With the brake pedal depressed, shift
while pressing the lock release button in
(The ignition switch must be in the “ON” position.)
Lock release button
to prevent misshifting
Position for stronger engine braking
than that in “2” position
Reverse position
Normal driving position
Neutral position
Position for engine braking
Parking, engine starting
and key removal position
Shift position indicator
Shows the selector lever position
Shift position is also displayed
on the instrument cluster
Overdrive switch
For selecting either a three−speed
or four−speed transmission
ON position
(Shifting into overdrive possible)
OFF position
(Shifting into overdrive not possible)
Driving pattern selector switch
For selecting a driving pattern suitable
to existing driving conditions
NORMAL position
for general driving
conditions
POWER position
for powerful acceleration
107
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

STARTING AND DRIVING
108Your automatic transmission has a shift lock system to
minimize the possibility of incorrect operation. This means you
can only shift out of “P” position when the brake pedal is
depressed (with the ignition switch in “ON” position and the
lock release button pressed in).
Correct use of the automatic transmission is explained in the
following parts.
(a) Normal driving
(b) Using engine braking
(c) Using the “2” and “L” positions
(d) Backing up
(e) Parking
(f) Good driving practice
(g) If you cannot shift the selector lever out of “P” position
(h) If the “O / D OFF” indicator light flashes
(a) Normal driving
“N” (Neutral) position
“P” (Park) position
1. Start the engine as instructed in “How to start the
engine” on page 105.
The transmission must be in “P” or “N”. The engine will not start
in “R”, “2”, “L” or “D” position even if the ignition key is turned
to “START”.
Indicator light
“PWR” (Power) position
“NORM” (Normal) position
2. Set the driving pattern selector switch to the “NORM”
position.
Your transmission has a driving pattern selector switch which
allows you to select either “NORM” or “PWR” to suit your
driving condition. For ordinary driving, Lexus recommends that
you use the “NORM” position to improve fuel economy.
3. For more powerful acceleration and sporty driving, use
the “PWR” position.
In the “PWR” position, the “ECT PWR” light in the instrument
cluster is on and the transmission is shifted up at higher vehicle
speeds and shifted down more responsively than in the
“NORM” position.

STARTING AND DRIVING
11 2
(f) Good driving practice

If the transmission repeatedly upshifts and downshifts
between the third and overdrive gears when climbing a
gentle slope, turn off the overdrive switch. Be sure to turn the
switch on immediately after climbing the slope.

When towing a trailer, in order to maintain efficient engine
braking and electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
CAUTION:
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped
with the engine running. This prevents the vehicle from
creeping.
NOTICE:
Do not hold the vehicle on an upgrade with the
accelerator pedal. This can cause the transmission to
overheat. Always use the brake pedal or parking brake.
(g) If you cannot shift the selector lever out
of “P” position
If you cannot shift the selector lever from “P” position even
though the brake pedal is depressed, use the shift lock
override button. For instructions, see “If you cannot shift
automatic transmission selector lever” on page 142.
(h) If the “O / D OFF” indicator light flashes
If the “O / D OFF” indicator light flashes, contact your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible. There may be trouble in the
transmission system.
CRUISE CONTROL
The cruise control allows you to cruise the vehicle at a
desired speed over 40 km / h (25 mph) with your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
Your cruising speed can be maintained although a slight speed
change may occur when driving up or down a gradient, within
the limits of engine performance. On steeper hills, a great
speed change will occur so it is better to drive without the cruise
control.
When the cruise control is on, the driving pattern of the
automatic transmission is fixed in the normal position,
regardless of the position of the selector switch.
CAUTION:

To help maintain maximum control of your vehicle, do
not use the cruise control when driving in heavy or
varying traffic, or on slippery (rainy, icy or
snow−covered) or winding roads.

Avoid vehicle speed increases when driving downhill.
Use engine braking by downshifting the transmission.

STARTING AND DRIVING
11 5
BRAKE SYSTEM
The tandem master cylinder brake system is a hydraulic
system with two separate sub−systems. If either sub−system
should fail, the other will still work. However, the pedal will be
harder to press, and your stopping distance will be longer.
Also, the brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION:
Do not rely on a single brake system. Have your brakes
fixed immediately.
Brake booster
The brake booster uses engine vacuum to power−assist the
brakes. If the engine should quit while you are driving, you can
bring the vehicle to a stop with normal pedal pressure. There
is enough reserve vacuum for one or two stops but no more!
CAUTION:

Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls. Each
push on the pedal uses up your vacuum reserve.

Even if the power assist is completely lost, the brakes
will still work. But you will have to push the pedal hard
− much harder than normal. And your braking distance
will be longer.
Anti−lock brake system
The anti−lock brake system is designed to prevent
lock−up of the wheels during sudden braking or braking
on slippery road surfaces. This assists the driver in
controlling the vehicle under these circumstances.
The anti−lock brake system becomes operative after the
vehicle has accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately
10 km / h (6 mph). It stops operating when the vehicle
decelerates to a speed below approximately 5 km / h (3 mph).
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle is
started. This means that the anti−lock brake system is in the
self check mode, and does not indicate a malfunction.
When the anti−lock brake system function is in action, you may
feel the brake pedal pulsating and hear a noise. In this
situation, to let the anti−lock brake system work for you, just
hold the brake pedal down more firmly. Do not pump the brake.
The brake pedal pulsation caused by the anti−lock brake
system may indicate hazardous road surface conditions.
Although the anti−lock brake system assists in providing
vehicles control, it is still important to drive with all due care,
because the anti−lock brake system cannot overcome the
laws of physics that act on your vehicle:

Braking capability is dependent on tire friction with the road
surface.

STARTING AND DRIVING
11 6
Even though the anti−lock brake system is operating, a
driver cannot maintain full control on certain slippery road
surfaces, when cornering at high speeds, or in violent
maneuvers.

Avoid high speeds on wet roads. The anti−lock brake
system cannot eliminate the risk of hydroplaning and loss
of tire friction.
Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Compared with vehicles not fitted with an anti−lock brake
system, your vehicle may require a longer stopping distance
in the following cases:

Driving on rough, gravel or snow−covered roads.

Driving with tire chains installed.

Driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or has
other differences in surface height.“ABS” warning light
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” position. After a few seconds, the light will go off.
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.

The light does not come on as described above, or remains
on.

The light comes on while driving.
Even if the anti−lock brake system should fail, the brake
system will still operate conventionally. Have your vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.