ESP Lexus ES300 1998 s (in English) User Guide

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
106
(a) Climate control
SETTING OPERATION ± automatic control
20E003
1. Push the ºAUTOº button.
Air flow quantity, switching of the diffusers, on±off of the air conditioning and
switching of the air intake between RECIRCULATED AIR and OUTSIDE
AIR are automatically adjusted. The operation status is shown by each
indicator.
When one of the manual control buttons is depressed while operating in
automatic mode, the operation corresponding to the button depressed is set.
Other conditions continue to be adjusted automatically.
Push the ºOFFº button to turn the air conditioning system off.To cancel the automatic control of air conditioning:
Turn the ignition switch off and then turn it on while pushing the ºAUTOº and
ºA/Cº buttons. When you push the ºAUTOº button, on±off of the air
conditioning is not controlled.
To return to the previous mode of automatic control:
Turn the ignition switch off and then turn it on while pushing the ºOFFº and
ºFRONT WINDSHIELDº buttons. When you push the ºAUTOº button,
on±off of the air conditioning is also adjusted automatically.20E004±1
2. Turn the ºTEMPº knob until the desired temperature is displayed.
The ºTEMPº knob is used to set the desired passenger compartment
temperature. The temperature of air delivered to the passenger compartment
will be controlled automatically according to the setting. The figures on the
panel indicate degrees Fahrenheit or Centigrade.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO115
(c) Your radio antenna
The wire antenna is mounted inside the rear window.
NOTICE

When cleaning the inside of the rear window, be careful not to scratch
or damage the wire antenna.
 Putting a window tint (especially, conductive or metallic type) on the
rear window may affect the reception of radio. For the installation of
the window tint, consult with your Lexus dealer.
(d) Your cassette player
When you insert a cassette, the exposed tape should be to the right.
NOTICE
Do not oil any part of the cassette player, and do not insert anything except
a cassette tape into the slot.
(e) Your automatic changer
20E016±2
If your Lexus is equipped with an automatic changer, it can play selected discs
or continuously play all the discs set in the magazine.
When you set discs into the magazine, make sure they face the correct wa\
y.
If not, the player will display ºErrº and the disc number.
NOTICE
Never try to disassemble or oil any part of the compact disc player. Do not
insert anything except a compact disc into the magazine.
The player is intended for use with 12 cm (4.7 in.) discs only.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
120
(c) Automatic program selection
20E025±2
ºRPTº
button: The repeat feature automatically replays the current program.
Push the ºRPTº button while the program is playing. When the program ends,
it will automatically be rewound and replayed. Push the button again to\
turn
off the repeat feature.
There must be at least 4 seconds of blank space between programs for the
repeat feature to work correctly.
ºSKIPº button: The skip feature allows you to fast forward past long
stretches of blank tape. This is especially useful at the end of cassettes.
Push the ºSKIPº button. The player will automatically skip any blank
portions of 15 seconds or more and play the next program. To cancel it, push
the button once again.
20E026±1
ºSCANº button: Push the ºSCANº button. ºSCANº appears on the display.
The player will fast forward to the next program, play it for 12 seconds, a\
nd
then scan again. To select a program, push the ºSCANº button a second time.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
128
Station swapping ± If the FM signal you are listening to is interrupted or
weakened, and there is another strong station nearby on the FM band, your
radio may tune in the second station until the original signal can be picked \
up
again.
AM
Fading
± AM broadcasts are reflected by the upper atmosphere ± especially
at night. These reflected signals can interfere with those received dir\
ectly
from the radio station, causing the radio station to sound alternately strong and\
weak.
Station interference ± When a reflected signal and a signal received directly
from a radio station are very nearly the same frequency, they can interfere with
each other, making it difficult to hear the broadcast.
Static ± AM is easily affected by external sources of electrical noise, such as
high tension power lines, lightening, or electrical motors. This results in\
static.
Caring for your cassette player and tapes
For high performance from your cassette player and tapes:
Clean the tape head and other parts regularly.
 A dirty tape head or tape path can decrease sound quality and tangle you\
r
cassette tapes. The easiest way to clean them is by using a cleaning tape.
(A wet type is recommended.) Use high±quality cassettes:

Low±quality cassette tapes can cause many problems, including poor
sound, inconsistent playing speed, and constant auto±reversing. They can
also get stuck or tangled in the cassette player.
 Do not use a cassette if it has been damaged or tangled or if its label is\
peeling off.
 Do not leave a cassette in the player if you are not listening to it, espe\
cially
if it is hot outside.
 Store cassettes in their cases and out of direct sunlight.
 Avoid using cassettes with a total playing time longer than 100 minutes (50
minutes per side). The tape used in these cassette is thin and could get stuck\
or tangled in the cassette player.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO129
Caring for your compact disc player and discs
20L037

Use only compact discs labeled as shown. The player is intended for use
with 12 cm (4.7 in.) discs only.
 Extremely high temperature can keep your compact disc player from
working. On hot days, use air conditioning to cool the vehicle interior
before you listen to a disc.
 Bumpy roads or other vibrations may make your compact disc player skip.
 If moisture gets into your compact disc player, you may not hear any sound
even though your compact disc player appears to be working. Rem ove the
magazine from the player and wait until it dries.
20L038

Correct
Wrong
 Handle compact discs carefully, especially when you set them into the
magazine. Hold them on the edge and do not bend them. Avoid getting
fingerprints on them, particularly on the shiny side.
 Dirt, scrapes, warping, pin holes, or other disc damage could cause the
player to skip or to repeat a section of a track. (To see a pin hole, hold the
disc up to the light.)
20L039
To clean a compact disc: Wipe it with a soft, lint±free cloth that has been
dampened with water. Wipe in a straight line from the center to the edge of
the disc (not in a circle). Do not use a conventional record cleaner or
anti±static device.

DRIVING TIPS
156
Brakes and safety chains
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any
applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.
 A safety chain must always be used between the towing vehicle and the
trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the chain for turns. The chain should
cross under the trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to
the ground in case it becomes damaged or separated. For correct
safety chain procedures, follow the hitch or trailer manufacturer's
recommendations.
CAUTION
 If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1000 lb.), trailer
brakes are required.
 Never tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system as it will
lower its braking effectiveness.
 Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely
attached to both the trailer and the vehicle. If damage
occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, there is possible
danger of the trailer wandering over into another lane.
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle's tires are properly inflated. Adjust the tire
pressure to the recommended cold tire pressure indicated below:
Tire pressure, kPa (kgf/cm
2 or bar, psi)
Front 220 (2.2, 32)
Rear 220 (2.2, 32)
 The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure recommended by the
trailer manufacturer in respect to the total trailer weight.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights must comply with federal, state/provincial and local
regulations. See your local recreational vehicle dealer or rental agency for
the correct type of wiring and relays for your trailer. Check for correct
operation of the turn signals and stop lights e ach time you hitch up. Direct
splicing may damage your vehicle's electrical system and cause a
malfunction of your lights.
Break±in schedule
 Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new vehicle or a
vehicle with any new power train component (engine, transmission,
differential, wheel bearing, etc.) for the first 800 km (500 miles) of driving.
Maintenance
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance
due to the additional load. For this information, please refer to the
scheduled maintenance information in the ºOwner's Manual Supplement/
Maintenance Scheduleº.
 Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after
approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.
Pre±towing safety check
Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has an abnormal nose±up or
nose±down condition, and check for improper tongue load, overload, worn
suspension or other possible causes.
 Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that it cannot shift.
 Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial
or local regulation. If they do not, install required rear view mirrors\
appropriate for towing purposes.

DRIVING TIPS157
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently than when not
towing. The three main causes of vehicle±trailer accidents are driver
error, excessive speed and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind
when towing: 
Before starting out, check the operation of the lights and all vehicle±trai\
ler
connections. After driving a short distance, stop and recheck the lights and
connections. Practice turning, stopping and backing with a trailer in an
area away from traffic until you learn the feel.
 Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice. Grip the bottom of
the steering wheel and move your hand to the left to move the trailer to\
the
left. Move your hand to the right to move the trailer to the right. (This
procedure is generally opposite to that when backing without a trailer.)
Also, just turn the steering wheel a little at a time, avoiding sharp or
prolonged turning. Have someone guide you when backing to reduce the
risk of an accident.
 Because stopping distance may be increased, vehicle±to±vehicle distance
should be increased when towing a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of
speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length between you and the
vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in
jackknifing and loss of control. This is especially true on wet or slippery
surfaces.
 Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
 Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit your vehicle in
a tight turn. Slow down before making a turn to avoid the need of sudde\
n
braking.
 Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be closer than
the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Therefore, compensate for th\
is
by making a larger than normal turning radius with your vehicle.

