check engine Lexus ES300 1998 s (in English) User Guide

DRIVING TIPS
154
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto parts store\
s.
Follow the manufacturer's directions for how much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute because it may
damage your vehicle's paint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ºPº and block the rear wheels.\
Do
not use the parking brake, or snow or water accumulated in and around the
parking brake mechanism may freeze the parking brake, making it hard to
release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering difficult. During
bad winter driving, stop and check under the fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you carry some
emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains, window
scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel, jumper cables, etc.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger±carrying vehicle. Towing
a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, performance, braking,
durability and driving economy (fuel consumption, etc.). Your safety and
satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cautious
driving
habits. For your safety and the safety of others, you must not overload
your vehicle or trailer. Lexus warranties do not apply to damage or
malfunction caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes. Ask your
local Lexus dealer for further details before towing.
NOTICE
When towing a trailer, be sure to consult your Lexus dealer for further
information on additional requirements.
Weight limits
Before towing, make sure the total trailer weight, gross vehicle weight,
gross axle weight and trailer tongue load are all within the limits.
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with platform scal\
es
found at a highway weighing station, building supply company, trucking
company, junk yard, etc.
32E001±1

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 TIPS159
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKE YOURVEHICLE LAST LONGER
Getting more kilometer/mileage from a liter/gallon of fuel is easy ± just ta\
ke
it easy. It will help make your vehicle last longer, too. Here are some specific
tips on how to save money on both fuel and repairs:
Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. Check the pressure
every two weeks, or at least once a month. Underinflation causes tire wear
and wastes fuel.
 Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess weight puts a
heavier load on the engine, causing greater fuel consumption.
 Avoid lengthy warm±up idling. Once the engine is running smoothly,
begin driving ± but gently. Remember, however, that on cold winter days
this may take a little longer.
 Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts.
 Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait and you are not in traf fic,
it is better to turn off the engine and start again later. 
Avoid engine overrevving. Use a gear position suitable for the road on
which you are traveling.
 Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing down. Stop±and±go driving
wastes fuel.
 Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking. Maintain a steady pace. Try
to time the traffic signals so you only need to stop as little as possible or
take advantage of through streets to avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper
distance from other vehicles to avoid sudden braking. This will also reduce
wear on your brakes.
 Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever possible.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. This causes needless wear,
overheating and poor fuel economy.
 Maintain a moderate speed on highways. The faster you drive, the
greater the fuel consumption. By reducing your speed, you will cut down
on fuel consumption.
 Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid hitting the curb and
slow down on rough roads. Improper alignment not only causes faster tire
wear but also puts an extra load on the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.\
 Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud, etc. This not only
lessens weight but also helps prevent corrosion.

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 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.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
166
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, if you
experience a loss of power, or if you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise,
the engine has probably overheated.
When the engine overheats
Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your emergency flashers.
Put the transmission in ºPº and apply the parking brake.
A: If steam is coming from your engine:
Turn off the engine. Leave the hood closed until there is no sign of steam or
coolant. Your engine could have been seriously damaged already. Call your
Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until there
is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is sign of very high
pressure.
B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning. Check the
following.
Is the cooling fan operating?
 Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
 Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing away
from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
 Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the engine
and radiator are hot. Serious injury could result from
scalding hot fluid and steam blown out under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the acceptabl\
e range,
turn off the engine and call your Lexus dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant temperature has cooled
to normal, continue driving your vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your vehicle
overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible by your Lexus dealer.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY177
IF YOU CANNOT SHIFT AUTOMATICTRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER
40E032
If you cannot shift the selector lever out of ºPº position to other \
positions
even though the brake pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override
button as follows:
1 Turn the ignition key to ºLOCKº. Make sure the parking brake is
applied.
2Pry up the cover with a flat±bladed screwdriver or equivalent.
40E023
3Push down the shift lock override button. You can shift out of ºPº position only while pushing the button.
4
Shift into ºNº position.
Insert the cover. Start the engine. For your safety, keep the brake pedal
depressed.
Be sure to have the system checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possi\
ble.

MAINTENANCE181
Your copy of the repair order is proof that all required maintenance has bee\
n
performed
for warranty coverage. And if any problems should arise with your
vehicle while under warranty, your Lexus dealer will promptly take care of it.
Again, be sure to keep a copy of the repair order for any service perfor\
med on
your Lexus.
What about do±it±yourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself, if you have a little
mechanical ability and a few basic automotive tools. Simple instructions for
how to perform them are presented in Section 6.
If you are a skilled do±it±yourself mechanic, the Lexus service manuals are
recommended. Please be aware that do±it±yourself maintenance can affect
your warranty coverage. See your Owner's Guide, Owner's Manual
Supplement or Warranty Booklet for the details.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed at
the intervals specified. It is recommended that any problem you notice be
brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service shop for their
advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only where adequate ventilation can be
obtained if you run the engine.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Tire pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks, or at least once a month and
adjust as shown on the tire pressure label. See page 207 for additional
information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive wear. See page 208
for additional information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for looseness. Tighten\
them if necessary.

MAINTENANCE
182
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires every 12000 km (7500 miles). See page 208 for additional
information.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid after the vehicl\
e
has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes or notice any leak, h\
ave
the cause found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check
that all doors, including trunk lid, operate smoothly and all latches lo\
ck
securely. Make sure the engine hood secondary latch secures the hood when
the primary latch is released.
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while performing
periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlight, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and o\
ther
lights are working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning buzzers function
properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified freeplay. Be alert for changes in steering
condition, such as hard steering, excessive freeplay or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc.
operate smoothly. Check that the head restraints move up and down smoothly
and that the locks hold securely in any latched position.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors and anchors operat\
e
properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn
or damaged.

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.