service Lexus IS300 2003 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 IS300 (OM53439U) Owner's Guide

STARTING AND DRIVING
248You 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.
When
you turn the ignition switch on, this system always turns
on.
Vehicle skid control system failure warning
SV31041
These lights warn that there is a problem somewhere in the
vehicle skid control system or traction control system.
The lights will come on when the ignition key is turned to ºONº,
and will go off after a few seconds.
If the ºVSCº warning light and ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning
light come on, the vehicle skid control system and traction
control system do not work. However, as conventional braking
operates when applied, there is no problem to continue your
driving.
If any 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 ºVSCº warning light or ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning
light do not come on after the ignition is turned to on.
 The ºVSCº warning light and ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning
light remain on after the ignition is turned to on.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

STARTING AND DRIVING
252ºABSº warning light
SV31014

U.S.A.
SV31031

CANADA
The light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the ºONº
position. If the anti±lock brake system and the brake assist
work properly, the light turns off after a few seconds.
Thereafter, if either of the systems 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, the brake
assist system, the traction control system and/or the vehicle
skid control system do 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.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

DRIVING TIPS
260

Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are
wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer
stopping distance, and it may pull to one side when
the brakes are applied. Also, the parking brake will
not hold the vehicle securely.WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have a proper freeze protection of engine
coolant.
Your coolant must contain ethylene±glycol type coolant for a
proper corrosion protection of aluminum components. Use
ºToyota Genuine Long Life Coolantº or equivalent. See
ºChecking the engine coolant levelº on page 319 for
instructions.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
When it is extremely cold, we recommend to use 60% solution
for your Lexus, to provide protection down to about ±50 C
(±58 F). Do not use more than 70% solution for better coolant
performance.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter
starting. Page 348 tells you how to visually inspect the battery.
Your Lexus dealer and most service stations will be pleased to
check the battery charge level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
See page 317 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy
summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Lexus dealer ± they will be pleased to help.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
267
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 229 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 8.
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 the engine starts.Also the three±way catalytic converter may overheatand 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.)
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
268
(b) Starting a flooded engine
If the engine will not start, your engine may be flooded
because of repeated cranking.
If this happens, turn the key to ºSTARTº with the accelerator
pedal held down. Continue this operation for 30 seconds and
then stop cranking. Then try starting the engine with your foot
off the accelerator pedal.
If the engine does not start after 30 seconds of cranking,
release the key, wait a few minutes and try again.
If 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 crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This
may overheat the starter and wiring systems.
(c) Jump starting
To avoid serious personal injury and damage to your
vehicle which might result from battery explosion, acid
burns, electrical burns, or damaged electronic
components, these instructions must be followed
precisely.
If you are unsure about how to follow this procedure, we
strongly recommend that you seek help from your Lexus
dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service Assistance.
(See ºForewordº.)
CAUTION
 Batteries contain sulfuric acid which is poisonous
and corrosive. Wear protective safety glasses when
jump starting, and avoid spilling acid on your skin,
clothing, or vehicle.
 If you should accidentally get acid on yourself or in
your eyes, remove any contaminated clothing and
flush the affected area with water immediately. Then
get immediate medical attention. If possible,
continue to apply water with a sponge or cloth while
en route to the medical office.
 The gas normally produced by a battery will explode
if a flame or spark is brought near. Use only
standardized jumper cables and do not smoke or
light a match while jump starting.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
282
SL41002
10. Reinstall the wheel ornament.
Put the wheel ornament into position and then tap it firmly with
the side or heel of your hand to snap it into place.
CAUTION
Take due care in handling the ornament to avoid
unexpected personal injury.
11. After changing the wheel, check the air pressure of the
replaced tire. Stow all the tools, jack and flat tire securely.
If the pressure of the replaced tire is low, drive slowly to the
nearest service station and fill to the correct pressure.
Do not forget to reinstall the tire valve cap as dirt and moisture
could get into the valve core and possibly cause air leakage.
If the cap is missing, put a new one on as soon as possible.
This is the same procedure for changing or rotating your tires.
CAUTION
 When reinstalling a standard tire, take due care in
handling the ornament to avoid unexpected personal
injury.
 Before driving, make sure all the tools, jack and flat
tire are securely in place in their storage location to
reduce the possibility of personal injury during a
collision or sudden braking.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
284
IF YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS TO BETOWED
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done
by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
In consultation with them, have your vehicle towed using
either (a) or (b).
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
(b) Using a flat bed truck
(c) Never tow with a sling type truck
Only when you cannot receive a towing service from a
Lexus dealer or commercial tow truck service, tow your
vehicle carefully in accordance with the instructions
given in º(d) Emergency towingº on page 288.
Proper equipment will help ensure that your vehicle is not
damaged while being towed. Commercial operators are
generally aware of the state/provincial and local laws
pertaining to towing.
Your vehicle can be damaged if it is towed incorrectly.
Although most operators know the correct procedure, it is
possible to make a mistake. To avoid damage to your vehicle,
make sure the following precautions are observed. If
necessary, show this page to the tow truck driver.
TOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by the
state/provincial and local laws. The wheels and axle on the
ground must be in good condition. If they are damaged, use
a towing dolly.
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
From front
SS41015
MANUAL TRANSMISSION:
We recommend using a towing dolly under the rear wheels.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:
Use a towing dolly under the rear wheels.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission
from the front with rear wheels on the ground, as thismay cause serious damage to the transmission.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
288
(d) Emergency towing
SV41032
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done
by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
If towing service is not available in an emergency, your
vehicle may be temporarily towed by a cable or chain
secured to the emergency towing eyelet. Use extreme
caution when towing the vehicle.
NOTICE
Only use specified towing eyelet; otherwise yourvehicle may be damaged.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the
brakes. Towing in this manner may be done only on hard±surfaced
roads
for a short distance and at low speeds. Also, the wheels,
axles, drive train, steering and brakes must all be in good
condition.
CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. Avoid
sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would
place excessive stress on the emergency towing eyelet
and towing cable or chain. The eyelet and towing cable
or chain may break and cause serious injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cable or chainto the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake and put the
transmission in neutral (manual) or ºNº (automatic). The
ignition key must be in ºACCº (engine off) or ºONº (engine
running).
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the
brakes and steering will not work so steering and
braking will be much harder than usual.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

