brake Lexus ES300 1998 Owner's Manuals (in English)

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
2.
PICTORIAL INDEX
2Page
1
Door lock switch and power window
switches 14, 23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
2 Headlight, turn signal and fog light switch 17
. . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Power rear view mirror control switch 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Instrument panel light control 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Trunk lid opener 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Fuel filler door opener 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Hood lock release lever 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Parking brake 135
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Windshield wiper and washer switch 20
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Cruise control switch 144
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
11 Traction control system off switch
34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Emergency flasher switch 25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Clock 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . .
14 Car audio 111
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
15 Automatic air conditioning controls 103
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Ashtray 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
17 Automatic transmission selector lever 137
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Seat heater switches 25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Electronic modulated suspension
control switch 146 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Glovebox/CD automatic changer 41/122
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
4Page
1
Engine coolant temperature gauge 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
3 Turn signal indicator light 19
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic transmission indicator lights 137
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Overdrive off indicator light 139
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Odometer and trip meter 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 ODO/TRIP knob 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Fuel gauge 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
9 Cruise control indicator light 144
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Rear light failure warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Seat belt reminder light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Brake system warning light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
13 Discharge warning light
32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Low oil pressure warning light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Slip indicator light 147
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Headlight indicator light 17
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Headlight high beam indicator light 18
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Open door warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Low engine oil level warning light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Malfunction indicator lamp 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Traction control system off
indicator/warning light 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Anti±lock brake system warning light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 SRS warning light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Low washer fluid warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Low fuel level warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
6Page
1
Engine coolant temperature gauge 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
3 Turn signal indicator light 19
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic transmission indicator lights 137
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Overdrive off indicator light 139
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Odometer and trip meter 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 ODO/TRIP knob 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Fuel gauge 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
9 Cruise control indicator light 144
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Rear light failure warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Seat belt reminder light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Brake system warning light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
13 Discharge warning light
32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Low oil pressure warning light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Slip indicator light 147
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Tail light indicator light 17
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Headlight high beam indicator light 18
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Open door warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Low engine oil level warning light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Malfunction indicator lamp 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Traction control system off
indicator/warning light 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Anti±lock brake system warning light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 SRS warning light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Low washer fluid warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Low fuel level warning light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BE003±4
Note: When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift the transmissio\
n by turning off the overdrive switch, engine braking will
not be applied because the cruise control is not cancelled. For the operat\
ion to decrease the vehicle speed, see page 146.
Parking, engine starting and key
removal position
Reverse position
Neutral position
Normal driving position
Position for engine braking
Position for stronger engine braking
than that in º2º position
With the brake pedal depressed, shift
while holding the lock release button
in. (The ignition switch must be in
ºONº position.)
Shift while holding the lock release
button
Overdrive switch
ºOFFº position
(Shifting into
overdrive not
possible)
ºO/D OFFº indicator
light on the instrument
cluster
For selecting either a three±speed or
four±speed transmission
ºONº position
(Shifting into
overdrive possible)
Lock release button (To prevent misshifting)
BASIC OPERATION ± QUICK REFERENCE
3
3. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

BE004
BE005
Parking, tail, license plate, side
marker and instrument panel
lights turn on.
Headlights also turn on.
Automatic light control
High beam
Headlight flasher
BE004
BE004
Parking, tail, license plate, side
marker and instrument panel
lights turn on.
Headlights turn of at full
intensity.
Automatic light control
Parking, tail, license plate, side
marker and instrument panel
lights turn on.
Headlights also turn on.
Automatic light control
BASIC OPERATION ± QUICK REFERENCE
4
4. HEADLIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL SWITCH

HEADLIGHT SWITCH (FOR U.S.A.)

HEADLIGHT SWITCH (FOR CANADA)
With the ignition OFF
With the engine started and parking brake released

SWITCHES
18
Daytime Running Light System (Canada only)
The headlights turn on when the parking brake is released with the engine
started,
even with the light switch in the ºOFFº position. They will not g\
o off
until the ignition switch is turned off.
To turn on the other exterior lights and instrument panel lights, twist th\
e knob
to the first clickstop.
Under the daytime running light system, the headlights turn on at reduced
intensity. Twist the knob to the second clickstop to turn to full intensity for
driving at night.
When setting the knob to the third clickstop (ºAUTOº), the headlights will
automatically adjust to full intensity and/or turn on the other lights depending
on the darkness of the surroundings. Likewise, as the surroundings become\
brighter, the headlights will turn to reduced intensity, ultimately turning off
the other lights.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not leave the lights on
longer than necessary when the engine is not running.
HEADLIGHT DIMMER AND TURN SIGNAL SWITCH
12E003±1
For high beam, push the lever forward. Pull it back for low beam. For
the headlight flasher, pull it further back.
A blue light in the instrument cluster indicates high beam or headlight f\
lasher
is on.
The headlight flasher works even when the headlight switch is off.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
30
ODOMETER AND TRIP METER
13E004

