traction control Lexus ES300 2002 Owner's Manuals (in English)

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viPage
1
Door lock switch and power window
switches 21, 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Driving position memory switches 150
. . . . . . . . . . .
3 Power rear view mirror control switches 100 . . . . . .
4 Side vents 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Instrument panel light control dial 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Headlight, turn signal and
fog light switches 26, 28, 31, 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Multiinformation display control switches 57 . . . .
8 Ignition switch 220
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Wiper and washer switches 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Seat heater switches 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Emergency flasher switch 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Clock 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . .
13 Car audio 172, 193
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Front passenger’s seat belt reminder light 51 . . . . .
15 Security indicator light 12, 154
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
16 Glove box
68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Automatic air conditioning controls 158
. . . . . . . . . .
18 Rear window and outside rear view mirror
defogger switch 37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Ashtray 66
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
20 Automatic transmission selector lever 223 . . . . . . . .
21 Rear electric sunshade switch 77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Electronic modulated suspension
control switch 233 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Traction control system off switch 234
. . . . . . . . . . .
24 Cruise control switch 230
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Power adjustable pedals switch 98
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Parking brake pedal 221
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Auxiliary box 74
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Hood lock release lever 82
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 Trunk lid opener 83
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30 Fuel filler door opener 85
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viiiPage
1
Tachometer 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Traction control system off indicator light 234 . . . .
3 Vehicle skid control system/traction control
system warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Headlight indicator light 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Headlight high beam indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . .
6 Turn signal indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Fog light indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Cruise control indicator light 230
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Slip indicator light 234, 236
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low fuel level warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Automatic transmission indicator lights 223 . . . . . .
13 Engine coolant temperature gauge 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Odometer and trip meter
48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Trip meter reset knob 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Fuel gauge 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Low washer fluid warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Low engine oil level warning light 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Multiinformation display 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Rear light failure warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low engine oil pressure warning light 52
. . . . . . . . .
22 Brake system warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Antilock brake system warning light 53
. . . . . . . . . .
24 Driver’s seat belt reminder light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Discharge warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 SRS warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Open door warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Malfunction indicator lamp 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xPage
1
Tachometer 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Traction control system off indicator light 234 . . . .
3 Vehicle skid control system/traction control
system warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Tail light indicator light 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Headlight high beam indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . .
6 Turn signal indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Fog light indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Cruise control indicator light 230
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Slip indicator light 234, 236
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low fuel level warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Automatic transmission indicator lights 223 . . . . . .
13 Engine coolant temperature gauge 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Odometer and trip meter
48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Trip meter reset knob 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Fuel gauge 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Low washer fluid warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Low engine oil level warning light 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Multiinformation display 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Rear light failure warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low engine oil pressure warning light 52
. . . . . . . . .
22 Brake system warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Antilock brake system warning light 53
. . . . . . . . . .
24 Driver’s seat belt reminder light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Discharge warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 SRS warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Open door warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Malfunction indicator lamp 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
54If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates
a malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the
warning light. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.

The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned
to the “ON” position, or remains on.
 The light comes on while you are driving.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not
indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on together with the
brake system warning light, immediately stop your
vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
In this case, not only the antilock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.
Vehicles with vehicle skid control system—
The light comes on with the ignition key turned to the “ON”
position. If the antilock brake system and the brake assist
system work properly, the light turns off after a few seconds.
Thereafter, if the system malfunctions, the light comes on
again. When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the antilock brake system, the brake
assist
system, the traction control system and the vehicle skid
control system do not operate, but the brake system still
operates conventionally.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the antilock brake system does not
operate so that the wheels could lock up during a sudden
braking or braking on slippery road surfaces.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates
a malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the
warning light. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.
 The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned
to the “ON” position, or remains on.
 The light comes on while you are driving.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not
indicate a problem.CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on together with the
brake system warning light, immediately stop your
vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
In this case, not only the antilock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
55
(j) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the doors are completely closed.
(k) 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.
(l) Vehicle Skid Control System/Traction Control System Warning Light
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in the
vehicle skid control system or traction control system.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to “ON”
and will go off after a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the system does not work.
However, as conventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driving.
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:
The warning light does not come on after the ignition key is
turned to “ON”.
 The warning light remains on after the ignition key is turned
to “ON”.
 The warning light comes on while driving. The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will come on when the “VSC”
warning light comes on even if the “TRAC OFF” switch is not
pushed.
(m) Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
This light comes on when the fluid level in the tank becomes
nearly empty. Fill the tank as soon as possible.
(n) Automatic Headlight Leveling System
Warning Light (vehicles with discharge
headlight only)
This light warns that when there is a problem somewhere
in the automatic headlight leveling system.
If it comes on, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.
(o) Low Fuel Level Warning Light
This light comes on when the fuel level in the tank becomes
nearly empty. Fill the tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the tank,
the low fuel level warning light may come on earlier than usual.
(p) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer reminds you to remove the key when you open the
driver’s door with the ignition key in the “ACC” or “LOCK”
position.

