check engine light lexus LS400 1998 Engine / LEXUS 1998 LS400 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM50498U)

SWITCHES
23 Daytime Running Light System (Canada only)
The headlights turn on when the parking brake is released with the
engine started, even with the light switch in the ”OFF” 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.
Under the daytime running light system, the headlights turn on at
reduced intensity. Twist the knob to the second clickstop to turn to
full intensity for driving at night.
When setting the knob to the third clickstop (”AUTO”), 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 the engine is not running.
Automatic headlight leveling system (Vehicles with
discharge headlight only)
As the headlight beam level is always maintained automatically at
the proper level in all loading conditions, your headlights do not
dazzle other road users.
If this system fails, the multi information display shows a message
”HEADLIGHT LEVELING”. If this occurs, have your vehicle
checked by Lexus dealer.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
39
(e) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, stop the vehicle, turn off the
engine, and check for the cause. Look first at the engine drive belt.
If it is loose or broken, the generator will not charge the battery
properly.
If the belt is O.K., there is a problem somewhere in the charging
system.
The engine ignition will continue to operate, however, until the
battery is discharged. Turn off the air conditioning, blower, radio,
etc., and drive directly to the nearest Lexus dealer or repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive belt is broken or
loose.
(f) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See ”Fuel gauge” on page 34
for instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely. (See ”Fuel tank cap”
on page 65 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your engine electrical system
or electronic throttle control system.
If it comes on while you are driving in case c., have your vehicle
checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
(g) ”ABS” Warning Light
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in your antilock
brake system.
If the light comes on while you are driving, have your vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to ”ON”, and
will go off after about a few seconds.
When the ”ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system warning
light is off), the brake system operates conventionally but antilock
brake system is not assisting brake performance so that the wheels
could lock up during a sudden brake or braking on slippery road
surfaces.
(h) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the doors are completely closed.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
44
(b) Warning messages
13L052
Reminder light
W40
W40
When the engine oil pressure becomes too low, the above
message appears, the reminder light flashes and the warning
tone sounds.
If this message appears while you are driving, pull off the road to a
safe place and stop the engine immediately. Call a Lexus dealer or
qualified repair shop for assistance.
The message may appear when the oil level is extremely low. It is
not designed to indicate low oil level, and the oil level must be
checked using the oil level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the warning message displayed
even for one block. It may ruin the engine.
W41 W41
When your brake pads are worn enough to require replacement,
the above message appears, the reminder light flashes and the
warning tone sounds.
If this message appears while you are driving, have the brake pads
checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
W43 W43
W42
W42
W451
W44
W44
W46
W46
When any door or trunk is open with the ignition switch turned
on, the message which door or trunk is open appears, and the
reminder light comes on.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
45 If you continue driving with any door or trunk open, the reminder
light starts flashing and the warning tone sounds to remind you to
close the door or trunk.
W52 W52
If the driver’s door is opened with the ignition switch turned off
and the moon roof opened, the above message appears and the
reminder light flashes.
W48 W48
In the following cases, the warning message appears and the
reminder light next to the warning message and the ”VSC OFF”
indicator light come on. And the warning tone also sounds.
(a) After the removal of the battery terminals (See ”Initial
adjustment of vehicle skid control system” on page 175.)
(b) If the vehicle skid control system malfunctions
If the above message appears for the cause of (b), have your vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Although the above message appears, you can continue your normal
driving, but without the vehicle skid control system function.
W49 W49
In the following cases, the above message appears, the reminder
light comes on and the warning tone sounds.
When the headlight switch is turned to the first or second
clickstop with one or more of tail light bulbs burned out.
When the brake pedal is held down with one or more of stop light
bulbs burned out.
Have defective bulbs replaced as soon as possible.
W50 W50
When the engine oil level is too low, the above message appears,
the reminder light comes on and the warning tone sounds.
Add oil as soon as possible. (For instructions, see ”Checking the
engine oil level” on page 230.)
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oil will damage the
engine.

