battery Lexus ES300 1998 s (in English) User Guide

THEFT DETERRENT
100
To stop the alarm: Use either of the following methods.


Unlock the door or trunk using an ignition key or wireless remote control.

Turn the ignition switch on.
Testing the system
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the system as described above.
The front doors should be locked with the ignition key or wireless remote
control. Be sure to wait until the indicator light starts flashing.
3. Unlock one of the doors from the inside.
The system should activate the alarm.
4. Unlock any of the doors with a key or the wireless remote control to
cancel the system.
5. Repeat this operation for the other doors and hood.
When testing the hood, also check that the system is activated when the batte\
ry
terminal is disconnected and then reconnected.
If the system does not work properly, have it checked by your Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
Disconnecting the battery may result in the erasure of information you
have set in the computer memory. After reconnecting the battery, check
that the memorized data has been retained. If it has been erased, input
it into the computer once more.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO103
AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONING CONTROLS
20E001±3

The automatic air conditioning automatically maintains the set
temperature.
This air conditioning features automatic fan speed and air flow control
which automatically selects the most suitable fan speed and air flow to
control the temperature. The ignition key must be in the ºONº position.NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not leave the air
conditioning on longer than necessary when the engine is not running.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO113
Using your audio system: some basics
This section describes some of the basic features of the Lexus audio sys\
tem.
Some information may not pertain to your system.
Your audio system works when the ignition key is in the ºACCº or ºONº
position.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not leave the car audio
on longer than necessary when the engine is not running.
(a) Turning the system on and off
20E012±1
Push this knob to turn the audio system on and off. Turn this knob to
adjust the volume.
The system turns on in the last mode used.
20E013±1
Push ºAMº, ºFM1/2º, ºTAPEº or ºCDº to turn on that mode. The
selected mode turns on directly.
Push these buttons if you want to switch from one mode to another.
If the tape or disc is not set, the cassette player or compact disc play\
er does
not turn on.
You can turn off the cassette player by ejecting the cassette tape. If the audio
system was previously off, then the entire audio system will be turned off
when you eject the cassette tape. If another function was previously playin\
g,
it will come on again.
20E014±1
In the ºTAPEº or ºCDº mode, the applicable functions are shown in the

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO117
(b) Presetting a station
20E019±1
1. Tune in the desired station.
2. Push one of the station selector buttons ( 1±6 ) and hold it until \
a beep
is heard. This sets the station to the button and the button number ( \
1±6
) appears on the display.
Each button can store one AM station and two FM stations. To change the
preset station to a different one, follow the same procedure.
The preset station memory is cancelled when the power source is interrupted\
by battery disconnection or a blown fuse.
(c) Selecting a station
Your Lexus has an electronic tuning radio (ETR). Tune in the desired station
using one of the following methods.
20E020
Preset tuning: Push the button ( 1±6 ) for the station you want briefly. The
button number ( 1±6 ) and station frequency appear on the display.
Manual tuning:
Push the ºTUNE SEEKº button briefly. Each time you push
the button, the radio will step up or down to another frequency.
Seek tuning: Push the ºTUNE SEEKº button and hold it until you hear a beep.
The radio will begin seeking up or down for a station of the nearest freque\
ncy
and will stop on reception. Each time you push the button, the stations wi\
ll
be searched out one after another.

STARTING AND DRIVING
134
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, 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 ºONº, and check the fuel gauge to see that you \
have
sufficient fuel.
IGNITION SWITCH WITH STEERING
LOCK
31E036
ºSTARTº ± Starter motor on. The key will return to the ºONº position
when released.
For starting tips, see page 136.
ºONº ± Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the ºONº position if the engine is not runni\
ng.
The battery will discharge and the electronic ignition system/distributo\
r
ignition system could be damaged.
ºACCº ± Accessories such as the radio operate, but the engine i\
s off.

