Engine Lexus ES300 1999 s (in English) Owner's Guide

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
209
The air intake control button is used to switch the air
intake between the OUTSIDE AIR mode and
RECIRCULATED AIR mode.
With the button in the OUTSIDE AIR mode, the
OUTSIDE AIR mode indicator light will come on and the
system will take fresh outside air into the vehicle.
If quick circulation of cooled air is desired, push the air
intake control button for RECIRCULATED AIR. The
RECIRCULATED AIR mode indicator light will come on.
For normal use, it is best to keep the air intake control
button set to OUTSIDE AIR mode. If recirculated air is
used
during heating, the windows will fog up more easily.
If the engine coolant temperature becomes extremely
high, the RECIRCULATED AIR mode is automatically
selected. This is not a malfunction. When the engine
coolant temperature is lowered, the previous mode
resumes.
If manual on±off of the air conditioning is desired ±
Push the ºA/Cº button to turn the air conditioning on and
push it again to turn the air conditioning off.
The air conditioning does not work if the outside
temperature is lowered down to around 0 C (32F).
If the system is used for ventilation, heating in dry
weather or removing frost or exterior fog on the
windshield, turn the air conditioning off once it is no
longer required. This will improve fuel economy. The air
conditioning can be used for year±round automatic temperature
control including cooling and dehumidifying
operation.
If the air conditioning compressor does not operate, the
indicator of the ºA/Cº button will blink. If the indicator of
the ºA/Cº button blinks even when the ºA/Cº button is
pushed again, have the compressor checked by your
nearest Lexus dealer.
Displaying the outside temperature ±
When you push the ºOUTSIDE TEMPº knob, the
temperature display shows the outside temperature. To
return to the display of the current set temperature, push
the knob again. The temperature display ranges from
±30 C (±22 F) up to 50C (122F).

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
216CD mode:
Direct access to a desired
program
(See page 239 for details.)
Using your audio system: some basics
This section describes some of the basic features of the
Lexus audio system. Some information may not pertain
to your system.
Your audio system works when the ignition key is in the
ºACCº or ºONº position.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not leave the car audio on longer than necessarywhen the engine is not running.
(a) Turning the system on and off
20E012±1
Push this knob to turn the audio system on and off.
Turn this knob to adjust the volume.
The system turns on in the last mode used.
20E013±1

SECTION 3 ± 1
250
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converter250
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 253
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 255
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 256
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 259
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 260
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 261
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 274
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic modulated suspension 278
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system 278
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle skid control system 282
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 286
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 292
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 292
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THREE±WAY CATALYTIC
CONVERTER

STARTING AND DRIVING
251
31E001a
The three±way 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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
252
NOTICEA large amount of unburned gases flowing intothe three±way catalytic converter may cause it tooverheat 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 tomisfire, creating an excessive load on thethree±way catalytic converter.
Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed formore than 20 minutes.
Avoid racing the engine.
Do not push±start or pull±start your vehicle.
Do not turn off the ignition while the vehicle ismoving.
Keep your engine in good running order.Malfunctions in the engine electrical system,electronic ignition system/distributor ignitionsystem or fuel system could cause anextremely high three±way catalytic converter
temperature.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stallsfrequently, take your vehicle in for a check±upas soon as possible. Remember, your Lexusdealer knows your vehicle and its three±waycatalytic converter system best.

STARTING AND DRIVING
253

To ensure that the three±way catalytic
converter and the entire emission controlsystem operate properly, your vehicle mustreceive the periodic inspections required bythe Lexus Maintenance Schedule. Forscheduled maintenance information, refer tothe separate ºOwner's Manual Supplement/
Maintenance Scheduleº.ENGINE EXHAUST CAUTION

STARTING AND DRIVING
254
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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
255
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, head restraint
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 ºONº, and check the fuel
gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.

STARTING AND DRIVING
257
ºSTARTº ± Starter motor on. The key will return to
the ºONº position when released.
For starting tips, see page 260.
ºONº ± Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the ºONº position if the
engine is not running. The battery will dischargeand the electronic ignition system/distributorignition system could be damaged.
ºACCº ± Accessories such as the radio operate, but
the engine is off.
If you leave the key in the ºACCº or ºLOCKº position and
open the driver's door, a buzzer will remind you to
remove the key.

STARTING AND DRIVING
258
31E037
ºLOCKº ± 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 ºACCº to the
ºLOCKº position. The selector lever must be put in the
ºPº position before turning the key to the ºLOCKº
position.
Once you remove the key, the engine immobiliser
system is automatically set. See ºEngine immobiliser
systemº on page 12.
When starting the engine, the key may seem stuck at the
ºLOCKº 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 moving, turn the key only to ºACCº.