warning lights 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)

KEYS AND DOORS
24
CAUTION
Keep the back door closed while driving. This not
only keeps the luggage from being thrown out but
also prevents exhaust gases from entering the
vehicle.
 If the open back door hides the rear stop and tail
lights or rear turn signal lights while you are parked,
other road users must be warned of the presence of
your vehicle by a warning triangle or other device.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the back door dampers, do not
apply any force, paint or let any other foreign matter onthem.
SV11022

Opening from inside
If the back door opener does not operate, you can open
the back door from the inside.
To open the back door from inside, do the following.
1. Remove the cover with a key.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

SWITCHES
29
Daytime Running Light System
The headlights turn on at reduced intensity when the parking
brake is released with the engine started, even with the light
switch in the ºOFFº position. They will not go off until the
ignition switch is turned off.
To turn on the other exterior lights and instrument panel lights,
twist the knob to the first clickstop.
Twist
the knob to the second clickstop to turn on the headlights
to full intensity for driving at night.
When setting the knob to the third clickstop (ºAUTOº), the
headlights will automatically adjust to full intensity and/or turn
on the other lights depending on the darkness of the
surroundings. Likewise, as the surroundings become brighter,
the headlights will turn to reduced intensity, ultimately turning
off the other lights.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when theengine is not running.
Automatic headlight leveling system
SV12022
The headlight beam level is always maintained automatically
at the proper level in all loading conditions so that your
headlights do not dazzle other road users.
If this system fails, the warning light in the instrument cluster
comes on. If this occurs, have your vehicle checked by Lexus
dealer.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
51
(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 switch 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)Vehicle Skid Control System Warning Light
(With vehicle skid control system)
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 ºONº,
and will go off after a few seconds.If the ºVSCº warning light comes 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 does not come on after the ignition
is turned to on.
 The ºVSCº warning light remains on after the ignition is
turned to on.
 The ºVSCº warning light and ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning
light come on while driving without pushing ºTRAC OFFº
switch.
(o) 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.
(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 ºACCº or ºLOCKº
position.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
52
How to check all the service reminder
indicators
(except the low fuel level warning light):
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Open the door.
The following service reminder indicator should come on. It
goes off when you close the door completely.
3. Turn the ignition key to ºACCº.
The following service reminder indicator should come on. It
goes off after 6 seconds.
4. Turn the ignition key to ºONº.
The following service reminder indicators should come on.


or
or

or
The following service reminder indicators go off after a few
seconds.
or

The lights other than the slip indicator light may stay on for
about 60 seconds after the engine is started. It is normal if they
go out after a while.
If any service reminder indicator or warning buzzer does not
function as described above, have it checked by your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

SECTION 1 ± 4
55
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Interior equipment
Vanity mirrors56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
Interior lights 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . .
Personal lights 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Ignition switch light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
Luggage compartment light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside temperature display 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter and ashtray 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power outlet 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . .
Glove box 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . .
Garage door opener 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. .
Cup holders 66
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary boxes 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Warning reflector holder 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tie±down hooks 71
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
Luggage cover 72
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
In order to expand the luggage space 75
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor mat 78
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . .
First±aid kit holder 79
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
Luggage stowage precautions 80
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

STARTING AND DRIVING
244
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
(With vehicle skid 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.
SV31037

Slip 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.
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.
When getting the vehicle out of mud or new snow, etc. the
traction control system will help operate to prevent the wheels
from spinning.
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.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

STARTING AND DRIVING
245
Traction 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.
 The ºVSCº warning light and ªTRAC OFFº indicator/warning
light come on while driving without pushing ºTRAC OFFº
switch.
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.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

STARTING AND DRIVING
246
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
(Without vehicle skid 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.
SV31037

Slip 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.
SV31036
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.
When getting the vehicle out of mud or new snow, etc. the
traction control system will help operate to prevent the wheels
from spinning.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)