key lexus LS400 1998 Electrical Components / LEXUS 1998 LS400 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM50498U)

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
iii
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
The contents of this manual are explained briefly on this page to
help you make the best use of the manual. Please read this page
and the rest of the Owner’s Manual carefully to make sure you
fully understand the operation of your vehicle.
This will help you enjoy safe and comfortable driving.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The table of contents and the pictorial index provide easy reference
to the appropriate pages.
BASIC OPERATION QUICK REFERENCE
Operation of basic equipment is briefly explained in an easily
understandable way for quick reference.
SECTION 1 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
The vehicle’s equipment is divided into the 7 groups listed below.
Use of the equipment is explained, including any points you should
pay particular attention to.
1. Keys and doors
2. Switches
3. Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators
4. Interior equipment
5. Exterior equipment
6. Comfort adjustment
7. Theft deterrent
SECTION 2 AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
The features of the vehicle’s air conditioning and audio are explained
in detail. Be sure to read this section so that you can make full use
of them.
SECTION 3 STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting the engine, driving, stopping, operation of features af fecting
vehicle handling, hints on vehicle safety and safe driving techniques
are all explained. Please read ev erything in this section, and
remember drive safely!
SECTION 4 IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
This section explains what to do in the event of an urgent situation
such as the engine not starting or getting a flat tire, etc. If such a
problem occurs, check the contents of this Owner’s Manual and
follow the instructions given.
SECTION 5 MAINTENANCE
This section explains the impor tance of regular maintenance.
Regular and periodic inspection and maintenance of your Lexus will
help to keep your vehicle in its best condition.
SECTION 6 SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Simple maintenance procedure and service data are provided here
for your reference should you wi sh to perform inspection and
maintenance yourself.

BASIC
OPERATION
SECTION 1
SECTION 2
SECTION 3
SECTION 4
SECTION 5
SECTION 6
SECTION 7
INDEX
TABLE OF CONTENTS
v
BASIC OPERATION QUICK REFERENCE1
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1 INSTRUMENTS AND Keys and doors7
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONTROLS Switches21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gauges, meters and service
reminder indicators
33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
\bInterior equipment47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior equipment61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Comfort adjustment69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft deterrent116
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 2 AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO120
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 3 STARTING AND Starting and driving154
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DRIVING Driving tips180
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 4 IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY192
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 5 MAINTENANCE212
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
SECTION 6 SERVICE PROCEDURES Introduction218
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AND SPECIFICATIONS Engine224
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chassis236
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
\bElectrical components248
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Body268
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 7 REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS FOR U.S. OWNERS276
. . . . . . .
INDEX277
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAS STATION INFORMATION Inside back cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
QUICK INDEX Back cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

00L011-2
00L012-5
Shift while pressing the brake pedal. (Ignition
switch must be in the ”ON” position.)
BASIC OPERATION QUICK REFERENCE
4
3. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
OPERATION OF SELECTOR LEVER
SELECTOR LEVER POSITION
P:Parking, engine starting and key removal position
R:Reverse position
N:Neutral position
D:Normal driving position (Shifting into overdrive
possible)
4:Position for engine braking (Shifting into overdrive
not possible)*
3, 2:Position for more powerful engine braking
L:Position for maximum engine braking
*: When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift from ”D” to ”4”, engine braking will not be applied because the
cruise control is not cancelled. For the operation to decrease the vehicle speed, see page 170.

SECTION 1 1
7
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Keys and doors
Keys 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine immobiliser system 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wireless remote control 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doors 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

KEYS AND DOORS
8
KEYS
11L025-3
1
Master key (black) The master key works in every lock.
For your Lexus dealer to make you a new key with builtin
transponder chip, your dealer will need it.
2
Subkey (gray) The subkey will not open the trunk, trunk
main switch and the glovebox.
3
Key number plate Keep the plate in a safe place such as
your wallet, not in the vehicle.
The master key and subkey each have a transponder chip in their key
head which is very important for the immobiliser system function,
so be careful not to lose these keys. If you make your own duplicate
key, you will not be able to cancel the system or start the engine.
To protect things locked in the trunk or glovebox when you have
your vehicle parked, leave the subkey with the attendant.Since the doors and trunk lid can be locked without a key, you should
always carry a spare master key in case you accidentally lock your
keys inside the vehicle.
If you should lose your keys or if you need additional keys,
duplicates can be made by a Lexus dealer using the key number.
You should also put a copy of the key number with your important
papers.
11L003
Since a transponder chip is not built in this flat key, you cannot
start the engine with this key. Use this key to release the lock in
case you accidentally lock your keys inside the vehicle or trunk.
Insert your flat key in its key case as shown. We recommend that you
always carry this with you for emergency use. Do not leave it in your
vehicle.

KEYS AND DOORS
9
NOTICE
Do not let the key case become bent as the key may fall out or
become bent also.
The flat key is designed for emergency use only.
11L021-2
NOTICE
When using a key containing a transponder chip, observe the
following precautions:
When starting the engine, do not use the key with a key ring
resting on the key grip and do not press the key ring against
the key grip. Otherwise the engine may not start, or may stop
soon after it starts.
11L022-2
When starting the engine, do not use the key in contact with
another transponder key (including keys of other vehicles)
and do not press another key plate against the key grip.
Otherwise the engine may not start, or may stop soon after it
starts.