STARTING AND DRIVING
159
HOW TO START THE ENGINE
Before cranking
1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Put the selector lever in ”P”. If you need to restart the engine
while the vehicle is moving, put the selector lever in ”N”. A starter
safety device will prevent the starter from operating if the selector
lever is in any drive position.
4. Depress the brake pedal and hold it to the floor until you are ready
to drive off.
Starting the engine
Before starting the engine, be sure to follow the instructions in
”Before cranking”.
Normal starting procedure
The multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system in your engine automatically controls the proper
airfuel mixture for starting. You can start a cold or hot engine as
follows:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, crank the engine by
turning the key to ”START”. Release it when the engine starts.
2. After the engine runs for about 10 seconds, you are ready to drive.If the weather is below freezing, let the engine warm up for a few
minutes before driving. Do not leave the vehicle while the engine
is warming up.
If the engine stalls ...
Simply restart it , using the correct procedure given in normal
starting.
If the engine will not start
See ”If your vehicle will not start” on page 193.
NOTICE
Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may
overheat the starter and wiring systems.
Do not race a cold engine.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently,
have the engine checked immediately.

STARTING AND DRIVING
174
VEHICLE SKID CONTROL SYSTEM
The vehicle skid control system helps to provide comprehensive
control of the systems such as an antilock brake system,
traction control, engine control, electronically modulated air
suspension, etc. This system automatically controls the output
of the brakes or engine to help prevent the vehicle from skidding
when cornering on a slippery road surface or abrupt steering
wheel operation occurs.
31L0521
Slip indicator light
If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the slip indicator light
flashes and an alarm sounds.
The vehicle skid control activates when the vehicle speed is about
more than 15 km/h (9 mph).Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly causes a small noise from the
engine compartment. This is a pump pulsating sound of the brake
system and it is not a malfunction.
You may hear a slight clicking noise in the engine compartment for
a few seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle is
started. This means that the vehicle skid control is in the selfcheck
mode and does not indicate a malfunction.
31L017-2
You can turn off the vehicle skid control system by pushing the
”VSC OFF” switch. The ”VSC OFF” indicator comes on. At
this time, the traction control system also turns off. You cannot
turn off either one of them. Pushing the ”VSC OFF” switch a
second time turns the system back on and extinguishes the ”VSC
OFF” indicator light.
When you turn the ignition switch on, this system always turns on.

DRIVING TIPS
181
BREAKIN PERIOD
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
You need not follow a breakin schedule with your new Lexus. But
following a few simple tips for the first 1600 km (1000 miles) can
add to the future economy and long life of your vehicle:
Do not drive over 88 km/h (55 mph).
Avoid overrevving. Maintain engine speed between 2000 and
4000 rpm.
Avoid fullthrottle starts.
Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles).
Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either fast or slow.
Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500 miles).
OPERATION IN FOREIGN
COUNTRIES
If you plan to drive your Lexus in another country ...
First, comply with the vehicle registration laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the correct fuel (unleaded and
minimum octane rating).
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VARIOUS
CONDITIONS
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you
much better control.
Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle. Avoid
driving onto high, sharpedged objects and other road hazards.
Failure to do so can lead to severe tire damage resulting in tire
bursts.
When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch the
curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking brake, and
place the transmission in ”P”. If necessary, block the wheels.
Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get the
brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that there is no
traffic near you and then press the pedal lightly. If you do not feel
a normal braking force, the brakes are probably wet. To dry them,
drive the vehicle cautiously while lightly pressing the brake pedal
with the parking brake applied. If they still do not work safely,
pull to the side of the road and call a Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is fully
released and that the parking brake reminder light is off.

