service indicator Lexus ES300 1999 Owner's Manuals (in English)

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
iv
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
The contents of this manual are explained briefly on
this page to help you make the best use of the
manual. Please read this page and the rest of the
Owner's Manual carefully to make sure you fully
understand the operation of your vehicle.
This will help you enjoy safe and comfortable
driving.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The table of contents and the pictorial index provide
easy reference to the appropriate pages.
BASIC OPERATION ± QUICK REFERENCE
Operation of basic equipment is briefly explained in an
easily understandable way for quick reference.
SECTION 1 ± INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
The vehicle's equipment is divided into the 7 groups
listed below. Use of the equipment is explained,
including any points you should pay particular attention
to.
1. Keys and doors
2. Switches
3. Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators
4. Interior equipment5. Exterior equipment
6. Comfort adjustment
7. Theft deterrent
SECTION 2 ± AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
The features of the vehicle's air conditioning and audio
are explained in detail. Be sure to read this section so
that you can make full use of them.
SECTION 3 ± STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting the engine, driving, stopping, operation of
features affecting vehicle handling, hints on vehicle
safety and safe driving techniques are all explained.
Please read everything in this section, and remember ±
drive safely!
SECTION 4 ± IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
This
section explains what to do in the event of an urgent
situation such as the engine not starting or getting a flat
tire, etc. If such a problem occurs, check the contents
of this Owner's Manual and follow the instructions given.
SECTION 5 ± MAINTENANCE
This section explains the importance of regular
maintenance. Regular and periodic inspection and
maintenance of your Lexus will help to keep your vehicle
in its best condition.
SECTION 6 ± SERVICE PROCEDURES AND

SECTION 1 ± 3
50
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder
indicators
Fuel gauge50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer and trip meter 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 56
. . .
Instrument panel light control 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FUEL GAUGE
13E001

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
51


Low fuel level warning light
The gauge is displayed when the ignition switch is
on and indicates the approximate quantity of fuel
remaining in the tank.
It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4 full.
This fuel gauge has a non±return type needle which
remains at the last indicated position when the ignition
switch is turned off.
If the fuel level approaches ºEº or the low fuel level
warning light comes on, fill the fuel tank as soon as
possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the
tank, the fuel gauge needle may fluctuate or the low fuel
level warning light may come on earlier than usual.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the malfunction
indicator lamp comes on. Fill the fuel tank immediately.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times.
If the indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible.
See the inner back cover for fuel capacity and
recommended fuel selection.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
52
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
13E002±1

Normal range
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature
when the ignition switch is on. The engine operating
temperature will vary with changes in weather and
engine load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your
vehicle and allow the engine to cool.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
53
Your vehicle may overheat during severe operating
conditions, such as:

Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
 Reducing speed or stopping after high speed driving.
 Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in
stop±and±go traffic.
 Towing a trailer.
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in the engine
cooling system as this may cause the engine to
overheat. The thermostat is designed to control the flow of coolant to keep thetemperature of the engine within the specifiedoperating range.
Do not continue driving with an overheatedengine. See ºIf your vehicle overheatsº onpage 319.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
54
TACHOMETER
13E003
The tachometer indicates engine speed in
thousands of rpm (revolutions per minute). Use it
while driving to prevent engine overrevving.
Driving with the engine running too fast causes
excessive engine wear and poor fuel economy.
Remember, in most cases the slower the engine speed,
the greater the fuel economy.
NOTICE
Do not let the indicator needle get into the red
zone. This may cause severe engine damage.
ODOMETER AND TRIP METER

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
55
13E004

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
56

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.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
57
(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. (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) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
(m) Add washer fluid.
or
or
and
w069

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
58(n) Low fuel level Fill up tank.
warning light
(o) 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 pull 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 337.)