engine LEXUS SC300 1999 User Guide

KEYS AND DOORS
14
When using a key containing a transponder chip, observe
the following precautions:

When sta rting 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.

KEYS AND DOORS
15


When starting the engine, do not use the key with
other transponder keys around (including keys of
other vehicles) and do not press other key plates
against the key grip. Otherwise the engine may not
start, or may stop soon after it starts. If this happens,
remove the key once and then insert it again after
taking off other transponder keys (including keys of
other vehicles) from the ring or while gripping or
covering them with your hand to start the engine.

KEYS AND DOORS
16

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

KEYS AND DOORS
17
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 built±in
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. If you make your own duplicate key, you will not be able
to cancel the system or start the engine.

SWITCHES
35
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 the engine is not
running.
HEADLIGHT DIMMER AND
TURN SIGNAL SWITCH

SWITCHES
45
To turn on the emergency flashers, push the switch.
All the turn signal lights will flash. The emergency flashers
will work with the engine running or off and with or without
the ignition key.
Turn on the emergency flashers to warn other drivers if you
must stop your vehicle where it might be a traffic hazard.
Always pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible.
The turn signal light switch will not work when the
emergency flashers are in operation.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not leave
the switch on longer than necessary when the engine is
not running.
SEAT HEATER SWITCHES

SWITCHES
47
CAUTION
Occupants must use caution when operating the seat heater
because they may experience minor burns even at low
temperatures. Use extra caution for;

Baby, small child, elderly person, sick person or
handicapped person

Persons who have delicate skin

Persons who are exhausted

Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs which induce
sleep (sleeping drug, cold remedy, etc.).
To prevent the seat from overheating, do not use the seat
heater with a blanket, cushion, or other insulating objects
which cover the seat.
NOTICE

Do not put unevenly weighted objects on the seat and
do not stick sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.) into the
seat.

When cleaning the seats, do not use organic
substances (paint thinner, benzine, alcohol, gasoline,
etc.). They may damage the heater and seat surface.

To prevent the battery from being discharging, turn
the switches on when the engine is running.

SECTION 1 ± 3
48
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder
indicators
Fuel gauge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
49
Engine coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
50
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . .
51
Odometer and trip meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
52
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers . . . . . . . . .
53
Cruise information display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
60
Instrument panel light control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
64

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
50
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
51
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature when
the ignition switch is on. The engine operating
temperature
will vary with changes in weather and engine
load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your vehicle
and allow the engine to cool.
Your vehicle may overheat during severe operating
conditions, such as:

Driving up a long hill on a hot day.

Reducing speed or stopping after high speed driving.

Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in
stop±and±go traffic.

Towing a trailer.
NOTICE

Do not remove the thermostat in the engine cooling
system as this may cause the engine to overheat. The
thermostat is designed to control the flow of coolant to
keep the temperature of the engine within the specified
operating range.

Do not continue driving with an overheated engine.
See ºIf your vehicle overheatsº on page 280.
TACHOMETER