Section 5 Lexus ES300 2002 s (in English) Owner's Guide

AUDIO
195
Using your audio system: some basics
This section describes some of the basic features of the Lexus
audio system. Some informat ion may not pertain to your
system.
Your audio system adjusts to the optimum volume and tone
quality automatically. While the system is adjusting the audio
sound, the audio sound fades out and then fades in.
Your audio system works when the ignition switch is in the
“ACC” or “ON” position.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not
leave the car audio on longer than necessary when the
engine is not running.
(a) Turning the system on and off
Push this knob to tur n the audio system on and off. Turn
this knob to adjust the volume.
The system turns on in the last mode used.

AUDIO
215
Your automatic changer cannot play special shaped or
lowquality
compact discs such as those shown here. Do not
use them as the changer could be damaged.
20L038
Correct Wrong
 Handle compact discs carefully, especially when you set
them into the player. Hold them on the edge and do not bend
them. A void getting fingerprints on them, particularly on the
shiny side.
 Dirt, scrapes, warping, pin holes, or other disc damage
could cause the player to skip or to repeat a section of a
track. (To see a pin hole, hold the disc up to the light.)
20L039
To clean a compact disc: Wipe it with a soft, lintfree cloth
that has been dampened with water. Wipe in a straight line
from the center to the edge of the disc (not in a circle). Do not
use a conventional record cleaner or antistatic device.
CAUTION
Compact disc players use an invisible laser beam which
could cause hazardous radiation exposure if directed
outside the unit. Be sure to operate the player correctly.

SECTION 3 – 1
217
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Threeway catalytic converter218
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Engine exhaust caution 219
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Before starting the engine 220
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Ignition switch with steering lock 220
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Parking brake 221
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How to start the engine 222
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Automatic transmission 223
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Cruise control 230
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Electronic modulated suspension 233
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Traction control system 233
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Vehicle skid control system 236
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Brake system 237
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Brake pad wear limit indicators 241
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Types of tires 242
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SECTION 3 – 2
243
STARTING AND DRIVING
Driving tips
Breakin period244
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Operation in foreign countries 244
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Tips for driving in various condition s 244. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 246
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Dinghy towing 247
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Trailer towing 248
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How to save fuel and make your vehicle
last longer 254
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SECTION 4
257
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
If your engine stalls while driving258
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If your vehicle will not start 258
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If you cannot increase the engine speed 262
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If your vehicle overheats 263
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If you have a flat tire 264
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If your vehicle needs to be towed 271
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If you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector lever 276
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If you lose your keys or lock yourself out 277
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SECTION 5
279
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance requirements280
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General maintenance 281
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Does your vehicle need repairing? 284
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Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs 285
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For scheduled maintenance informa tion, please refer
to the “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenance”.

MAINTENANCE
281
Where to go for service?
Lexus technicians are welltrained specialists and are kept up
to date with the latest service information through technical
bulletins, service tips, and indealership training programs.
They are well informed about the operation of all the systems
on your vehicle.
You can be confident that your Lexus dealer’s service
department performs the best job to meet the maintenance
requirements of your vehicle.
Your copy of the repair order is proof that all required
maintenance has been performed for warranty coverage. And
if any problems should arise with your vehicle while under
warranty, your Lexus dealer will promptly take care of it. Again,
be sure to keep a copy of the repair order for any service
performed on your Lexus.
What about doityourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself, if you
have a little mechanical ability and a few basic automotive
tools. Simple instructions for how to perform them are
presented in Section 6.
If you are a skilled doityourself mechanic, the Lexus service
manuals are recommended. Please be aware that
doityourself maintenance can affect your warranty
coverage. See your “Owner ’s Guide”, “Owner’s Manual
Supplement” or “Warranty Booklet” for the details.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified. It is recommended that
any problem you notice be brought to the attention of your
Lexus dealer or qualified service shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only where adequate ventilation can
be obtained if you run the engine.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to time,
unless otherwise specified.
Tire pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks, or at least
once a month and adjust as shown on the tire pressure label.
See page 315 for additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive wear.
See page 316 for additional information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary.

SECTION 6 – 1
287
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Introduction
Vehicle identification288
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Engine compartment overview 289 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doityourself service precautions 290
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Parts and tools 291
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Positioning the jack 293
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INTRODUCTION
290
DOITYOURSELF SERVICEPRECAUTIONS
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure given in this section.
You should be aware that improper or incomplete servicing
may result in operating problems.
Performing doityourself maintenance during the warranty
period may affect your warranty coverage. Read the separate
Lexus Warranty statement for details and suggestions.
This section gives instructions only for those items that are
relatively easy for an owner to perform. As explained in
Section 5, there are still a number of items that must be
performed by a qualified technician with special tools.
For information on tools and parts for doityourself
maintenance, see “Parts and tools” on page 291.
Utmost care should be taken when working on your vehicle to
prevent accidental injury. Here are a few precautions that you
should be especially careful to observe:
CAUTION
 When the engine is running, keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive
belt. (Removing rings, watches, and ties is
advisable.)
 Right after driving, the engine compartment the
engine, radiator, exhaust manifold and power
steering fluid reservoir, etc. will be hot. So be
careful not to touch them. Oil and other fluids may
also be hot.
 Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames
around fuel or the battery. Their fumes are
flammable.
 Do not get under your vehicle with just the body jack
supporting it. Always use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.
 Be sure that the ignition is off if you work near the
electric cooling fans or radiator grille. With the
ignition on, the electric cooling fans will
automatically start to run if the engine coolant
temperature is high and/or the air conditioning is on.
 Use eye protection whenever you work on or under
your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc.

SECTION 6 – 2
296
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications297
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Fuel 300
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Facts about engine oil consumption 302
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Used engine oil 303
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Checking the engine oil level 304
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Checking the engine coolant level 306
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Checking the radiator and condenser 308
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Spark plugs 308
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