MAINTENANCE
180
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Your Lexus vehicle has been designed to have fewer maintenance
requirements with longer service intervals to save both your time and money.
However, each regular maintenance as well as day±to±day care is more
important than ever before to ensure smooth, trouble±free, safe, and
economical driving.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure the specified maintenance,
including general maintenance services, is performed. Note that both the new
vehicle and emission control system warranties specify that proper
maintenance and care must be performed. See the Owner's Guide, Owner's
Manual Supplement or Warranty Booklet for complete warranty information.
General maintenance
General maintenance items are those day±to±day care practices that are
important to your vehicle for proper operation. It is the owner's responsibility
to ensure that the general maintenance items are performed regularly.
These checks or inspections can be done either by yourself or your Lexus
dealer.
Scheduled maintenance
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the ºOwner's Manual
Supplement/Maintenance Scheduleº are those required to be serviced at
regular intervals. For details of your maintenance schedule, read the separate ºOwner's Manual
Supplement/Maintenance Scheduleº.
It is recommended that any replacement parts used for maintenance or
for the repair of the emission control system be Lexus supplied.
The owner may elect to use non±Lexus supplied parts for replacement
purposes without invalidating the emission control system warranty.
However, use of replacement parts which are not of equivalent quality
may impair the effectiveness of the emission control systems.
You may also elect to have maintenance, replacement, or repair of the
emission
control devices and system performed by any automotive r epair
establishment or individual without invalidating this warranty. See
Owner's Guide, Owner's Manual Supplement or Warranty Booklet for
complete warranty information.
Where to go for service?
Lexus technicians are well±trained specialists and are kept up to date wit\
h the
latest service information through technical bulletins, service tips, and
in±dealership training programs. They are well informed about the operation
of all the systems on your vehicle.
You can be confident that your Lexus dealer's service department performs
the best job to meet the maintenance requirements of your vehicle.

INTRODUCTION
188
DO±IT±YOURSELF SERVICEPRECAUTIONS
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct
procedure given in this Section.
You should be aware that improper or incomplete servicing may result in
operating problems.
Performing do±it±yourself maintenance during the warranty period may
affect your warranty coverage. Read the separate Lexus Warranty statement
for details and suggestions.
This Section gives instructions only for those items that are relatively eas\
y for
an owner to perform. As explained in Section 5, there are still a number \
of
items that must be performed by a qualified technician with special tools.
For information on tools and parts for do±it±yourself maintenance, se\
e ºParts
and toolsº.
Utmost care should be taken when working on your vehicle to prevent
accidental injury. Here are a few precautions that you should be especially
careful to observe:
CAUTION

When the engine is running, keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
(Removing rings, watches, and ties is advisable.)

Right after driving, the engine compartment ± the engine,
radiator, exhaust manifold and power steering fluid
reservoir, etc. ± will be hot. So be car eful not to touch them.
Oil and other fluids may also be hot.

Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames near fuel
or the battery. Their fumes are flammable.

Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It
contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.

Do not get under your vehicle with just the body jack
supporting it. Always use automotive jack stands or other
solid supports.

Use eye protection whenever you work on or under your
vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or falling
material, fluid spray, etc.

CHASSIS
210
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straigh\
t
ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature A, B, C
± The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and
C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of
the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can \
lead
to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performan\
ce
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade of this tire established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.
Tire selection
When replacing a tire, use only the same size and construction as
originally installed and with the same or greater load capacity.
Using any other size or type of tire may seriously affect handling, ride,
speedometer/odometer calibration, ground clearance, and clearance between
the body and tires or snow chains.
Do not mix radial, belted, or conventional tires on your vehicle.
Do not use tires or wheels other than the manufacturer's recommended
size.
It can cause dangerous handling characteristics, resulting in loss of co\
ntrol.
If you need to change from conventional tires to radial tires or vice ve\
rsa,
replace them as a set.
INSTALLING SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
When to use snow tires or chains
Snow tires or chains are recommended when driving on snow or ice.
On wet or dry roads, conventional or radial tires provide better traction \
than
snow or studded tires.
Snow tire selection
If you need snow tires, select the same size, construction and load capacity
as the original tires on your Lexus.
Do not use tires other than stated above. Since your vehicle has radial t\
ires
as original equipment, make sure your snow tires also have radial
construction. Do not install studded tires without first checking local
regulations for possible restrictions.
Snow tire installation
Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.
Installing snow tires on the front wheels only can lead to an excessive
difference in road grip capability between the front and rear tires which could
cause loss of vehicle control.