MAINTENANCE
292
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Your Lexus vehicle has been designed for fewer maintenance
requirements with longer service intervals to save both your
time and money. However, each regular maintenance as well
as day±to±day care is more important than ever before to
ensure smooth, trouble±free, safe, and economical driving.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure the specified
maintenance, including general maintenance services, is
performed. Note that both the new vehicle and emission
control system warranties specify that proper maintenance
and care must be performed. See ºOwner's Guideº, ºOwner's
Manual Supplementº or ºWarranty Bookletº for complete
warranty information.
General maintenance
General maintenance items are those day±to±day care
practices that are important to your vehicle for proper
operation. It is the owner's responsibility to ensure that the
general maintenance items are performed regularly.
These checks or inspections can be done either by yourself or
your Lexus dealer.
Scheduled maintenance
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the ºOwner's
Manual Supplement / Scheduled Maintenanceº are those
required to be serviced at regular intervals.
For details of your maintenance schedule, read the ºOwner's
Manual Supplement / Scheduled Maintenanceº.
It is recommended that only genuine Lexus parts be used
for maintenance.
The owner may elect to use non±Lexus supplied parts for
replacement purposes without invalidating the emission
control system warranty. However, use of replacement
parts which are not of equivalent quality may impair the
effectiveness of the emission control systems.
You may also elect to have maintenance, replacement, or
repair of the emission control devices and system
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual without invalidating this warranty. See
ºOwner's Guideº, ºOwner's Manual Supplementº or
ºWarranty Bookletº for complete warranty information.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

MAINTENANCE
293
Where to go for service?
Lexus technicians are well±trained specialists and are kept up
to date with the latest service information through technical
bulletins, service tips, and in±dealership 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 do±it±yourself 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 do±it±yourself mechanic, the Lexus service
manuals are recommended. Please be aware that
do±it±yourself maintenance can affect your warranty
coverage. See ºOwner's Guideº, ºOwner's Manual
Supplementº or ºWarranty Bookletº 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 331 for additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive wear.
See page 335 for additional information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)