airbag LEXUS SC300 1999 Owners Manual

INTRODUCTION
ii
New vehicle warranty
Your new vehicle is covered by the following Lexus limited
warranties:

New vehicle warranty

Emission control systems warranty

Others
For further information, please refer to the separate ºOwner's
Guideº, ºOwner's Manual Supplementº or ºWarranty
Bookletº.
Your responsibility for maintenance
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure the specified
maintenance is performed. Section 5 of this Owner's Manual
gives details of these maintenance requirements. Included in
Section 6 is general maintenance. For scheduled
maintenance information, please refer to the separate
ºOwner 's Manual Supplement/Maintenance Scheduleº.
Accessories, spare parts and modification of
your Lexus
A wide variety of non±genuine spare parts and accessories for
Lexus vehicles are currently available in the market. You
should know that Toyota does not warrant these products and
is not responsible either for their performance, repair or
replacement, or for any damage they may cause to, or adverse
effect they may have on, your Lexus vehicle. This vehicle should not be modified with non±genuine Lexus
products. Modification with non±genuine Lexus products
could affect its performance, safety or durability, and may
even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage
or performance problems resulting from the modification
may not be covered under warranty.
Installation of a mobile two±way radio system
As the installation of a mobile two±way radio system in your
vehicle could affect electronic systems such as the multiport
fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel injection
system, cruise control system, anti±lock brake system and
SRS airbag system, be sure to check with your Lexus dealer
for precautionary measures or special instructions regarding
installation.
Scrapping of your Lexus
The SRS airbag device in your Lexus contains explosive
chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped with the airbags left as
they are, it may cause an accident such as a fire. Be sure to
have the SRS airbag system removed and disposed of by a
qualified service shop or by your Lexus dealer before you
scrap your vehicle.

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xiiPage
1
Turn signal indicator light 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Headlight high beam indicator light 35
. . . . . . . . . .
3 Headlight indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic transmission indicator lights 217 . . . . . .
5 Engine coolant temperature gauge 50
. . . . . . . . . . .
6 Tachometer 51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Clock 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Cruise information display 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Odometer and trip meter 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Fuel gauge 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low fuel level warning light 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Traction control system off indicator/warning
light 58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
13 Malfunction indicator lamp 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Slip indicator light 246
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Anti±lock brake system warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . Page
16 Snow mode indicator light
241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Power mode indicator light 220, 241
. . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Cruise control indicator light 242
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Low engine oil level warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Low washer fluid warning light 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Rear light failure warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Seat belt reminder light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Open door warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 SRS airbag warning light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Discharge warning light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Low oil pressure warning light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Instrument panel light control 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 Cruise information display mode
select button 60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30 ODO/TRIP, RESET button 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31 H.M : 00 button 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xivPage
1
Turn signal indicator light 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Headlight high beam indicator light 35
. . . . . . . . . .
3 Headlight indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic transmission indicator lights 229 . . . . . .
5 Engine coolant temperature gauge 50
. . . . . . . . . . .
6 Tachometer 51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Clock 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Cruise information display 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Odometer and trip meter 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Fuel gauge 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low fuel level warning light 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Traction control system off indicator/warning
light 58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
13 Malfunction indicator lamp 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Slip indicator light 246
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Anti±lock brake system warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . Page
16 Snow mode indicator light
241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Power mode indicator light 232, 241
. . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Cruise control indicator light 242
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Low engine oil level warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Low washer fluid warning light 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Rear light failure warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Seat belt reminder light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Open door warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 SRS airbag warning light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Discharge warning light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Low oil pressure warning light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Instrument panel light control 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 Cruise information display mode
select button 60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30 ODO/TRIP, RESET button 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31 H.M : 00 button 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
56If the brake fluid level is correct ...
Have the warning system checked by your Lexus dealer.
(b) Seat Belt Reminder Light and Buzzer
Once the ignition key is turned to ºONº or ºSTARTº, the
reminder
light flashes and buzzer comes on if the driver's seat
belt is not fastened. Unless the driver fastens the belt, the light
stays flashing and the buzzer stops after about 4 to 8 seconds.
(c) SRS Airbag Warning Light
This indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned to
the ºACCº or ºONº position. It goes off after about 6
seconds. This means the SRS airbag system is operating
properly.
The SRS airbag warning light system monitors the airbag
sensor assembly, inflators, warning light, interconnecting
wiring and power sources.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a
malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the
warning light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.

The light does not come on as described above or remains
on.

The light comes on while driving.
(d) 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.
(e) Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil pressure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on 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.