KEYS AND DOORS
10
11L023-3
Do not bend the key grip.
Do not cover the key grip with any material that cuts off
electromagnetic waves.
Do not knock the key hard against other objects.
Do not leave the key exposed to high temperatures for a long
period, such as on the dashboard and hood under the direct
sunlight.
Do not put the key in water or wash it in an ultrasonic washer.
Do not use the key with electromagnetic materials.
ENGINE IMMOBILISER SYSTEM
11L0243
The engine immobiliser system is a theft prevention system.
When you insert the key in the ignition switch, the transponder
chip in the key’s head transmits an electronic code to the vehicle.
The engine will start, only when the electronic code in the chip
corresponds to the registered ID code for the vehicle.
The system is automatically set when the key is removed from the
ignition switch. At this time, the security indicator light at the
bottom of the instrument cluster flashes. When you insert the key in
the ignition switch, the security indicator light goes out and the
system is canceled automatically, which enables the engine to start.
For your Lexus dealer to make you a new key with builtin
transponder chip, your dealer will need your key number and master
key. However, there is a limit to the number of additional keys your
Lexus dealer can make for you.

KEYS AND DOORS
11 If you make your own duplicate key, you will not be able to cancel
the system or start the engine.
For vehicles sold in U.S.A.
FCC ID: MOZ RI4ATY
MADE IN JAPAN
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
CAUTION
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
For vehicles sold in Canada
This device complies with RSS210 of Industry and
Science Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference, including interference that
may cause undesired operation of the device.
WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL*
11L027
1
Locking the doors and sounding an alarm
2
Unlocking the doors
3
Indicator light
4
Unlocking the trunk lid
NOTE: *This feature can be set inoperative as vehicle theft
deterrent measure in case of the loss of the wireless remote
control key. Ask your Lexus dealer for details.
When you operate any button on the key, push it slowly and surely.
The operational range of the wireless remote control is
approximately 1 meter (3 feet). The effective range may vary with
different conditions. To activate the wireless remote control without
fail, do it approximately 1 meter (3 feet) from your Lexus.

KEYS AND DOORS
12In the following cases, the battery in the key may be discharged. If
this is a case, replace it using a special screwdriver.
The remote control does not work.
The operational range of wireless remote control becomes
extremely short.
The indicator light on the key is dimmed or does not come on.
For the replacement of the battery, see ”Replacing the battery” on
page 16. You can also have the battery of the key replaced by your
Lexus dealer.
If you lose the wireless key, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible to avoid the possibility of theft, or an accident.
You can use up to 4 wireless remote control keys for the same
vehicle. Contact your Lexus dealer for detailed information.
The wireless remote control key is an electronic component.
Observe the following instructions in order not to cause damage
on the key.
Do not leave the wireless remote control key on the places where
the temperature becomes high such as on the dashboard.
Do not disassemble it.
Avoid knocking it hard against other objects or dropping it.
Avoid putting it in water.
Locking/Unlocking the doors
When you push the ”LOCK” button on the key briefly, all the
doors can be locked from outside the vehicle.
At this time, you can hear one beep.* However, when you push the
”LOCK” button with any door not closed securely, the buzzer
sounds for 10 seconds.** To stop the buzzer, close all the doors
securely or push the ”UNLOCK” button. If the key is in the ignition
switch, locking cannot be done.
Make sure all the doors are locked when you leave the vehicle. Push
the ”LOCK” button once again. If they were already locked, the turn
signal lights will flash.***
NOTE: *The volume of beep sound can be changed. **The
buzzer can be set not to sound with any door not closed securely.
***The turn signal lights can be set not to flash. Ask your Lexus
dealer for details.
NOTICE
Do not push the ”LOCK” button any longer than 2 to 3 seconds.
Pushing the button longer activates an alarm. For details, see
page 14.
When you push the ”UNLOCK” button, the driver’s door is
unlocked. Pushing that button once again within 3 seconds from
the first push, all other doors are also unlocked.*
NOTE: *Unlocking by a 2time operation can be changed. Ask
your Lexus dealer for details.

KEYS AND DOORS
13 At this time, two beeps sound.* Together with the activation of
unlocking, the interior light comes on for 15 seconds if the interior
light switch is in ”DOOR” position.** However, this function does
not work when the ignition key is in the ”ON” position. For further
information, see ”Interior lights” on page 49.
You have 30 seconds to open a door after using the wireless remote
unlock feature.*** If a door is not opened by then, all the doors will
be automatically locked again.
Even if the ”LOCK” or ”UNLOCK” switch is kept pressed in, the
locking or unlocking operation is not repeated. Release the button
and then push again.
NOTE: *The volume of beep sound can be changed. **The
interior light can be set not to come on or the duration of lighting
can be changed. ***The time before automatic relocking can
be changed. Ask your Lexus dealer for details.
11L019-1
To turn off the beep sound, push this switch. Pushing it again turns
on the beep sound.