Lexus ES300 1995 Starting And Driving

SECTION 3 – 1
101
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three−way catalytic converter102 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake105 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine105 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission107 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control11 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system11 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators11 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires11 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STARTING AND DRIVING
102
THREE−WAY CATALYTIC
CONVERTER
The three−way catalytic converter is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system.
It looks somewhat like a muffler, but its purpose is to reduce
pollutants in the exhaust gas.
CAUTION:

Keep people and combustible materials away from the
exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The exhaust
gas is very hot.

Do not drive, idle or park your vehicle over anything
that might burn easily such as grass, leaves, paper or
rags.
NOTICE:
A large amount of unburned gases flowing into the
three−way catalytic converter may cause it to overheat
and create a fire hazard. To prevent this and other
damage, observe the following precautions:

Use only unleaded gasoline.

Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level; running
out of fuel could cause the engine to misfire, creating
an excessive load on the three−way catalytic
converter.

Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed for more
than 20 minutes.

Avoid racing the engine.

Do not push−start or pull−start your vehicle.

Do not turn off the ignition while the vehicle is
moving.

Keep your engine in good running order.
Malfunctions in the engine electrical system,
electronic ignition system / distributor ignition
system or fuel system could cause an extremely high
three−way catalytic converter temperature.

If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, take your vehicle in for a check−up as
soon as possible. Remember, your Lexus dealer
knows your vehicle and its three−way catalytic
converter system best.

STARTING AND DRIVING
103

To ensure that the three−way catalytic converter and
the entire emission control system operate properly,
your vehicle must receive the periodic inspections
required by the Lexus Maintenance Schedule.
ENGINE EXHAUST CAUTION
CAUTION:

Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust. It contains carbon
monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless gas. It can
cause unconsciousness or even death.

Make sure the exhaust system has no holes or loose
connections. The system should be checked from time
to time. If you hit something, or notice a change in the
sound of the exhaust, have the system checked
immediately.

Do not run the engine in a garage or enclosed area
except for the time needed to drive the vehicle in or out.
The exhaust gases cannot escape, making this a
particularly dangerous situation.

Do not remain for a long time in a parked vehicle with
the engine running. If it is unavoidable, however, do so
only in an unconfined area and adjust the heating or
cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle.
Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. An open or
unsealed trunk lid may cause exhaust gases to be
drawn into the vehicle. If you must drive with the trunk
lid open to accommodate a large object, close the
windows, open all the dashboard vents and have the
heating or cooling system deliver fresh air into the
vehicle by turning the fan to high speed with the air
intake control button in the OUTSIDE AIR mode.

To allow proper operation of your vehicle’s ventilation
system, keep the inlet grilles in front of the windshield
clear of snow, leaves, or other obstructions.

If you smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle, drive with the
windows open and the trunk lid closed. Have the cause
immediately located and corrected.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, headrest height and
steering wheel angle.
3. Adjust inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts.
Remember to check that the service reminder indicators
function when turning the key to “ON”, and check the fuel
gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.

STARTING AND DRIVING
104
IGNITION SWITCH WITH STEERING
LOCK
“START” − Starter motor on. The key will return to the
“ON” position when released.
For starting tips, see page 105.
“ON” − Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE:
Do not leave the key in the “ON” position if the engine is
not running. The battery will discharge and the
electronic ignition system / distributor ignition system
could be damaged.
“ACC” − Accessories such as the radio operate, but the
engine is off.If you leave the key in the “ACC” or “LOCK” position and open
the driver’s door, a buzzer will remind you to remove the key.
“LOCK” − Engine is off and the steering wheel is locked.
The ignition key can be removed only at this position.
You must push in the key to turn it from “ACC” to the “LOCK”
position. The selector lever must be put in the “P” position
before turning the key to the “LOCK” position.
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 in motion, turn the key only to “ACC”.