DRIVING TIPS
186
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. Adjust the
tire pressure to the recommended cold tire pressure indicated
below:
Tire pressure, kPa (kgf/cm
2 or bar, psi)
Front 220 (2.2, 32)
Rear 220 (2.2, 32)
The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure recommended
by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the total trailer weight.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights must comply with federal, state/provincial and local
regulations. See your local recreational vehicle dealer or rental
agency for the correct type of wiring and relays for your trailer.
Check for correct operation of the turn signals and stop lights
each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may damage your
vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction of your lights.
Breakin schedule
Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new
vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train component (engine,
transmission, differential, wheel bearing, etc.) for the first 800 km
(500 miles) of driving.
Maintenance
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent
maintenance due to the additional load. For this information,
please refer to the scheduled maintenance information in the
”Owner ’s Manual Supplement/ Maintenance Schedule”.
Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after
approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.
Pretowing safety check
Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has an abnormal
noseup or nosedown condition, and check for improper tongue
load, overload, worn suspension or other possible causes.
Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that it cannot
shift.
Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal,
state/provincial or local regulation. If they do not, install required
rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.

DRIVING TIPS
187
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently than
when not towing. The three main causes of vehicletrailer
accidents are driver error, excessive speed and improper trailer
loading. Keep these in mind when towing:
Before starting out, check the operation of the lights and all
vehicletrailer connections. After driving a short distance, stop
and recheck the lights and connections. Practice turning,
stopping and backing with a trailer in an area away from traffic
until you learn the feel.
Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice. Grip the
bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the left to
move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to move
the trailer to the right. (This procedure is generally opposite to
that when backing without a trailer.) Also, just turn the steering
wheel a little at a time, avoiding sharp or prolonged turning. Have
someone guide you when backing to reduce the risk of an
accident.
Because stopping distance may be increased, vehicletovehicle
distance should be increased when towing a trailer. For each 16
km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer
length between you and the vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking
as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This
is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.
Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit your
vehicle in a tight turn. Slow down before making a turn to avoid
the need of sudden braking.
Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be
closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Therefore,
compensate for this by making a larger than normal turning radius
with your vehicle.
Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of
your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention to the rear
from time to time to prepare yourself for being passed by large
trucks or buses, which may cause your vehicle and trailer to sway.
If swaying happens, firmly grip the steering wheel and reduce
speed immediately but gradually. Never increase speed. If it is
necessary to reduce speed, brake slowly. Steer straight ahead. If
you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your
vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires
considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the
length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty of room before
changing lanes.
In order to maintain efficient engine braking and electrical
charging performance, do not use overdrive. Transmission must
be in the ”4” position.

DRIVING TIPS
189
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKE
YOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Getting more kilometer/mileage from a liter/gallon of fuel is easy
just take it easy. It will help make your vehicle last longer, too. Here
are some specific tips on how to save money on both fuel and repairs:
Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. Check the
pressure every two weeks, or at least once a month.
Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel.
Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess weight
puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater fuel
consumption.
Avoid lengthy warmup idling. Once the engine is running
smoothly, begin driving but gently. Remember, however, that
on cold winter days this may take a little longer.
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts.
Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait and you are
not in traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start again later.
Avoid engine overrevving. Use a gear position suitable for the
road on which you are traveling.
Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing down.
Stopandgo driving wastes fuel.Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking. Maintain a steady
pace. Try to time the traffic signals so you only need to stop as
little as possible or take advantage of through streets to avoid
traffic lights. Keep a proper distance from other vehicles to avoid
sudden braking. This will also reduce wear on your brakes.
Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever possible.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. This causes needless
wear, overheating and poor fuel economy.
Maintain a moderate speed on highways. The faster you drive,
the greater the fuel consumption. By reducing your speed, you
will cut down on fuel consumption.
Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid hitting the
curb and slow down on rough roads. Improper alignment not only
causes faster tire wear but also puts an extra load on the engine,
which, in turn, wastes fuel.
Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud, etc. This not
only lessens weight but also helps prevent corrosion.
Keep your vehicle tunedup and in top shape. A dirty air
cleaner, improper valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil and
grease, brakes not adjusted, etc. all lower engine performance and
contribute to poor fuel economy. For longer life of all parts and
lower operating costs, keep all maintenance work on schedule,
and if you often drive under severe conditions, see that your
vehicle receives more frequent maintenance. (For scheduled
maintenance information, please refer to the separate ”Owner’s
Manual Supplement/Maintenance Schedule”.)
CAUTION