check engine light Lexus ES300 1999 Owner's Manuals (in English)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
61
(d) 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.
(e) Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil pressure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are driving, pull off the
road to a safe place and stop the engine immediately.
Call a Lexus dealer or qualified repair shop for
assistance.
The light may occasionally flicker when the engine is
idling or it may come on briefly after a hard stop. There
is no cause for concern if it then goes out when the
engine is accelerated slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level is extremely
low. It is not designed to indicate low oil level, and the
oil level must be checked using the oil level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the warning light on± even for one block. It may ruin the engine.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
62
(f) Low Engine Oil Level Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil level is too low. Add
oil as soon as possible. (For instructions, see ºChecking
the engine oil levelº on page 378.)
While driving on steep inclines or rough roads which
causes the vehicle to substantially sway or on curves,
this light may come on due to the movement of engine
oil in the engine.
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oilwill damage the engine.
(g) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See ºFuel gaugeº
on page 50 for instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely. (See
ºFuel tank capº on page 100 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your engine or
automatic transmission electrical system.
If it comes on while you are driving in case ºc.º, have your
vehicle checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon
as possible.
(h) ºABSº Warning Light
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in
your anti±lock brake system.
If the light comes on while you are driving, have your
vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to
ºONº, and will go off after about a few seconds.
When the ºABSº warning light is on (and the brake
system warning light is off), the brake system operates
conventionally but anti±lock brake system is not
assisting brake performance so that the wheels could
lock up during a sudden brake or braking on slippery
road surfaces.
(i) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the doors are completely
closed.
(j) Rear Light Failure Warning Light
If this light comes on when the headlight switch is turned
on (at the first or second clickstop), it indicates that one
or more of the tail lights are burned out.
If it comes on when the brake pedal is depressed, one
or more stop lights are burned out.
Have defective bulbs replaced as soon as possible.

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).

STARTING AND DRIVING
260
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 ºPº. If you need to restart the
engine while the vehicle is moving, put the selector lever
in ºNº. 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 ºBefore crankingº.
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 ºSTARTº. Release it when
the engine starts.
2. After the engine runs for about 10 seconds, you are
ready to drive. If the weather is below freezing, let the engine warm up
for a few minutes before driving. Do not leave the vehicle
while the engine is warming up.
If the engine stalls ...
Simply restart it , using the correct procedure given in
normal starting.
If the engine will not start
See ºIf your vehicle will not startº on page 314.
NOTICE
Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a
time. This may overheat the starter and wiringsystems.
Do not race a cold engine.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stallsfrequently, have the engine checkedimmediately.

STARTING AND DRIVING
280You can turn off the traction control system by
pushing the ºTRAC OFFº switch. The ºTRAC OFFº
indicator/warning light will then come on. Pushing
the ºTRAC OFFº switch a second time turns the
system back on and extinguishes the ºTRAC OFFº
indicator/warning light.
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 traction control
system is in the self
±check mode, and does not indicate
malfunction.
When the traction control system is operating, you may
feel vibration or noise of your vehicle, caused by
operation of the brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly.
When getting the vehicle out of mud or new snow, etc.
the traction control system will help operate to prevent
the wheels from spinning.

STARTING AND DRIVING
282
VEHICLE SKID CONTROLSYSTEM
The vehicle skid control system helps provide
comprehensive control of the systems such as an
anti±lock brake system, traction control, engine
control, etc. This system automatically controls the
output of the brakes or engine to help prevent the
vehicle from skidding when cornering on a slippery
road surface or abrupt steering wheel operation
occurs.
31E013±1

Slip indicator light
If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the slip
indicator light flashes and an alarm sounds
intermittently.
The vehicle skid control activates when the vehicle
speed is about more than 15 km/h (9 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 vehicle skid
control is in the self±check mode and does not indicate
a malfunction.

DRIVING TIPS
295
BREAK±IN PERIOD
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
You need not follow a break±in schedule with your new
Lexus. But following a few simple tips for the first 1600
km (1000 miles) can add to the future economy and long
life of your vehicle:
Do not drive over 88 km/h (55 mph).
 Avoid overrevving. Maintain engine speed between
2000 and 4000 rpm.
 Avoid full±throttle starts.
 Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200
miles).
 Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either
fast or slow.
 Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500 miles).
OPERATION IN FOREIGN
COUNTRIES
If you plan to drive your Lexus in another country ...
First, comply with the vehicle registration laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the correct fuel
(unleaded and minimum octane rating).
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VARIOUS CONDITIONS
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will
allow you much better control.
 Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right
angle. Avoid driving onto high, sharp±edged objects
and other road hazards. Failure to do so can lead to
severe tire damage resulting in tire bursts.
 When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they
touch the curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply
the parking brake, and place the transmission in ºPº.
If necessary, block the wheels.
 Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water
may get the brakes wet. To see whether they are wet,
check that there is no traffic near you and then press
the pedal lightly. If you do not feel a normal braking
force, the brakes are probably wet. To dry them, drive
the vehicle cautiously while lightly pressing the brake
pedal with the parking brake applied. If they still do
not work safely, pull to the side of the road and call a
Lexus dealer for assistance.

