Coolant Lexus IS300 2003 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 IS300 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM53439U)

8.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viii
Page
1Tachometer43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Headlight high beam indicator light 30
. . . . . . . . . . .
3Low engine oil level warning light 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Vehicle skid control system warning light 51 . . . . . .
5Turn signal indicator lights 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6Cruise control indicator light 241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Momentary fuel consumption meter 42. . . . . . . . . . .
8Voltmeter42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Automatic headlight leveling system warning
light 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
10Engine coolant temperature gauge 41
. . . . . . . . . . . .
11Anti±lock brake system warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . .
12Malfunction indicator lamp 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Fuel gauge 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14Low fuel level warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Odometer and trip meter 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Power mode indicator light 232
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
17Snow mode indicator light
232
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18ODO/TRIP knob 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Automatic transmission indicator lights 230 . . . . . .
20M mode indicator 233
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Gear position indicator for manual control 233 . . . .
22Discharge warning light 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23Rear light failure warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Security indicator light 176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Traction control system
off indicator/warning light 51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26Low engine oil pressure warning light 48
. . . . . . . . .
27Slip indicator light 244
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Brake system warning light 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29SRS warning light 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30Open door warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Driver's seat belt reminder light 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

10.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
x
Page
1Tachometer43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Headlight high beam indicator light 30
. . . . . . . . . . .
3Low engine oil level warning light 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Vehicle skid control system warning light 51 . . . . . .
5Turn signal indicator lights 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6Cruise control indicator light 241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Momentary fuel consumption meter 42. . . . . . . . . . .
8Voltmeter42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Automatic headlight leveling system warning
light 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
10Engine coolant temperature gauge 41
. . . . . . . . . . . .
11Anti±lock brake system warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . .
12Malfunction indicator lamp 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Fuel gauge 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14Low fuel level warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Odometer and trip meter 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Power mode indicator light 232
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
17Snow mode indicator light
232
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18ODO/TRIP knob 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Automatic transmission indicator lights 230 . . . . . .
20M mode indicator 233
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Gear position indicator for manual control 233 . . . .
22Discharge warning light 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23Rear light failure warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Security indicator light 176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Traction control system
off indicator/warning light 51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26Low engine oil pressure warning light 48
. . . . . . . . .
27Slip indicator light 244
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Brake system warning light 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29SRS warning light 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30Open door warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Driver's seat belt reminder light 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

SECTION 1 ± 3
39
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators
Fuel gauge40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Momentary fuel consumption meter 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Odometer and trip meter 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel light control 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
41
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATUREGAUGE
SV13012

Normal range
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature when
the ignition switch is on. The engine operating
temperature will vary with changes in weather and engine
load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your vehicle
and allow the engine to cool.
Your vehicle may overheat during severe operating conditions,
such as:
 Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
 Reducing speed or stopping after high speed driving.
 Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in
stop±and±go traffic.
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in the engine cooling
system as this may cause the engine to overheat. Thethermostat is designed to control the flow of coolantto keep the temperature of the engine within thespecified operating range.
Do not continue driving with an overheated engine.See ºIf your vehicle overheatsº on page 271.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

STARTING AND DRIVING
232
SS31019

1Power position 2Normal position
3Snow position
2. Set the driving pattern selector switch to the ºNormalº
position.
Your transmission has a driving pattern selector switch which
allows you to select ºPowerº, ºNormalº or ºSnowº mode \
to suit
your driving condition. For ordinary driving, Lexus
recommends that you use the ºNormalº position to improve fuel
economy.
3. For more powerful acceleration and sporty driving, use
the ºPowerº position.
In the ºPowerº position, the ºECT PWRº light in the instrument\
cluster is on and the transmission is shifted up at higher vehicle
speeds and shifted down more responsively than in the
ºNormalº position.
For ºSnowº mode, see ºElectronic Throttle Control
Systemº on page 249.
SV31022

1Brake pedal 2ºDº (Drive) position
4. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the
selector lever to ºDº.
Always use the ºDº position to improve fuel economy and quiet
driving. In this position, shifting into the overdrive gear is
possible. However, while the engine coolant temperature is
low, the transmission will not shift into the overdrive gear even
in the ºDº position. (See º(c) Using engine brakingº and\
º(g)
Good driving practiceº for exceptions.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while
shifting.
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
271
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, if you experience a loss of power, or if you
hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine has
probably overheated.
When the engine overheats
Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your
emergency flashers. Put the transmission in ºPº (automatic)
or neutral (manual) and apply the parking brake.
A: If steam is coming from your engine:
Turn off the engine. Leave the hood closed until there is no sign
of steam or coolant. Your engine could have been seriously
damaged already. Call your Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until
there is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is sign of
very high pressure.
B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning.
Check the following.
Is the cooling fan operating?
 Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
 Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
CAUTION
When the eng ine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
 Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the
engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out
under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the
acceptable range, turn off the engine and call your Lexus
dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant
temperature has cooled to normal, continue driving your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your
vehicle overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible
by your Lexus dealer.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

MAINTENANCE
295
Parking brake
Check that the lever has the proper travel and that, on a safe
incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.
Automatic transmission ºParkº mechanism
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in ºPº position and all brakes released.
Engine compartment
Items listed below should be checked from time to time,
e.g. each time when refueling.
Washer fluid
Make
sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See page 354 for
additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the Upper and Lower
lines on the see±through reservoir when the engine is cold.
See page 319 for additional information.
Battery
Your Lexus has a maintenance free battery. You do not have
to add distilled water. For longer life of the battery, however,
see page 348 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 329 for
additional information. Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and
the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 315 for additional
information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in the
ºHOTº or ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid temperature.
See page 330 for additional information.
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell
exhaust fumes, have the cause located and corrected
immediately. (See ªEngine exhaust cautionº on page 225 in
Section 3±1.)
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

MAINTENANCE
296
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEEDREPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and
visual tip±offs that indicate service is needed. Some important
clues are:

Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging

Appreciable loss of power

Strange engine noises

A fluid leak under the vehicle (however, water dripping from
the air conditioning after use is normal.)

Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous
carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked immediately.)

Flat±looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering,
uneven tire wear

Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level
road

Strange noises related to suspension movement

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal,
pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to one side when
braking

Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs adjustment or
repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the vehicle unchecked. It
could result in serious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

INTRODUCTION
301
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
1Battery
2Fuse box
3Engine oil filler cap
4Engine oil leveldipstick
5Brake fluid reservoir
6Washer fluid tank
7Power steering fluidreservoir
8Engine coolantreservoir
9Electric cooling fans
10Condenser
11Radiator
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)
SV61007a