STARTING AND DRIVING
105
PARKING BRAKE
Unlock
Release
Set
To set: Pull up the lever.
To release: Pull up the lever slightly, press the thumb
button, then lower the 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.
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 air−fuel 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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
106If 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 130.
NOTICE:

Do not crank for more than 15 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
Shift while pressing the lock
release button in
Shift without pressing
the button
With the brake pedal depressed, shift
while pressing the lock release button in
(The ignition switch must be in the “ON” position.)
Lock release button
to prevent misshifting
Position for stronger engine braking
than that in “2” position
Reverse position
Normal driving position
Neutral position
Position for engine braking
Parking, engine starting
and key removal position
Shift position indicator
Shows the selector lever position
Shift position is also displayed
on the instrument cluster
Overdrive switch
For selecting either a three−speed
or four−speed transmission
ON position
(Shifting into overdrive possible)
OFF position
(Shifting into overdrive not possible)
Driving pattern selector switch
For selecting a driving pattern suitable
to existing driving conditions
NORMAL position
for general driving
conditions
POWER position
for powerful acceleration
107
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

STARTING AND DRIVING
108Your 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 and the
lock release button pressed in).
Correct use of the automatic transmission is explained in the
following parts.
(a) Normal driving
(b) Using engine braking
(c) Using the “2” and “L” positions
(d) Backing up
(e) Parking
(f) Good driving practice
(g) If you cannot shift the selector lever out of “P” position
(h) If the “O / D OFF” indicator light flashes
(a) Normal driving
“N” (Neutral) position
“P” (Park) position
1. Start the engine as instructed in “How to start the
engine” on page 105.
The transmission must be in “P” or “N”. The engine will not start
in “R”, “2”, “L” or “D” position even if the ignition key is turned
to “START”.
Indicator light
“PWR” (Power) position
“NORM” (Normal) position
2. Set the driving pattern selector switch to the “NORM”
position.
Your transmission has a driving pattern selector switch which
allows you to select either “NORM” or “PWR” to suit your
driving condition. For ordinary driving, Lexus recommends that
you use the “NORM” position to improve fuel economy.
3. For more powerful acceleration and sporty driving, use
the “PWR” position.
In the “PWR” position, the “ECT PWR” light in the instrument
cluster is on and the transmission is shifted up at higher vehicle
speeds and shifted down more responsively than in the
“NORM” position.

STARTING AND DRIVING
109
Indicator light
Off
On
4. Set the overdrive switch to the ON position.
Always set the overdrive switch to the ON position to improve
fuel economy and quiet driving. (See “(b) Using engine
braking” and “(f) Good driving practice” for exceptions.)
“D” (Drive)
position
Parking brake
lever
Brake pedal
5. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the
selector lever to “D”.CAUTION:
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while
shifting.
6. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress the
accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting.
The vehicle will start in the first gear and automatically shift to
the most suitable gear for the running conditions, such as the
vehicle speed, hill climbing, hard towing, etc. However, while
the engine coolant temperature is low and the vehicle is
traveling at low speed, the transmission will not shift into the
overdrive gear even with the overdrive switch on.
In “D” 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, push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor. The transmission will
automatically downshift to the third, second or first gear,
according to the vehicle speed.
If engine braking is needed, such as in descending a long hill,
see “(b) Using engine braking”.

STARTING AND DRIVING
11 0
(b) Using engine braking
“2” (Second) position
“L” (Low) position
“D” (Drive) position
: Shifting
Overdrive switch
To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the
transmission in the way described below:

Turn off the overdrive switch. (This is effective only when
you are driving in the “D” position.) The “O / D OFF” indicator
light in the instrument cluster will come on and the
transmission will downshift to the third gear.

Shift into the “2” position. The transmission will downshift to
the second gear when the vehicle speed is lower than 128
km / h (80 mph) and more powerful engine braking will be
obtained.

Shift into the “L” position. The transmission will downshift to
the first gear when the vehicle speed is lower than 70 km / h
(43 mph) and maximum engine braking will be applied.CAUTION:
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed could cause the vehicle to
spin or skid.
(c) Using the “2” and “L” positions
The “2” and “L” positions are used for strong engine braking as
described previously.
With the selector lever in “2” or “L”, you can start the vehicle in
motion as with the lever in “D”.
With the selector lever in “2”, the vehicle will start in the first
gear and automatically shift to the second gear.
With the selector lever in “L”, 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:
“2” ... 128 km / h (80 mph)
“L” ... 70 km / h (43 mph)

Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long
time in the “2” or “L” position. This may cause severe
automatic transmission damage from overheating. To
prevent such damage, “D” position should be used in
hill climbing or hard towing.