stop start Lexus ES300 1998 Owner's Manuals (in English)

KEYS AND DOORS
8
NOTICE
Do not let the key case become bent as the key may fall out or become
bent also.
 The flat key is designed for emergency use only.
11L021-1
NOTICE
When using a key containing a transponder chip, observe the following
precautions:
When starting the engine, do not use the key with a key ring resting on
the key grip and do not press the key ring against the key grip.
Otherwise the engine may not start, or may stop soon after it starts.
11L022-1
When starting the engine, do not use the key in contact with another
transponder key (including keys of other vehicles) and do not press
another key plate against the key grip. Otherwise the engine may not
start, or may stop soon after it starts.

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 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.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT97
CAUTION
Do not start the vehicle while the adjustments are being
made.
 Take care not to select the wrong button, or the seat could
strike the rear passenger or hit your body against the
steering wheel. If this happens, you can stop the movement
by pressing another driving position memory switch, or
depressing the brake pedal.

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 AUDIO
118
20E021±2
To scan all the frequencies: Push the ºSCANº button. ºSCANº appears on
the display. The radio will find the next station up the band, stay there for a
few seconds, and then scan again. To select a station, push the ºSCANº button
a second time.
To scan the preset stations: Push the ºP.SCANº button. ºP.SCANº appears
on the display. The radio will tune in the next preset station up the band, stay
there for a few seconds, and then move to the next preset station. To select a
station, push the ºP.SCANº button a second time.
Cassette tape player operation
(a) Playing a cassette tape
20E022±2
When you insert a cassette tape, the exposed tape should be to the right\
.
The player will automatically start when you insert a cassette tape. At th\
is
time, ºTAPEº appears on the display.
If a metal or chrome equivalent cassette tape is put in the cassette pla\
yer, the
player will automatically adapt to it and ºMETALº appears on the display.
To stop or eject the cassette tape, push the ºEJECTº button.
Auto±reverse feature: After the cassette player reaches the end of a tape, it
automatically reverses and begins to play the other side, regardless of whether
the cassette was playing or fast forwarding.

STARTING AND DRIVING
142
(d) Backing up
31E010

1Brake pedal 2ºRº (Reverse) position
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the selector lever to
the ºRº position.
NOTICE
Never shift into reverse while the vehicle is moving.
(e) Parking
31E011±1

1 Brake pedal 2Parking brake pedal
3ºPº (Park) position
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Depress the parking brake fully to securely apply the parking brake.
3. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the selector lever t\
o
the ºPº position.
CAUTION
While the vehicle is moving, never attempt to move the
selector lever into ºPº under any circumstances. Serious
mechanical damage and loss of vehicle control may result.

STARTING AND DRIVING143
(f) Good driving practice
If the transmission repeatedly upshifts and downshifts between the third\
and overdrive gears when climbing a gentle slope, turn off the overdrive
switch. Be sure to turn the switch on immediately after climbing the slope.
 When towing a trailer, in order to maintain efficient engine braking and
electrical charging performance, do not use overdrive.
CAUTION
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with
the engine running. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
NOTICE
Do not hold the vehicle on an upgrade with the accelerator pedal. This
can cause the transmission to overheat. Always use the brake pedal or
parking brake.
(g) Rocking your vehicle if stuck
CAUTION
If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc., then
you may attempt to rock the vehicle free by moving it forward
and backward. Do not attempt this procedure if people or
objects are anywhere near the vehicle. During the rocking
operation the vehicle may suddenly move forward or back as
it becomes un±stuck, causing injury or damage to nearby
people or objects.
NOTICE
If you rock your vehicle, observe the following precautions to prevent
damage to the transmission and other parts.
Do not depress the accelerator pedal while shifting the selector lever
or before the transmission is completely shifted to forward or reverse
gear.
 Do not race the engine and avoid spinning the wheels.
 If your vehicle remains stuck after rocking the vehicle several times,
consider other ways such as towing.
(h) If you cannot shift the selector lever out of ºPº
position
If you cannot shift the selector lever from ºPº position even though\
the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override button. For instructions, se\
e ºIf
you cannot shift automatic transmission selector leverº on page 177.

STARTING AND DRIVING
148
BRAKE SYSTEM
The tandem master cylinder brake system is a hydraulic system with two
separate sub±systems. If either sub±system should fail, the other will still
work. However, the pedal will be harder to press, and your stopping distance
will be longer. Also, the brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake system.
Have your brakes fixed immediately.
Brake booster
The brake booster uses engine vacuum to power±assist the brakes. If the
engine should quit while you are driving, you can bring the vehicle to a stop
with normal pedal pressure. There is enough reserve vacuum for one or t\
wo
stops but no more!
CAUTION
Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls. Each push
on the pedal uses up your vacuum reserve.
 Even if the power assist is completely lost, the brakes will
still work. But you will have to push the pedal hard ± much
harder than normal. And your braking distance will be
longer.
Anti±lock brake system
The anti±lock brake system is designed to automatically help prevent
lock±up of the wheels during a sudden brake or braking on slippery road
surfaces. This assists in providing directional stability and steering
performance of the vehicle under these circumstances.
The anti±lock brake system becomes operative after the vehicle has
accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately 10 km/h (6 mph). It stops
operating when the vehicle decelerates to a speed below approximately 5
km/h (3 mph).
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few seconds when the
engine is started or just after the vehicle is started. This means that the
anti±lock brake system is in the self±check mode, and does not indicate a
malfunction.
Effective way to press the ABS brake pedal: When the anti±lock brake
system function is in action, you may feel the brake pedal pulsating and hear
a noise. In this situation, to let the anti±lock brake system work f\
or you, just
hold the brake pedal down more firmly. Do not pump the brake. This will
result in reduced braking performance.
The brake pedal pulsation caused by the anti±lock brake system may indic\
ate
hazardous road surface conditions. Although the anti±lock brake system
assists in providing vehicle control, it is still important to drive with all due
care, because the anti±lock brake system cannot overcome the laws of physic\
s
that act on your vehicle:
 Braking capability is dependent on tire friction with the road surface.