engine lexus LS400 1994 Gauges, Meters and Service Reminder Indicators / 1994 LS400: STARTING AND DRIVING

STARTING AND DRIVING
127
NOTICE:

Be careful not to overrev the engine. Watch the
tachometer to keep engine rpm from going into the
red zone. The approximate maximum allowable
speed for each position is given below for your
reference:
“2” ... 121 km / h (75 mph)
“L” ... 67 km / h (42 mph)

Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long
time in the “2” or “L” position. This may cause severe
automatic transmission damage from overheating. To
prevent such damage, “D” position should be used in
hill climbing or hard towing.
(d) Backing up
Brake pedal
“R” (Reverse)
position
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.2. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the
selector lever to the “R” position.
NOTICE:
Never shift into reverse while the vehicle is in motion.
(e) Parking
Parking brake pedal
Brake pedal“P” (Park)
position
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Depress the parking brake pedal fully.
3. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the
selector lever to the “P” position.
CAUTION:
While the vehicle is in motion, never attempt to move the
selector lever into “P” under any circumstances. Serious
mechanical damage and loss of vehicle control may
result.

STARTING AND DRIVING
128
(f) Good driving practice

If the transmission repeatedly upshifts and downshifts
between the third and overdrive gears when climbing a
gentle slope, it is suggested that the overdrive switch be
turned off. Be sure to turn the switch on immediately
afterward.

When towing a trailer, in order to maintain efficient engine
braking and electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
CAUTION:
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped
with the engine running. This prevents the vehicle from
creeping.
NOTICE:
Do not hold the vehicle on an upgrade with the
accelerator pedal. This can cause the transmission to
overheat. Always use the brake pedal or parking brake.
(g) If you cannot shift the selector lever out
of “P” position
If you cannot shift the selector lever from “P” position even
though the brake pedal is depressed, use the shift lock
override button. For instructions, see “If you cannot shift
automatic transmission selector lever” on page 163.
(h) If the “O / D OFF” indicator light flashes
If the “O / D OFF” indicator light flashes, contact your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible. There may be trouble in the
transmission system.
CRUISE CONTROL
The cruise control allows you to cruise the vehicle at a
desired speed over 40 km / h (25 mph) with your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
Your cruising speed can be maintained although a slight speed
change may occur when driving up or down a gradient, within
the limits of engine performance. On steeper hills, a greater
speed change will occur so it is better to drive without the cruise
control.
When the cruise control is on, the driving pattern of the
automatic transmission is fixed in the normal position,
regardless of the position of the selector switch.
CAUTION:

To help maintain maximum control of your vehicle, do
not use the cruise control when driving in heavy or
varying traffic, or on slippery (rainy, icy or
snow-covered) or winding roads.

Avoid vehicle speed increases when driving downhill.
Use engine braking by downshifting the transmission.

STARTING AND DRIVING
134If the “HI” display is blinking and you suspect a malfunction,
first check that the height control ON / OFF switch is actually
turned on.
If you then confirm that the switch is blinking in the malfunction
mode, have the system checked by your Lexus dealer at the
first opportunity.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically controls
spinning of the rear wheels which may occur when
accelerating on slippery road surfaces, thus maintaining
vehicle stability and driving power to the rear wheels.
When you turn the ignition switch on, this system always
turns on. Leave the system on during ordinary driving so
that it can operate when needed. When traction control is
applied, the “TRAC” indicator / warning light blinks.
Vehicles without headlight cleaner
Vehicles with headlight cleaner
You can turn off the traction control system by pushing
the “TRAC-OFF-” switch. The “TRAC OFF”
indicator / warning light will then come on. Pushing the
“TRAC-OFF-” switch a second time turns the system back
on and extinguishes the “TRAC OFF” indicator / warning
light.
You may hear a slight clicking noise in the engine compartment
when the engine 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 operate to prevent the wheels from
spinning. Even though the accelerator pedal is fully depressed,
the engine speed will be restrained to a certain level.

STARTING AND DRIVING
135 CAUTION:
Under certain slippery road conditions, full stability of the
vehicle and power to the rear wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction control system is in
operation. In situations where the road surface is covered
with ice or snow, your vehicle should be fitted with snow
tires or tire chains and driven at a more 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 rely on 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 reserve 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 vacuum reserve.
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.
Anti-lock brake system
The anti-lock brake system is designed to prevent lock-up
of the wheels during sudden braking or braking on
slippery surfaces. This helps the vehicle remain steerable
and stable under these circumstances.
The system functions with normal pedal operation. When the
anti-lock function is in action, pulsation of the brake pedal may
occur, together with a characteristic noise. This indicates that
the system is functioning properly.
The anti-lock brake system comes into operation when the
vehicle is accelerating and the vehicle speed reaches
approximately 10 km / h (6 mph). It stops operating when the
vehicle is decelerating and the vehicle speed falls below
approximately 5 km / h (3 mph).
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds just after the vehicle is started. This means that the
anti-lock brake system is in the self-check mode, and does not
indicate malfunction.
Even though the anti-lock brake system is operating, full
stability of the vehicle cannot be maintained for certain slippery
road conditions or high speed driving when cornering. Even
with the anti-lock brake system installed, it is still important, to
drive with all due care.