ºODO/TRIPº knob
This meter displays the odometer and two trip meters. To change the
mode indication, push the ºODO/TRIPº knob briefly. Each time you
push the knob, the mode changes in order from the odometer to trip meter
A to trip meter B, then back to the odometer, etc.
The odometer records the total distance the vehicle has been driven. The
twin trip meter records two different distances independently.
For example, you can use one meter to calculate the fuel economy and the\
other to measure the distance on each trip.
To set the A trip meter to zero, display the A meter reading, push the knob
and hold it. The same applies for the B trip meter.
The data of trip meters will be cancelled if the electrical power source is\
disconnected.
SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS AND WARNING BUZZERS
IF THIS INDICATOR
OR BUZZER COMES
ON ... DO THIS.
(a)
If parking brake is off, stop and
check.
(b) Fasten seat belts.
(Indicator and buzzer)
(c) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer
immediately.
(d) Stop and check.
(e) Stop and check.
or

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS31
(f) Add engine oil.
(g) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
(h) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
(i) Close all doors.
(j) Replace bulb.
(k) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
(l) Add washer fluid.
(m) Low fuel level Fill up tank.
warning light
(n) Key reminder buzzer Remove key.
(a) Brake System Warning Light
This light has the following two functions:
Parking brake reminder
If this light is on, make sure the parking brake is fully released. The\
light
should go off.
Low brake fluid level warning
If this light comes on and stays on while you are driving, slow down and p\
ull
off the road. Then stop the vehicle carefully. Remember that stopping
distance and pedal effort may be increased. There may be a problem
somewhere in the brake system. Check the fluid level of the see±through
reservoir.
To make sure the parking brake has not caused the warning light to come on\
,
check to see that the parking brake is fully released.
If the brake fluid level is low ...
At a safe place, test your brakes by starting and stopping.
 If you judge that the brakes still work adequately, drive cautiously to your
nearest dealer or shop for repairs.
 If the brakes are not working, have the vehicle towed in for repairs. (\
For
towing information, see page 173.)
CAUTION
It is dangerous to continue driving normally when the brake
fluid level is low.
or

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
32
If the brake fluid level is correct ...
Have the warning system checked by your Lexus dealer.
(b) Seat Belt Reminder Light and Buzzer
Once the ignition key is turned to ºONº or ºSTARTº, the reminder light and
buzzer come on if the driver's seat belt is not fastened. Unless the driver
fastens the belt, the light stays on and the buzzer stops after about 4 to 8
seconds.
(c) SRS Warning Light
The indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned to the ºACCº o\
r
ºONº position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This means the SRS is
operating properly.
The SRS warning light system monitors the airbag sensor assemblies,
inflators, seat belt pretensioners, warning light, interconnecting wiring and
power sources.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a malfunction
somewhere in the parts monitored by the warning light system. Contact your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible to service the vehicle.

The light does not come on as described above.
 The light stays on or flashes.
 The light comes on or starts flashing while driving.
If the light stays on, it indicates that the driver and front passenger air\
bags fail.
If the light flashes, the side airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners fa\
il.
(d) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, stop the vehicle, turn off the engine, and
check for the cause. Look first at the engine drive belt.
 If it is loose or broken, the generator will not charge the battery properly.
 If the belt is O.K., there is a problem somewhere in the charging system.
The engine ignition will continue to operate, however, until the battery is
discharged. Turn off the air conditioning, blower, radio, etc., and drive
directly to the nearest Lexus dealer or repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive belt is broken or loose.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS33
(e) Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil pressure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are driving, pull off the road to a safe place
and stop the engine immediately. Call a Lexus dealer or qualified repair shop
for assistance.
The light may occasionally flicker when the engine is idling or it may c\
ome
on briefly after a hard stop. There is no cause for concern if it then go\
es out
when the engine is accelerated slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level is extremely low. It is not designed
to indicate low oil level, and the oil level must be checked using the oil\
level
dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the warning light on ± even for one block\
.
It may ruin the engine.
(f) Low Engine Oil Level Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil level is too low. Add oil as soon as possible.
(For instructions, see ºChecking the engine oil levelº on page 19\
8.)
While driving on steep inclines or rough roads which causes the vehicle to
substantially sway or on curves, this light may come on due to the movement
of engine oil in the engine.
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oil will damage the engine.
(g) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See ºFuel gaugeº on page 28 for
instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely. (See ºFuel tank capº on page
52 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your engine or automatic transmission
electrical system.
If it comes on while you are driving in case c., have your vehicle
checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
(h) ºABSº Warning Light
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in your anti±lock \
brake
system.
If the light comes on while you are driving, have your vehicle checked by \
your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to ºONº, and w\
ill go
off after about a few seconds.