DRIVING TIPS153
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is fully
released and that the parking brake reminder light is off.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. It
can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear, and poor
fuel economy.
 To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed and
downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes excessively,
they may overheat and not work properly. See page 140.
 Be careful when accelerating, upshifting, downshifting or
braking on a slippery surface. The abrupt change in engine
speed, such as sudden acceleration or engine braking, could
cause the vehicle to spin or skid.
 Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal
speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140 km/h (85 mph)
unless your vehicle has high±speed capability tires.
Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may result in tire failure,
loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire
dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are
high±speed capability tires or not before driving at such
speeds.
 Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are wet. If they are
wet, your vehicle will r equire a longer stopping distance, and it may
pull to one side when the brakes are applied. Also, the parking brake
will not hold the vehicle securely.
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have ethylene±glycol antifreeze in the radiator.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it must be in top shape
to provide enough power for winter starting. Page 219 tells you how to
visually inspect the battery. Your Lexus dealer and most service stations will
be pleased to check the battery charge level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold weather.
See page 200 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy summer oil in your
vehicle during winter months may cause harder starting. If you are not sure
about which oil to use, call your Lexus dealer ± they will be pleased to h\
elp.
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 fre\
ezing.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
162
IF YOUR ENGINE STALLS WHILEDRIVING
If your engine stalls while driving . . . .
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move cautiously off
the road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Try starting the engine again.
If the engine will not start, see ºIf your vehicle will not startº\
.
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and
steering will not work, so steering and braking will be much
harder than usual.
IF YOUR VEHICLE WILL NOT START
(a) Simple checks
Before making these checks, make sure you have followed the correct starting
procedure instructions in ºHow to start the engineº on page 136 and that you
have sufficient fuel. Since your vehicle is equipped with the engine
immobiliser system, also check whether the other keys will start the engine.
If they work, your key may be broken. Have the key checked at your Lexu\
s
dealer. If none of your keys work, the system is possibly broken. Call your
Lexus dealer. See ºKeysº on page 7.
If the engine is not turning over or is turning over too slowly ±
1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior light.
3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is cranked, the ba\
ttery
is discharged. You may try jump starting. See º(c) Jump startingº for further
instruction.
If the light is O.K., but the engine still will not start, it needs adju\
stment or
repair. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service
Assistance. (See ºForewordº.)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
164
(c) Jump starting
To avoid serious personal injury and damage to your vehicle which might
result from battery explosion, acid burns, electrical burns, or damaged
electronic components, these instructions must be followed precisely.
If you are unsure about how to follow this procedure, we strongly recommen\
d
that you seek help from your Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer
Service Assistance. (See ºForewordº.).
CAUTION
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which is poisonous and
corrosive. Wear protective safety glasses when jump
starting, and avoid spilling acid on your skin, clothing, or
vehicle.
 If you should accidentally get acid on yourself or in your
eyes, remove any contaminated clothing and flush the
affected area with water immediately. Then get immediate
medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with
a sponge or cloth while en route to the medical office.
 The gas normally produced by a battery will explode if a
flame or spark is brought near. Use only standardized
jumper cables and do not smoke or light a match while
jump starting.
NOTICE
The battery used for boosting must be 12 V. Do not jump start unless you
are sure that the booster battery is correct.
40E001±2

5
Discharged battery 6Booster battery

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY165
JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE
1. If the booster battery is installed in another vehicle, make sure the vehi\
cles
are not touching. Turn off all unnecessary lights and accessories.
2. If required, remove all the vent plugs from the booster battery. Lay a cloth
over the open vents on the booster battery. (This helps reduce the explosion
hazard, personal injuries and burns.)
3. If the engine in the vehicle with the booster battery is not running, st\
art it
and let it run for about 5 minutes. During jump starting, run the engine a\
t about
2000 rpm with the accelerator pedal lightly depressed.
4. Locate
positive (+) and negative (±) terminals of each battery. Connect the
jumper cables in the exact order (
1
2 3 4) shown in the illustration.
1
Connect a positive (red) jumper cable clamp to the positive (+) terminal
of the discharged battery.
2Connect the clamp at the other end of the positive (red) cable to the
positive (+) terminal of the booster battery.
3Connect a negative (black) cable clamp to the negative (±) terminal of
the booster battery.
4Connect the clamp at the other end of the negative (black) cable to a
solid, stationary, unpainted metallic point (e.g. cylinder head) away
from the battery. Do not connect it to or near any part that moves when
the engine is cranked.
CAUTION
When making the connections, to avoid serious injury, do not
lean over the battery or accidentally let the jumper cables or
clamps touch anything except the correct battery terminals or
the ground.
5. Start your engine in the normal way. After starting, run it at about 2000 rpm
for several minutes with the accelerator pedal lightly depressed. 6. Carefully disconnect the cables in the exact reverse order: the negative
cable and then the positive cable.
7. Carefully dispose of the battery cover cloths which may now contain
sulfuric acid.
8. If removed, replace all the battery vent plugs.
If the cause of your battery discharging is not apparent (for example, lights left
on), you should have it checked.

MAINTENANCE183
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal effort or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper clearance and freeplay.
Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side when appl\
ied.
Parking brake
Check that the pedal has the proper travel and that, on a safe incline, your
vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission ºParkº mechanism
Check the lock release button of the selector lever for proper and smooth
operation. On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with the
selector lever in ºPº position and all brakes released.
Engine compartment
Items listed below should be checked from time to time, e.g. each time
when refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See page 227 for additional
information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the ºFULLº and ºLOWº line\
s on the
see±through reservoir when the engine is cold. See page 201 for additional
information.
Battery
Your Lexus has a maintenance free battery. You do not have to add distilled
water. For longer life of the battery, however, see page 219 for additional
information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 205 for additional
information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and the vehicle
parked on a level spot. See page 198 for additional information.