DRIVING TIPS
305
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle's tires are properly inflated.
Adjust the tire pressure to the recommended cold tire
pressure indicated below:
Tire pressure, kPa (kgf/cm
2 or bar, psi)
Front 220 (2.2, 32)
Rear 220 (2.2, 32)
 The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure
recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect
to the total trailer weight.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights must comply with federal,
state/provincial and local regulations. See your local
recreational vehicle dealer or rental agency for the
correct type of wiring and relays for your trailer.
Check for correct operation of the turn signals and
stop lights each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may
damage your vehicle's electrical system and cause a
malfunction of your lights.
Break±in schedule
 Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with
a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train
component (engine, transmission, differential, wheel
bearing, etc.) for the first 800 km (500 miles) of
driving.
Maintenance
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more
frequent maintenance due to the additional load. For
this information, please refer to the scheduled
maintenance information in the ºOwner's Manual
Supplement/ Maintenance Scheduleº.
 Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket
after approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer
driving.
Pre±towing safety check
 Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded
or unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the
vehicle has an abnormal nose±up or nose±down
condition, and check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible causes.
 Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that
it cannot shift.
 Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any
federal, state/provincial or local regulation. If they do
not, install required rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.

DRIVING TIPS
309
Slow down and downshift before descending
steep or long downhill grades. Do not make
sudden downshifts.
 Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or
too frequently. This could cause the brakes to
overheat and result in reduced braking
efficiency.
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND
MAKE YOUR VEHICLE LAST
LONGER
Getting more kilometer/mileage from a liter/gallon of fuel
is easy ± just take it easy. It will help make your vehicle
last longer, too. Here are some specific tips on how to
save money on both fuel and repairs:
 Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure.
Check the pressure every two weeks, or at least once
a month. Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes
fuel.
 Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle.
Excess weight puts a heavier load on the engine,
causing greater fuel consumption.
 Avoid lengthy warm±up idling. Once the engine is
running smoothly, begin driving ± but gently.
Remember, however, that on cold winter days this
may take a little longer. 
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit
starts.
 Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait
and you are not in traffic, it is better to turn off the
engine and start again later.
 Avoid engine overrevving . Use a gear position
suitable for the road on which you are traveling.
 Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing
down. Stop±and±go driving wastes fuel.
 Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a steady pace. Try to time the traffic si gnals
so you only need to stop as little as possible or take
advantage of through streets to avoid traffic lights.
Keep a proper distance from other vehicles to avoid
sudden braking. This will also reduce wear on your
brakes.
 Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever
possible.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. This
causes needless wear, overheating and poor fuel
economy.
 Maintain a moderate speed on highways. The
faster you drive, the greater the fuel consumption. By
reducing your speed, you will cut down on fuel
consumption.
 Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid
hitting the curb and slow down on rough roads.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
314
IF YOUR VEHICLE WILL NOTSTART
(a) Simple checks
Before making these checks, make sure you have
followed the correct starting procedure instructions in
ºHow to start the engineº on page 260 and that you have
sufficient fuel. Since your vehicle is equipped with the
engine immobiliser system, also check whether the
other keys will start the engine. If they work, your key
may be broken. Have the key checked at your Lexus
dealer. If none of your keys work, the system is possibly
broken. Call your Lexus dealer. See ºKeysº on page 7.
If the engine is not turning over or is turning over too
slowly ±
1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior
light.
3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is
cranked, the battery is discharged. You may try jump
starting. See º(c) Jump startingº for further instruction.
If the light is O.K., but the engine still will not start, it
needs adjustment or repair. Call a Lexus dealer,
Roadside Assistance or Customer Service Assistance.
(See ºForewordº.)
NOTICE
Do not pull± or push±start the vehicle. It may damage the vehicle or cause a collision when theengine starts. Also the three±way catalyticconverter / warm up three±way catalytic convertermay overheat and become a fire hazard.
If the engine turns over at its normal speed but will
not start ±
1. The engine may be flooded because of repeated
cranking. See º(b) Starting a flooded engineº for further
instructions.
2. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or
repair. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or
Customer Service Assistance. (See ºForewordº.)