automatic transmission lexus LS400 1998 Engine / LEXUS 1998 LS400 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM50498U)

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
vii
Page
1
Door lock switch and power window
switches 19, 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
2 Driving position memory switch 113
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Shoulder anchor control switch 83
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Power rear view mirror control switch 78
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Parking brake release lever 158
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Fuel filler door opener 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Trunk lid opener 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Parking brake 158
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Headlight, turn signal and fog
light switch 22, 24, 25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Windshield wiper and washer switch 25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Multi information control switch 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Cruise control switch 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
13 Outside temperature display
51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Clock 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . .
15 Emergency flasher switch 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Automatic air conditioning controls 121
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Car audio 132
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
18 Vehicle skid control system off switch 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Headlight cleaner switch 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Seat heater switches 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Ashtray 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . .
22 Height control switch 171
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Driving pattern selector switch 160
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Automatic transmission selector lever 160
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 CD automatic changer 143
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Glovebox 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
ix
Page
1
Engine coolant temperature gauge 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
3 Turn signal indicator light 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Headlight indicator light 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Headlight high beam indicator light 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 160
. . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Fuel gauge 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
8 Low fuel level warning light 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Cruise control indicator light 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Height control indicator light 172
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Power mode indicator light 167
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Snow mode indicator light 167
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Antilock brake system warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Vehicle skid control system off
indicator light 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Slip indicator light 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Multi information display 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Odometer and trip meter 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Brake system warning light 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 SRS warning light 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Open door warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Driver’s seat belt reminder light 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Discharge warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Instrument panel light control 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 ODO/TRIP RESET button 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xi
Page
1
Engine coolant temperature gauge 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
3 Turn signal indicator light 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Tail light indicator light 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Headlight high beam indicator light 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 160
. . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Fuel gauge 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
8 Low fuel level warning light 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Cruise control indicator light 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Power mode indicator light 167
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Snow mode indicator light 167
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Antilock brake system warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
13 Vehicle skid control system
off indicator light 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Malfunction indicator lamp 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Slip indicator light 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Multi information display 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Odometer and trip meter 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Brake system warning light 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 SRS warning light 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Open door warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Driver’s seat belt reminder light 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Instrument panel light control 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 ODO/TRIP RESET button 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BASIC OPERATION
1
QUICK REFERENCE
Driver’s seat 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight and turn signal switch 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper switch 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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 3 1
154
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Threeway catalytic converter 155. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 156. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 157. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 157. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 158. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 159. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 160. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic throttle control system 167. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 168. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronically modulated air suspension 171. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system 173. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle skid control system 174. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 179. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STARTING AND DRIVING
158driver’s door, a buzzer will remind you to remove the key.*
NOTE: *The volume or interval of beep sound can be changed.
Ask your Lexus dealer for details.
31L0031
”LOCK” Engine is off and the steering wheel is locked. The
ignition key can be removed only at this position.
To turn the key from ”ACC” to the ”LOCK” position, you must put
the transmission selector lever in the ”P” position.
Once you remove the key, the engine immobiliser system is
automatically set. See ”Engine immobiliser system” on page 10.
When starting the engine, the key may seem stuck at the ”LOCK”
position. To free it, first be sure the key is pushed all the way in, and
then rock the steering wheel slightly while turning the key gently.
If, in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the vehicle
is moving, turn the key only to ”ACC”.
PARKING BRAKE
31L005
1
To set: Fully depress the parking brake pedal.
2
To release: Pull the parking brake release lever.
Before leaving your vehicle, firmly apply the parking brake.
CAUTION
Before driving, make sure the parking brake is fully released
and that the parking brake reminder light is off.

STARTING AND DRIVING
160
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Your automatic transmission has a shift lock system to minimize
the possibility of incorrect operation. This means you can only
shift out of ”P” position when the brake pedal is depressed with
the ignition switch in ”ON” position. ()
31L078
The shift position is displayed on the instrument cluster.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)
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.
3, 2:Position for more powerful engine braking
L:Position for maximum engine braking

STARTING AND DRIVING
161 Correct use of the automatic transmission is explained in the
following parts.
(a) Normal driving
(b) Using engine braking
(c) Using the ”3”, ”2” and ”L” positions
(d) Backing up
(e) Parking
(f) Good driving practice
(g) Rocking your vehicle if stuck
(h) If you cannot shift the selector lever
(i) If the ”ECT PWR” indicator light flashes
(a) Normal driving
31L0072
1
”P” (Park) position 2
”N” (Neutral) position
1. Start the engine as instructed in ”How to start the engine” on
page 159.
The transmission must be in ”P” or ”N”. The engine will not start
in any drive position even if the ignition key is turned to ”START”.

STARTING AND DRIVING
163 5. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress the
accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting.
In normal cruising, the vehicle will start in the first gear and
automatically shift up to the most suitable gear. On inclines, declines
or winding roads, etc., the vehicle shifts up and down automatically
according to the running conditions to obtain the suitable driving
power and engine braking.
In ”4” position, the automatic transmission system will select the
most suitable gear for the running conditions such as hill climbing,
hard towing, etc.
If you need to accelerate rapidly while driving, depress the
accelerator pedal to the full throttle position. This provides more
acceleration by automatically downshifting the transmission to the
next lower gear or beyond, depending on the vehicle speed.
If engine braking is needed, such as in descending a long hill, see ”(b)
Using engine braking”.
(b) Using engine braking
31L010-3
To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the transmission
in the way described below:
1
Shift into the ”4” position. The transmission will downshift to
the fourth gear and engine braking will be obtained.
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. If you need to decrease the
vehicle speed, see page 170.
2
Shift into the ”3” position. The transmission will downshift to
the third gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower than
154 km/h (96 mph) and more powerful engine braking will be
obtained.