SECTION 1 ± 6
93
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Comfort adjustment
Front seats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
94
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
102
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
104
Outside rear view mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
109
Inside rear view mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
113
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . .
115
SRS airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . .
128
Child restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
143
Driving position memory system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
168

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
115
SEAT BELTS
Seat belt precautions
Lexus strongly urges that the driver and passengers in the
vehicle be properly restrained at all times with the seat belts
provided. Failure to do so could increase the chance of injury
and/or the severity of injury in accidents.
Child. Use a child restraint system appropriate for the child
until the child becomes large enough to properly wear the
vehicle's seat belts. See ºChild restraintº for details.
If a child is too large for a child restraint system, the child
should sit in the rear seat and must be restrained using the
vehicle's seat belt. According to accident statistics, the child
is safer when properly restrained in the rear seat than in the
front seat.
If a child must sit in the front seat, the seat belts should be
worn properly. Do not let the child sit on your lap. It does not
provide sufficient restraint. If an accident occurs and the seat
belts are not worn properly, the force of the rapid inflation of
the airbag may cause severe injury to the child.
Do not allow the child to stand up or kneel on either rear or
front seats. An unrestrained child could suffer serious injury
during emergency braking or a collision.
Pregnant woman. Lexus recommends the use of a seat belt.
Ask your doctor for specific recommendations. The lap belt
should be worn securely and as low as possible over the hips
and not on the waist. Injured person. Lexus recommends the use of a seat belt.
Depending on the injury, first check with your doctor for
specific recommendations.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
126
The driver and front passenger's seat belt pretensioners
are designed to be activated in response to a severe frontal
impact.
The airbag system and each pretensioner operates
independently because each has its own separate sensor.
A pretensioner sensor is located in each front seat belt
retractor assembly. When the pretensioner sensor detects the
shock of a severe frontal impact, the front seat belt is quickly
drawn back in by the retractor so that the belt snugly restrains
the front seat occupant.
When a seat belt pretensioner is activated, an operating noise
may be heard and a small amount of smoke±like gas may be
released. This gas is harmless and does not indicate that a fire
is occurring.
Once the seat belt pretensioner has been activated, the seat
belt retractor remains locked.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
128
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following changes without
consulting your Lexus dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the seat belt
pretensioners in some cases.

Repairs on or near the front seat belt retractor
assemblies.

Modification of the suspension system.

Modification of the front end structure.

Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, kangaroo bar,
etc.), snow plow, winches or any other equipment to
the front end.
In the following case, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible:

If either front seat belt does not retract or cannot be pulled
out due to a malfunction or activation of the pretensioner.

The front seat belt retractor assembly or surrounding area
has been damaged.
SRS AIRBAGS
The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags are
designed to provide further protection for the driver and
front passenger when added to the primary protection
provided by the seat belts.
In response to a severe frontal impact, the SRS airbags
work together with the seat belts to help prevent or r educe
injury by inflating, in order to decrease the likelihood of
the driver's or front passenger's head or chest directly
hitting the steering wheel or dashboard.
The passenger airbag is activated even with no passenger in
the front seat.
Be sure to wear
your seat belt.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
129
CAUTION
The driver or front passenger too close to the steering wheel
or dashboard during airbag deployment can be killed or
seriously injured. Lexus strongly recommends that:

The driver sit as far back as possible from the steering
wheel while still maintaining control of the vehicle.

The front passenger sit as far back as possible from the
dashboard.

All vehicle occupants be properly restrained using the
available seat belts.
This indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned to
the ºACCº or ºONº position. It goes off after about 6
seconds. This means the SRS airbags are operating
properly.
The SRS airbag warning light system monitors the airbag
sensor assembly, inflators, warning light, interconnecting
wiring and power sources. (For details, see ºService
reminder indicators and warning buzzersº on page 53 for
instructions.)

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
130
The SRS airbag system is designed to activate in response
to a severe frontal impact within the shaded area between
the arrows in the illustration.
There may be the case that the SRS airbags will not activate
with such an impact in which the occupant wearing the seat
belt correctly would not get serious injury.
The SRS airbags will deploy if the severity of the impact is
above the designed threshold level, comparable to an
approximate 20 km/h (14 mph) collision when impacting
straight into a fixed barrier that does not move or deform.
If the severity of the impact is below the above threshold
level, the SRS airbags may not deploy.
However, this threshold velocity will be considerably higher
if the vehicle strikes an object, such as a parked vehicle or sign
pole, which can move or deform on impact, or if it is involved
in an underride collision (a collision in which the nose of the
vehicle ºunderridesº, or goes under, the bed of a truck, etc.). It is possible with collision severity at the marginal level of
airbag sensor detection and activation that only one of your
vehicle's two airbags will deploy.
For the safety of all occupants, be sure to always wear seat
belts.