traction control Lexus IS300 2002 Pictorial Index / LEXUS 2002 IS300 SEDAN OWNER'S MANUAL (OM9997X)
Page 6 of 307
6.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
vi
Page
1 Power door lock switch and power window switches 18, 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
2 Power rear view mirror control switches  82 . . . . . . . 
3 Headlight cleaner switch 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
4 Headlight, turn signal and fog light 
switch 22, 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
5 Instrument panel light control 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
6 Cruise control switch 180
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
7 Wiper and washer switches 25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
8 Emergency flasher switch 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
9 Outside temperature display/Clock 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . 
10 Front passenger's seat belt reminder light 40 . . . . .  Page
11  Automatic air conditioning controls
124
. . . . . . . . . . 
12 Car audio 138
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
13 Seat heater switches 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
14 Glove box 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
15 Parking brake lever 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
16 Driving pattern selector switch 169
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
17 Ashtray 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. 
18 Cigarette lighter 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
19 Automatic transmission selector lever 169 . . . . . . . . 
20 Traction control system off switch 183
. . . . . . . . . . . 
21 Hood lock release lever 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Page 8 of 307
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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Page 10 of 307
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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Page 56 of 307
GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
43
(h) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty.  (See ºFuel gaugeº onpage 34 for instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely.  (See ºFuel tank capº on page 67 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your engine electrical system, automatic transmission electrical system or
electronic throttle control system.
If it comes on while you are driving in case ºcº., have your
vehicle checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
If this lamp comes on and the engine speed does not increase
with  the accelerator pedal depressed down to about the middle
position,  there may be a problem somewhere in your electronic
throttle control system.
At this time, if you depress the accelerator pedal more firmly
and slowly, you can drive your vehicle at low speeds.  Have
your  Lexus checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Even if the ab normality of the electronic throttle control system
is corrected during low speed driving, the system may not be
recovered until the engine is stopped and the ignition key is
turned to ºACCº or ºLOCKº position.
(i) ºABSº Warning Light
The light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the ºONº
position.  If the anti±l ock brake system works properly, the light
turns off after a few seconds. Thereafter, if  the system
malfunctions, the light comes on again.
When the ºABSº warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti±lock brake system and/or the
traction control system do/does not operate, but the brake
system still operates conventionally.
When the ºABSº warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti±lock brake system and/or the
traction  control system do/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 system.  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 ºONº 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. 
Page 57 of 307
GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
44
CAUTION
If the ºABSº 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 anti±lock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.
(j) Open Door Warning Light and Buzzer
This light and buzzer remain 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) 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.
(m) ºTRAC OFFº Indicator / Warning Lights
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to ºONº, and
will go off after a few seconds.  This means that the system is
operating properly.
If the light flashes, this indicates a malfunction in the traction
control system.  Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.
(n) Automatic Headlight Leveling System Warning Light
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) Key Reminder Buzzer
This  buzzer reminds you to remove the key when you open the
driver's door with the ignition key in the ºACCº or ºLOCKº
position. 
Page 176 of 307
SECTION   3 ±  1
163
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converter164
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Engine exhaust caution 165
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Before starting the engine 166
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Ignition switch with steering lock 167
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Parking brake 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . 
How to start the engine 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Automatic transmission 169
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Electronic throttle control system 179
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cruise control 180
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . 
Traction control system 183
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brake system 184
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . 
Brake pad wear indicators 188
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Types of tires 188
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . .  Limited ±slip differential 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 
Page 196 of 307
STARTING AND DRIVING
183
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically help control the
spinning of the rear wheels which may occur when
accelerating on slippery road surfaces, thus assisting
driver control the driving power of the rear wheels.  When
you turn the ignition switch on, the traction control
system always turns on automatically, and the slip
indicator light w ill come on.  The indicator lights will go off
after a few seconds.
SV31011
 1Slip indicator light
 2ºSNOWº indicator light
Leave  the system on during ordinary driving so that it can
operate when needed.  When traction control is applied,
the slip indicator light blinks.  If your vehicle still skids
even though traction control is applied, more powerful
traction control is  applied and the ºSNOWº indicator light
comes on. If the light flashes, this indicates a malfunction in the traction
control system.  Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.
SV31033
You 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 of your vehicle, caused by operation of the brakes.
This indicates the system is functioning properly. 
Page 197 of 307
STARTING AND DRIVING
184When getting the vehicle out of mud or new snow, etc. the
traction control system will help operate to prevent the wheels
from spinning.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of
the vehicle and power to the rear 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 will cause the vehicle
to lose traction.  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 pace.
BRAKE SYSTEM
The tandem master cylinder brake system is a hydraulic
system with two separate sub±systems.  If either sub±system
should fail, the other will still work.  However, the pedal will be
harder to press, and your stopping distance will be longer.
Also, the brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake
system.  Have your brakes fixed immediately.
Brake booster
The brake booster uses engine vacuum to power±assist the
brakes.  If the engine should quit while you are driving, you can
bring the vehicle to a stop with normal pedal pressure.  There
is enough reserved vacuum for one or two stops but no more!
CAUTION
Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.
Each push on the pedal uses up your reserved
vacuum.
 Even if the power assist is completely lost, the brakes
will still work.  But you will have to push the pedal
hard, much harder than normal.  And your braking
distance will be longer. 
Page 200 of 307
STARTING AND DRIVING
187
When the ºABSº warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti±lock brake system and/or the
traction control system do/does not operate, but the brake
system still operates conventionally.
When the ºABSº warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti±lock brake system and/or the
traction 
control system do/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 system.  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 ºONº 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 ºABSº 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 anti±lock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.
Drum±in±disc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drum±in±disc type parking brake system.
This type of brake system needs bedding±down of the brake
shoes periodically or whenever the parking brake shoes
and/or drums are replaced.
Have your Lexus dealer perform the bedding±down. 
Page 202 of 307
STARTING AND DRIVING
189
CAUTION
Do not mix summer and all season tires on your
vehicle as this can cause dangerous handling
characteristics, resulting in loss of control.
 Do not use tires other than the manufacturer's
designated  tires, and never mix tires or wheels of the
sizes different from the originals.
LIMITED±SLIP DIFFERENTIAL
Some vehicles are equipped with a limited±slip differential.  If
one rear wheel begins to spin, the limited±slip differential is
designed to aid traction by automatically transmitting driving
force to the other rear wheel.  If you are not sure whether your
vehicle is equipped with one, you can ask your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is
supported by a j ack.  The vehicle could be driven off the
jack  and could pose a danger or result in serious injury.
NOTICE
Use only a spare tire of the same size, construction and
load capacity as the original tires on your Lexusbecause damage to the limited±slip differential couldpossibly occur with another tire type.