tow LEXUS SC300 1999 User Guide

STARTING AND DRIVING
224
(c) Using the º3º, º2º and ºLº positions
The º3º, º2º and ºLº positions are used for strong engine\
braking as described previously.
With the selector lever in º3º, º2º or ºLº, you can sta\
rt the
vehicle in motion as with the lever in ºDº.
With the selector lever in º3º or º2º, the vehicle will start in
the first gear and automatically shift to the third or second
gear.
With the selector lever in ºLº, the transmission is engaged in
the first gear.
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:
º3º 153 km/h (96 mph) . . . .
º2º 100 km/h (63 mph) . . . .
ºLº 65 km/h (41 mph) . . . .
 Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long
time in the º3º, º2º or ºLº position. This may cause
severe automatic transmission damage from
overheating. To prevent such damage, º4º position
should be used in hill climbing or hard towing.
(d) Backing up

STARTING AND DRIVING
227
(f) Good driving practice
If the transmission repeatedly upshifts and downshifts
between the fourth and overdrive gears when climbing a
gentle slope, shift the selector lever to the º4º position. Be
sure to shift the selector lever to the ºDº position after
climbing the slope.
 When towing a trailer, in order to maintain ef ficient engine
braking and electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive. The selector lever must be in the º4º position.
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) Rocking your vehicle if stuck
CAUTION
If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc., then
you may attempt to rock the vehicle free by moving it forward
and backward. Do not attempt this procedure if people or
objects are anywhere near the vehicle. During the rocking
operation the vehicle may suddenly move forward or back as
it becomes un±stuck, causing injury or damage to nearby
people or objects.

STARTING AND DRIVING
228
NOTICE
If you rock your vehicle, observe the following
precautions to prevent damage to the transmission and
other parts.
Do not depress the accelerator pedal while shifting the
selector lever or before the transmission is completely
shifted to forward or reverse gear.
 Do not race the engine and avoid spinning the wheels.
 If your vehicle remains stuck after rocking the vehicle
several times, consider other ways such as towing.
(h) If you cannot shift the selector lever
If you cannot shift the selector lever even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override button. For
instructions, see ºIf you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector leverº on page 306.

STARTING AND DRIVING
2345. 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 º3º 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 º(b) Using engine brakingº.
(b) Using engine braking

STARTING AND DRIVING
236
(c) Using the º2º and ºLº positions
The º2º and ºLº positions are used for strong engine braking
as described previously.
With the selector lever in º2º or ºLº, you can start the vehicle\
in motion as with the lever in ºDº.
With the selector lever in º2º, the vehicle will start in the first
gear and automatically shift to the second gear.
With the selector lever in ºLº, the transmission is engaged in
the first gear.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:
º2º 107 km/h (67 mph) . . . .
ºLº 56 km/h (35 mph) . . . .
 Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long
time in the º2º or ºLº position. This may cause severe
automatic transmission damage from overheating. To
prevent such damage, º3º position should be used in
hill climbing or hard towing.

STARTING AND DRIVING
239
(f) Good driving practice
If the transmission repeatedly upshifts and downshifts
between the fourth and overdrive gears when climbing a
gentle slope, shift the selector lever to the º3º position. Be
sure to shift the selector lever to the ºDº position after
climbing the slope.
 When towing a trailer, in order to maintain ef ficient engine
braking and electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive. The selector lever must be in the º3º position.
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) Rocking your vehicle if stuck
CAUTION
If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc., then
you may attempt to rock the vehicle free by moving it forward
and backward. Do not attempt this procedure if people or
objects are anywhere near the vehicle. During the rocking
operation the vehicle may suddenly move forward or back as
it becomes un±stuck, causing injury or damage to nearby
people or objects.

STARTING AND DRIVING
240
NOTICE
If you rock your vehicle, observe the following
precautions to prevent damage to the transmission and
other parts.
Do not depress the accelerator pedal while shifting the
selector lever or before the transmission is completely
shifted to forward or reverse gear.
 Do not race the engine and avoid spinning the wheels.
 If your vehicle remains stuck after rocking the vehicle
several times, consider other ways such as towing.
(h) If you cannot shift the selector lever
If you cannot shift the selector lever even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override button. For
instructions, see ºIf you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector leverº on page 306.

SECTION 3 ± 2
258
STARTING AND DRIVING
Driving tips
Break±in period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
259
Operation in foreign countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
259
Tips for driving in various conditions s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
259
Winter driving tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
260
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
261
How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer . . . . . . .
270

DRIVING TIPS
259
BREAK±IN PERIOD
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
You need not follow a break±in 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 full±throttle 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, sharp±edged 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 ºPº. 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, make sure the parking brake is fully
released and that the parking brake reminder light is off.

DRIVING TIPS
261
your Lexus dealer ± they will be pleased to help.
Check
the electronic ignition system for loose connections
or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de±icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them
from freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto
parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute
because it may damage your vehicle's paint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility
it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ºPº and block the
front wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water
accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism
may freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering
difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally. Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you
carry some emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains,
window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger±carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on
handling, performance, braking, durability and driving
economy (fuel consumption, etc.). Your safety and
satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment
and cautious driving habits. For your safety and the safety of
others, you must not overload your vehicle or trailer. Lexus
warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial purposes. Ask your local
Lexus dealer for further details before towing.