SECTION 3 – 1
217
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Threeway catalytic converter218
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 219
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 220
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 220
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 221
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
How to start the engine 222
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 223
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 230
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Electronic modulated suspension 233
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system 233
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle skid control system 236
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 237
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 242
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .

STARTING AND DRIVING
233
ELECTRONIC MODULATEDSUSPENSION
This electronic modulated suspension adjusts the
damping effect on the shock absorbers with the control
switch. Select one of the 4 modes which is suited to the
driving conditions with the control switch to provide good
riding comfort and stability.
1 For sporty type driving such as on winding mountain
roads and high speed driving
2For moderate high speed driving
3For ordinary driving such as in the city traffic
4For driving on a bumpy road
5Soft
6Firm
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically helps prevent
the spinning of front wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the ignition key is turned to “ON”, the system
automatically turns on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of
the vehicle and power against front wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction control system is
in operation. Do not drive the vehicle under any speed
or maneuvering conditions which may cause the
vehicle to lose traction control. In situations where the
road surface is covered with ice or snow, your vehicle
should be fitted with snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious speed for the
present road conditions.

STARTING AND DRIVING
234
Normal driving mode
Slip indicator light
Leave the system on during the ordinary driving so that it
can operate when needed.
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
selfcheck mode, but does not indicate a malfunction.
When the traction control system is operating, the following
conditions occur:
 The system controls the spinning of the front wheels. At this
time, the slip indicator light blinks.
 You may feel vibration or noise in your vehicle, caused by
operation of the brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly. The slip indicator light comes on for a few seconds when the
ignition key is turned to “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on, contact your Lexus
dealer.
Traction control off mode
If your wheels get stuck in a ditch when you are driving on
a severe off road and sand, turn off the traction control
system. This system that controls engine performance
interferes with the process of freeing your wheels.
To turn off: Push “TRAC OFF” switch.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will come on.
The vehicle skid control system is always activated, even if the
traction control system is turned off.
To turn on: Push “TRAC OFF” switch once again.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will go off.

STARTING AND DRIVING
235
“TRAC
OFF” indicator light comes on for a few seconds when
the ignition key is turned to “ON”. It will come on again when
you push the “TRAC OFF” switch to turn off the system.
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:
 The indicator light does not come on when the ignition key
is turned “ON”.
 The indicator light remains on after the ignition is turned on.
 The indicator light comes on with the normal driving mode
while driving.
“VSC” warning light
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in the
traction control system or the vehicle skid control system.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to “ON”
and will go off after a few seconds. If the light comes on while driving, the system does not work.
However, as conventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driving.
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:

The warning light does not come on after the ignition key is
turned to “ON”.
 The warning light remains on after the ignition key is turned
to “ON”.
 The warning light comes on while driving.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will come on when the “VSC”
warning light comes on even if the “TRAC OFF” switch is not
pushed.

STARTING AND DRIVING
236
VEHICLE SKID CONTROL SYSTEM
The vehicle skid control system helps provide integrated
control of the systems such as antilock brake system,
traction control, engine control, etc. This system
automatically controls the brakes and engine to help
prevent the vehicle from skidding when cornering on a
slippery road surface or operating steering wheel
abruptly.
The system will activate when your vehicle speed reaches or
exceeds 15 km/h (9 mph), and will deactivate when the vehicle
speed reduced to below 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 s ystem is in the selfcheck mode
but does not indicate a malfunction.
CAUTION
 Do not rely excessively on the vehicle skid control
system. Even if the vehicle skid control system is
operating, you must always drive carefully and
attentively to avoid serious injury. Reckless driving
will result in an unexpected accident. If the slip
indicator light blinks, sounding an alarm, special
care should be taken while driving.
Only use tires of specified size. The size,
manufacture, brand and tread pattern for all 4 tires
should be the same. If you use the tires other than
specified, or different type or size, the vehicle skid
control system may not function correctly. When
replacing the tires or wheels, contact your Lexus
dealer.
 In situations where the road surface is covered with
ice or snow, your vehicle should be fitted with snow
tires or tire chains.
Slip indicator light
If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the slip indicator
light blinks and an alarm sounds intermittently. Special care
should be taken while driving.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few seconds when the
ignition key is turned to “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on, contact your Lexus
dealer.