automatic transmission Lexus ES300 2000 Owner's Manuals (in English)

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viii
Page
1 Door lock switch and power windowswitches 28, 42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Power rear view mirror control switch 128 . . .
3 Instrument panel light control 69
. . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Headlight, turn signal and fog light switch 31
5 Wiper and washer switch 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Emergency flasher switch 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Clock 81
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Car audio 235
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Automatic air conditioning controls 212 . . . . .
10 Glove box/CD automatic changer 85/254. . . . Page
11 Automatic transmission selector lever 282
. . .
12 Ashtray 81
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Electronic modulated suspension
control switch 299 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Seat heater switches 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Vehicle skid control system off switch
or Traction control system off switch 299, 303
16 Cruise control switch 295
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Trunk lid opener 104
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Fuel filler door opener 105
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Parking brake 280
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Hood lock release lever 101
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
x
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 56. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 282 .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ODO/TRIP knob 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Low fuel level warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low washer fluid warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . .
12 SRS warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 65 . . . . . Page
14 Vehicle skid control system off
indicator light 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Low engine oil level warning light 64 . . . . . . . .
17 Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 35 . . . . . .
19 Headlight indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Slip indicator light 299, 302
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low oil pressure warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Seat belt reminder light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . .
26 Cruise control indicator light 295
. . . . . . . . . . .
27 Vehicle skid control system warning light 65 .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xii
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 56. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 282 .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ODO/TRIP knob 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Low fuel level warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low washer fluid warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . .
12 SRS warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 65 . . . . . Page
14 Vehicle skid control system off
indicator light 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Low engine oil level warning light 64 . . . . . . . .
17 Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 35 . . . . . .
19 Tail light indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Slip indicator light 299, 302
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low oil pressure warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Seat belt reminder light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . .
26 Cruise control indicator light 295
. . . . . . . . . . .
27 Vehicle skid control system warning light 65 .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xiv
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 56. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 282 .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ODO/TRIP knob 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Low fuel level warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low washer fluid warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . .
12 SRS warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 65 . . . . . Page
14 Traction control system off
indicator/warning light 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Low engine oil level warning light 64 . . . . . . . .
17 Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 35 . . . . . .
19 Headlight indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Slip indicator light 299, 302
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low oil pressure warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Seat belt reminder light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . .
26 Cruise control indicator light 295
. . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xvi
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 56. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 282 .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ODO/TRIP knob 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Low fuel level warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low washer fluid warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . .
12 SRS warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 65 . . . . . Page
14 Traction control system off
indicator/warning light 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Low engine oil level warning light 64 . . . . . . . .
17 Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 35 . . . . . .
19 Tail light indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Slip indicator light 299, 302
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low oil pressure warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Seat belt reminder light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . .
26 Cruise control indicator light 295
. . . . . . . . . . .

BASIC OPERATION
1
QUICK REFERENCE
Driver's seat2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel 2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight and turn signal switch 4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper switch 5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BE028
Note: When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift the transmi\
ssion by turning off the overdrive switch, engine
braking will not be applied because the cruise control is not cancelled. For th\
e operation to decrease the vehicle speed, see page
298.
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 ª2º position
With the brake pedal depressed,
shift while holding the lock release
button in. (The ignition switch must
be in ªONº position.)
Shift while holding the lock release
button in.
Shift normally.
Overdrive switch
For selecting either a three±speed or
four±speed transmission
Lock release button (To prevent misshifting)
ªO/D OFFº indicator
light on the instrument
cluster
BASIC OPERATION ± QUICK REFERENCE
3
3. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
64
(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 come on briefly after a hard stop. There
is no cause for concern if it then goes 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 ªChecking
the engine oil levelº on page 402.)
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 oilwill damage the engine.
(g) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See ªFuel gaugeº
on page 54 for instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely. (See
ªFuel tank capº on page 105 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 ªc.º, have your
vehicle checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon
as possible.

SECTION 3 ± 1
271
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converter271
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 274
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 276
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 277
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 280
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 281
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 282
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 295
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic modulated suspension 299
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system 299
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle skid control system 302
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 306
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 313
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 313
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THREE±WAY CATALYTIC
CONVERTER

With the brake pedal depressed, shift
while holding the lock release button
in. (The ignition switch must be in the
ªONº position.)
Shift while holding the lock release
button in.
Shift normally.
STARTING AND DRIVING
282
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Your automatic transmission has a shift lock system
to minimize the possibility of incorrect operation.
This means you can only shift out of ªPº position
when the b rake pedal is depressed (with the ignition
switch in ªONº position and the lock release button
depressed). ( )
31E005a
1
Lock release button