fuel consumption Lexus IS300 2002 Gauges, Meters And Service Reminder Indicators / LEXUS 2002 IS300 SEDAN OWNER'S MANUAL (OM9997X)

8.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viii
Page
1 Tachometer37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Headlight high beam indicator light 24
. . . . . . . . . . .
3 Low engine oil level warning light 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic headlight leveling system warning
light 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
5 Turn signal indicator lights 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Cruise control indicator light 180
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Momentary fuel consumption meter 36. . . . . . . . . . .
8 Voltmeter36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Engine coolant temperature gauge 35
. . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Anti±lock brake system warning light 43
. . . . . . . . . .
11 Malfunction indicator lamp 43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Fuel gauge 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Low fuel level warning light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Odometer and trip meter 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Power mode indicator light 171
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
16 Snow mode indicator light
171
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 ODO/TRIP knob 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Automatic transmission indicator lights 169 . . . . . .
19 M mode indicator 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Gear position indicator for manual control 173 . . . .
21 Rear light failure warning light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Security indicator light 120. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Traction control system
off indicator/warning light 44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Low engine oil pressure warning light 42
. . . . . . . . .
26 Slip indicator light 183
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Brake system warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 SRS warning light 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 Open door warning light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30 Driver's seat belt reminder light 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
x
Page
1 Tachometer37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Headlight high beam indicator light 24
. . . . . . . . . . .
3 Low engine oil level warning light 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic headlight leveling system warning
light 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
5 Turn signal indicator lights 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Cruise control indicator light 180
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Momentary fuel consumption meter 36. . . . . . . . . . .
8 Voltmeter36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Engine coolant temperature gauge 35
. . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Anti±lock brake system warning light 43
. . . . . . . . . .
11 Malfunction indicator lamp 43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Fuel gauge 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Low fuel level warning light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Odometer and trip meter 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Power mode indicator light 171
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
16 Snow mode indicator light
171
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 ODO/TRIP knob 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Automatic transmission indicator lights 169 . . . . . .
19 M mode indicator 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Gear position indicator for manual control 173 . . . .
21 Rear light failure warning light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Security indicator light 120. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Traction control system
off indicator/warning light 44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Low oil pressure warning light 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Slip indicator light 183
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Brake system warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 SRS warning light 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 Open door warning light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30 Driver's seat belt reminder light 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 1 ± 3
33
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder
indicators
Fuel gauge34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Momentary fuel consumption meter 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Odometer and trip meter 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel light control 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
36
VOLTMETER
SV13013

1Discharge warning light 2Normal range
The voltmeter tells whether the battery is charged or
discharged. Check it while the engine is running ± the
needle should always indicate as shown above.
If the needle reads below or above the normal range while the
engine is running, it indicates that the charging system needs
immediate repair.
However, it is normal for the needle to drop below the normal
range during engine starting.
MOMENTARY FUEL CONSUMPTIONMETER
SV13018

Vehicles sold in U.S.A.
SV13020

Vehicles sold in Canada

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
37
The momentary fuel consumption is calculated and
indicated based on the driving distance and the fuel
consumption with the engine running.
If you are driving at low speeds just before stopping, the
accurate figure may not be shown.
TACHOMETER
SV13016
The tachometer indicates engine speed in thousands of
rpm (revolutions per minute). Use it while driving to
prevent engine over±revving.
Driving with the engine running too fast causes excessive
engine wear and poor fuel economy. Remember, in most
cases the slower the engine speed, the greater the fuel
economy.
NOTICE
Do not let the indicator needle get into the red zone. This
may cause severe engine damage.

DRIVING TIPS
196
TRAILER TOWING
SV32001
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your
vehicle. It is not designed for trailer towing.
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKEYOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Improving fuel economy 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 over±revving. 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.

DRIVING TIPS
197


Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking. Maintain a
steady pace. Try to time the traf fic signals 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
premature 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. Improper
alignment not only causes faster tire wear but also puts an
extra load on the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.

Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud, etc.
This not only lessens weight but also helps prevent
corrosion.

Keep your vehicle tuned±up and in top shape. A dirty air
cleaner, improper valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil and
grease, brakes not adjusted, etc. all lower engine
performance and contribute to poor fuel economy. For
longer life of all parts and lower operating costs, keep all
maintenance work on schedule, and if you often drive under
severe conditions, see that your vehicle receives more
frequent maintenance (For scheduled maintenance
information, please refer to the ºOwner's Manual
Supplement / Maintenance Scheduleº.)
CAUTION
Never turn off the engine to coast down hills. Your
power steering and brake booster will not function
without the engine running. Also, the emission control
system operates properly only when the engine is
running.

SECTION 6 ± 2
235
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications236
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Fuel 238
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption 240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil 242
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 242
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 245
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 246
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . .

ENGINE
240
NOTICE
Do not use gasohol other than stated above. It willcause fuel system damage or vehicle performanceproblems.
If driveability problems are encountered (poor hotstarting, vaporizing, engine knock, etc.), discontinueits use.
Take care not to spill gasohol during refueling.Gasohol may cause paint damage.
Fuel tank capacity
66 L (17.5 gal., 14.5 lmp.gal.)
FACTS ABOUT ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION
Functions of engine oil
Engine oil has the primary function of lubricating and cooling
the inside of the engine, and plays a major role in maintaining
the engine in proper working order.
Engine oil consumption
It is normal that an engine should consume some engine
oil during normal engine operation. The causes of oil
consumption in a normal engine are as follows.
Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston rings and cylinders.
A thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall when a piston
moves downwards in the cylinder. High negative pressure
generated when the vehicle is decelerating sucks some of
this oil into the combustion chamber. This oil as well as
some part of the oil film left on the cylinder wall is burned by
the high temperature combustion gases during the
combustion process.
 Oil is also used to lubricate the stems of the intake valves.
Some of this oil is sucked into the combustion chamber
together with the intake air and is burned along with the fuel.
High temperature exhaust gases also burn the oil used to
lubricate the exhaust valve stems.

ENGINE
241
The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the
viscosity of the oil, the quality of the oil and the way the
vehicle is driven.
More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high
speeds and frequent acceleration and deceleration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since its pistons, piston rings
and cylinder walls have not become conditioned.
When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in
mind that the oil may have become diluted, making it
difficult to judge the true level accurately.
For example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips and
consumes a normal amount of oil, the dipstick may not show
any drop in the oil level at all, even after 1000 km (600 miles)
or more. This is because the oil is gradually becoming diluted
with
fuel or moisture, making it appear that the oil level has not
changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle is then
driven at high speeds, as on an expressway, making it appear
that oil is excessively consumed after driving at high speeds.
Importance of engine oil level check
One of the most important points in proper vehicle
maintenance is to keep the engine oil at the optimum level so
that oil function will not be impaired. Therefore, it is essential
that the oil level be checked regularly. Lexus recommends that
the oil level be checked every time you refuel the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly could lead to serious engine trouble due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check, see ºChecking the
engine oil levelº on page 242.