Lexus ES300 1997 Starting And Driving

127
SECTION 3 ± 1
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converter 128
Engine exhaust caution 129
Before starting the engine 130
Ignition switch with steering lock 130
Parking brake 131
How to start the engine 132
Automatic transmission 133
Cruise control 140
Electronic modulated suspension 143
Traction control system 144
Brake system 145
Brake pad wear limit indicators 147
Types of tires 148

STARTING AND DRIVING
128
THREE±WAY CATALYTIC
CONVERTER
The three±way catalytic converter is an emission
control device installed in the exhaust system.
It looks 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 if 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.
Malfunction 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
129
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. For scheduled maintenance
information, refer to the separate ªOwner's
Manual Supplement/Maintenance Scheduleº.
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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
130
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2 Adjust seat position, seatback angle, head restraint
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 ªONº, and check the fuel
gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.
IGNITION SWITCH WITH STEERING
LOCK
ªSTARTº ± Starter motor on. The key will return to the
ªONº position when released.
For starting tips, see page 132.
ªONº ± Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the ªONº position if the
engine is not running. The battery will discharge
and the electronic ignition system/distributor
ignition system could be damaged.
ªACCº ± Accessories such as the radio operate, but the
engine is off.

STARTING AND DRIVING
131 If you leave the key in the ªACCº or ªLOCKº position and
open the driver's door, a buzzer will remind you to remove
the key.
ªLOCKº ± 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 ªACCº to the ªLOCKº
position. The selector lever must be put in the ªPº position
befoer turning the key in the ªLOCKº position.
When starting the engine, the key may seem stuck at the
ªLOCKº 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 moving, turn the key only to ªACCº.
PARKING BRAKE
To set: Hold the regular brake pedal down with your
right foot. Push down the parking brake pedal with your
left foot.
To release: Hold the regular brake down with your right
foot and push and parking brake pedal with your left
foot. When you lift your left foot, the parking barke
pedal will follow it to the released position.
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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
132
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 ªPº. If you need to restart the
engine while the vehicle is moving, put the selector lever in
ªNº. 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 ªBefore crankingº.
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 ªSTARTº. 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 ªIf your vehicle will not startº on page 162.
NOTICE
Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time.
This may overheat the starter and wiring system.
Do not race a cold engine.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, have the engine checked immediately.

STARTING AND DRIVING
133
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Your automatic transmission has a shift lock system to
minimize the possibility of incorrect operation. This
means you can only shift out of ªPº position when the
brake pedal is depressed (with the ignition switch in
ªONº position and the lock release button pressed in).
(*)

Lock release button
With the brake pedal depressed, shift while
holding the lock release button in. (The ignition
switch must be in the ªONº position).
Shift while holding the lock release button in.Overdrive switch
For selecting either a three±speed or four±speed
transmission.
When the cruise control is being used even if you
downshift the transmission, engine braking will not be
applied because the cruise control is not cancelled. For
ways to decrease the vehicle speed, see ªCruise
controlº on page 142.
Shift position indicator
The shift position is also displayed on the instrument
cluster.
P:Parking, engine starting and key removal position
R:Reverse position
N:Neutral position
D:Normal driving position (Shifting into overdrive
possible)
2:Position for engine braking
L:Position for stronger engine braking than that in ª2º
position

STARTING AND DRIVING
134Correct use of the automatic transmission is explained
in the following parts.
(a) Normal driving
(b) Using engine braking
(c) Using the ª2º and ªLº positions
(d) Backing up
(e) Parking
(f) Good driving practice
(g) Rocking your vehicle in stuck
(h) If you cannot shift the selector lever out of ªPº position
(a) Normal driving

ªPº (Park) positionªNº (Neutral) position
1. Start the engine as instructed in ªHow to start the
engineº on page 132.
The transission must ne in ªPº or ªNº. The engine will not start
in ªRº, ª2º, ªLº, or ªDº position even if the ignition key is turned
to ªSTARTº.

STARTING AND DRIVING
135

OnOff
2. Set the overdriving pattern switch to the ON
position.
Always set the overdrive switch to the ON position to
improve fuel economy and quiet driving. (See ª(b) Using
engine brakingº and ª(f) Good driving practiceº for
exceptions.)

Brake pedalªDº (Drive) position
3. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift
the selector lever to ªDº.
CAUTION!
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while
shifting.
4. 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 travelling at a low speed, the transmission will not shift into
the overdrive gear even with the overdrive switch on.

STARTING AND DRIVING
136In ªDº 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 ª(b) Using engine brakingº.
(b) Using engine braking
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 ªDº position.) The ªO/D OFFº
indicator light in the instrument cluster will come on and
the transmission will downshift to the third gear and
engine braking will be obtained.
When the cruise control is being used, even if you
downshift the transmission, engine braking will not be
applied because the cruise control is not cancelled. If
you need to decrease the vehicle speed, see page 142.
Shift into the ª2º position. The transmission will
downshift to the second gear when the vehicle speed is
lower than 122 km/h (76 mph) and more powerful
engine braking will be obtained.