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

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
65
(h) ªABSº Warning Light
The light comes on with the ignition key turned to ªONº.
If the anti±lock brake system and the brake assist
system work properly, the light goes out after a few
seconds. Thereafter, if either of the systems
malfunctions, the light comes on.
When the ªABSº warning light is on (and the brake
system warning light is off), the anti±lock brake system,
the brake assist system, the traction control system
and/or the vehicle skid control system do/does not
operate, but the brake system still operates
conventionally.
When the ªABSº warning light is on (and the brake
system warning light is off), the anti±lock brake system
does not operate so that the wheels could lock up during
a sudden braking or braking on slippery road surfaces.
If the following conditions occur, 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 with the ignition key
turned to ªONº, or remains on.
 The light comes on while driving.
If the light lit during driving goes out and does not come
on again, it is a normal operation.
(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 first 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 lights are burned out.
Have defective bulbs replaced as soon as possible.
(k) Vehicle Skid Control System Warning Lights (Vehicles with Vehicle Skid
Control System only)
These lights warn that there is a problem somewhere in
the vehicle skid control system, traction control system
and brake assist system.
The lights will come on when the ignition key is turned to
ªONº, and will go off after a few seconds.
If the ªVSCº warning light and ªVSC OFFº indicator light
come on, the vehicle skid control system, traction control
system and brake assist system do not work. However,
as conventional braking operates when applied, there is
no problem to continue your driving.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
66If 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 ªVSCº warning light and/or ªVSC OFFº indicator
light do/does not come on after the ignition is turned
to on.
 The ªVSCº warning light and ªVSC OFFº indicator
light are left on after the ignition is turned to on.
 The ªVSCº warning light and ªVSC OFFº indicator
light comes on while driving without pushing ªVSC
OFFº switch.
(l) ªTRAC OFFº Indicator/Warning Light
(Vehicles with Traction Control
System only)
This light warns that when there is a problem
somewhere in the traction control system.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to
ªONº, and will go off after a few seconds.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates
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 after the ignition is turned to
on. 
The light is left on after the ignition is turned to on.
 The light comes on while driving without pushing
ªTRAC OFFº switch.
 The light flashes.

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

STARTING AND DRIVING
299
Cruise control failure warning
If the ªCRUISEº indicator light in the instrument cluster
flashes five times and then goes out when using the
cruise control, it means that there is trouble in the cruise
control system. Contact your Lexus dealer.
ELECTRONIC MODULATED SUSPENSION
This electronic modulated suspension adjusts the
damping effect on the shock absorbers with the
control switch. Select one of the 4 modes which is
suited to the driving conditions with the control
switch to provide good riding comfort and stability.
31E044a
1For sporty type driving such as on winding
mountain roads and high speed driving
2For moderate high speed driving
3For ordinary driving such as in the city traffic
4For driving on a bumpy road
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±1

STARTING AND DRIVING
300When 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.
31E067

STARTING AND DRIVING
301
You can turn off the traction control system by
pushing the ªTRAC OFFº switch. The ªTRAC OFFº
indicator/warning light will then come on. Pushing
the ªTRAC OFFº switch a second time turns the
system back on and extinguishes the ªTRAC OFFº
indicator/warning light.
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 traction control
system is in the self
±check mode, and does not indicate
malfunction.
When the traction control system is operating, you may
feel vibration or noise of your vehicle, caused by
operation of the brakes. This indicates the system 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
The ªTRAC OFFº indicator/warning light warns that
when there is a problem somewhere in the traction
control system.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to
ªONº, and will go off after a few seconds.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates
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 after the ignition is turned to
on.
 The light is left on after the ignition is turned to on.
 The light comes on while driving without pushing
ªTRAC OFFº switch.
 The light flashes.
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
302
VEHICLE SKID CONTROLSYSTEM
The vehicle skid control system helps provide
comprehensive control of the systems such as an
anti±lock brake system, brake assist system,
traction control, engine control, etc. This system
automatically controls the output of the brakes or
engine to help prevent the vehicle from skidding
when cornering on a slippery road surface or abrupt
steering wheel operation occurs.
31E013±1

Slip indicator light
If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the slip
indicator light flashes and an alarm sounds
intermittently.
The vehicle skid control activates when the vehicle
speed is about more than 15 km/h (9 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 vehicle skid
control is in the self±check mode and does not indicate
a malfunction.