traction control 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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
34
When the ºABSº warning light is on (and the brake system warning light is
off), the brake system operates conventionally but anti±lock brake system i\
s
not assisting brake performance so that the wheels could lock up during a
sudden brake or braking on slippery road surfaces.
(i) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the doors are completely closed.
(j) Rear Light Failure Warning Light
If this light comes on when the headlight switch is turned on (at the f\
irst or
second
clickstop), it indicates that one or more of the tail lights are burned\
out.
If it comes on when the brake pedal is depressed, one or more stop light\
s are
burned out.
Have defective bulbs replaced as soon as possible.
(k) ºTRAC OFFº Indicator/Warning Light
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to ºONº, and will \
go off
after 3 seconds. This means that the system is operating properly.
If the light flashes, this indicates a malfunction in the traction control\
system.
Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible to service the vehicle.
(l) Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
This light comes on when the fluid level in the tank becomes nearly empt\
y.
Fill the tank as soon as possible.
(m) Low Fuel Level Warning Light
This light comes on when the fuel level in the tank becomes nearly empty. Fill
the tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the tank, the low fu\
el
level warning light may come on earlier than usual.
(n) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer reminds you to remove the key when you open the driver's door
with the ignition key in the ºACCº or ºLOCKº position.

SECTION 3 ± 1
131
STARTING AND DRIVING
Three±way catalytic converter Warm up three±way catalytic converter132
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 133
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 134
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 134
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . .
Parking brake 135
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 136
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 137
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 144
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic modulated suspension 146
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . .
Traction control system 147
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 148
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 150
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 150
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STARTING AND DRIVING147
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically helps control the spinning of
the front wheels which may occur when accelerating on slippery road
surfaces, thus assisting driver to control the driving power of the front
wheels.
31E013
When you turn the ignition switch on, this system always turns on. Leave
the system on during ordinary driving so that it can operate when needed.
When traction control is applied, the slip indicator light blinks.
31E014±1
You can turn off the traction control system by pushing the ºTRAC OFFº
switch. The ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning light will then come on. Pushing
the ºTRAC OFFº switch a second time turns the system back on
and extinguishes the ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning light.
When the traction control system is operating, you may feel vibration or nois\
e
of your vehicle, caused by operation of the brakes. This indicates the sy\
stem
is functioning properly.
When getting the vehicle out of mud or new snow, etc. the traction control
system will help operate to prevent the wheels from spinning.
Traction control failure warning
If the ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning light flashes, contact your Lexus dealer
as soon as possible. There may be trouble in the traction control syste\
m.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of the
vehicle and power to the front wheels cannot be maintained,
even though the traction control system is in operation. Do not
drive the vehicle under any speed or maneuvering conditions
which will cause the vehicle to lose traction. In situations
where the road surface is covered with ice or snow, your
vehicle should be fitted with snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious pace.

STARTING AND DRIVING
150
BRAKE PAD WEAR LIMIT INDICATORS
31E016
The brake pad wear limit indicators on your disc brakes give a warning
noise when the brake pads are worn to the extent that replacement is
required.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise while driving, have the brake \
pads
checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible. Expensive
rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
TYPES OF TIRES
Determine what kind of tires your vehicle is originally equipped with.
1. Summer tires
Summer tires are high±speed capability tires best suited to highway driving\
under dry conditions.
Since summer tires do not have the same traction performance as snow tires,
summer tires are inadequate for driving on snow±covered or icy roads. For
driving on snow±covered or icy roads, we recommend using snow tires. If
installing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires.
2. All season tires
All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and to \
be
adequate for driving in most winter conditions, as well as for use all year
round.
All season tires, however, do not have adequate traction performance
compared with snow tires in heavy or loose snow. Also, all season tires fall
short in acceleration and handling performance compared with summer tires
in highway driving.
CAUTION
Do not mix summer and all season tires on your vehicle as
this can cause dangerous handling characteristics,
resulting in loss of control.
 Do not use tires other than the manufacturer's designated
tires, and never mix tires or wheels of the sizes different
from the originals.

CHASSIS209
If you have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to expose
the fabric, or bulges indicating internal damage, the tire should be
replaced.
If a tire often goes flat or cannot be properly repaired due to the size o\
r location
of a cut or other damage, it should be replaced. If you are not sure, c\
onsult
with your Lexus dealer.
If an air loss occurs while driving, do not continue driving with a deflat\
ed tire.
Driving even a short distance can damage a tire beyond repair.
Any tires which are over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified
technician even if damage is not obvious.
Tires deteriorate with age even if they have never or seldom been used.
This also applies to the spare tire and tires stored for future use.
Uniform tire quality grading
This information has been prepared in accordance with regulations
issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the U.S.
Department of Transportation. It provides the purchasers and/or
prospective purchasers of Lexus vehicles with information on uniform
tire quality grading.
Your Lexus dealer will help answer any questions you may have as you
read this information.
DOT quality grades ± All passenger vehicle tires must conform to Federal
Safety Requirements in addition to these grades. These quality grades
are molded on the sidewall.
Treadwear
± The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear
rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1 ± 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire g\
raded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of the\
ir
use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and
climate.
Traction A, B, C ± The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B and
C, and they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.

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.