traction control Lexus ES300 2002 s (in English) User Guide

STARTING AND DRIVING
237
“VSC” warning light
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in the
vehicle skid control system or the traction control system.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to “ON”
and will go off after a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the system does not work.
However, as conventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driving.
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:
The warning light does not come on after the ignition key is
turned to “ON”.
 The warning light remains on after the ignition key is turned
to “ON”.
 The warning light comes on while driving. The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will come on when the “VSC”
warning light comes on even if the “TRAC OFF” switch is not
pushed.
BRAKE SYSTEM
The tandem master cylinder brake system is a hydraulic
system
with two separate subsystems. If either subsystem
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 powerassist 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 reserved vacuum for one or two stops but no more!
CAUTION
 Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.
Each push on the pedal uses up your reserved
vacuum.

STARTING AND DRIVING
240If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates
a malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the
warning light. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.

The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned
to the “ON” position, or remains on.
 The light comes on while you are driving.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not
indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on together with the
brake system warning light, immediately stop your
vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
In this case, not only the antilock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.
Vehicles with vehicle skid control system—
The light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the “ON”
position. If the antilock brake system and the brake assist
system work properly, the light turns off after a few seconds.
Thereafter, if either of the systems malfunctions, the light
comes on again. When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the antilock brake system, the brake
assist
system, the traction control system and the vehicle skid
control system do not operate, but the brake system still
operates conventionally.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the antilock brake system does not
operate so that the wheels could lock up during a sudden
braking or braking on slippery road surfaces.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates
a malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the
warning light. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.
 The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned
to the “ON” position, or remains on.
 The light comes on while you are driving.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not
indicate a problem.CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on together with the
brake system warning light, immediately stop your
vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
In this case, not only the antilock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.

STARTING AND DRIVING
242
TYPES OF TIRES
Determine what kind of tires your vehicle is originally equipped
with.
1. Summer tires
Summer tires are highspeed capability tires best suited to
highway driving under dry conditions.
Since summer tires do not have the same traction performance
as snow tires, summer tire s are inadequate for driving on
snowcovered or icy roads. For driving on snowcovered 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 use tires other than the manufacturer’s
designated tires, and never mix tires or wheels of the
sizes different from the originals.
 Do not mix summer and all season tires on your
vehicle as this can cause dangerous handling
characteristics, resulting in loss of control.

CHASSIS
317
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 or location of a cut or other damage, it should be
replaced.
If you are not sure, consult with your Lexus dealer.
If an air loss occurs while driving, do not continue driving with
a deflated 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 T raffic 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 car tires must
conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to
these grades. Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example: Treadwear 200
Traction AA Temperature A
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 graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variati ons in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B, C The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, 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
318Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
braking (straight 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 performance 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 for 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 control. If you need to change from conventional tires
to radial tires or vice versa, replace them as a set.

CHASSIS
319
INSTALLING SNOW TIRES ANDCHAINS
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 tires 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.
CAUTION
Snow tires should be inflated to the same pressure as
the original tires.
 Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph) with any type of
snow tires.
Tire chain selection
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary
according to location or type of road. Always check the
local regulations before installing chains.
Use SAE Class “S” type radial tire chains, with the exception
of radial cable chains or Vbar type chains.
Chain installation
Install the chains on the front tires as tightly as possible.
Do not use tire chains on the rear tires. Retighten chains
after driving 0.5 1.0 km (1/4 1/2 mile).
When installing chains on your tires, carefully follow the
instructions of the chain manufacturer.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
326
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
1 ABS NO.47.5
Antilock brake system,
vehicle skid control system,
traction control system, brake
assist system
2 A/F25Multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport
fuel injection system
3 DOOR125
Multiplex communication
system (power door lock
system, autodoor locking
system, wireless remote
control system)
4 TEL5No circuit
5 AM230All components in “IGN” and
“IG2” fuses and starting system
6 EFI20Multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport
fuel injection system
7 ALTS5Charging system
8 HEAD LHUPR10Lefthand headlight (high
beam)
9 ETCS10Multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport
fuel injection system
10 HORN10Horns
11 IGN15Starting system
12 HEAD RH UPR10Righthand headlight (high
beam)
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
13 HAZ15Emergency flashers
14 D.C.C30All components in “ECUB”,
“RAD NO.1” and “DOME” fuses
15 IG210
Multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport
fuel injection system, SRS
airbag system, front seat belt
pretensioners, cruise control
system
16 ST5Starting system
17 ADJ PDL30Power adjustable pedals
18 CDS30Electric cooling fan
19 ABS NO.240
Antilock brake system,
vehicle skid control system,
traction control system, brake
assist system
20 MAIN40
All components in “HEAD LH
LWR”, “HEAD RH LWR”, “HEAD
LH UPR”, “HEAD RH UPR” and
“DRL” fuses
21 ABS NO.340
Antilock brake system,
vehicle skid control system,
traction control system, brake
assist system
22 HTR50Air conditioning system
23 RDI30Electric cooling fan

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
327
24 SPARE5Spare fuse
25 SPARE10Spare fuse
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
26 ABS NO.160
All components in “RDI FAN”,
“ABS NO.2”, “ABS NO.3”,
“CDS”, “HTR (50 A)” and “ADJ
PDL” fuses and antilock brake
system, vehicle skid control
system, traction control
system, brake assist system
27 ALT120
All components in “DEF”, “PWR
NO.1”, “PWR NO.2”, “PWR
NO.3”, “PWR NO.4”, “STOP”,
“DOOR NO.2”, “OBD”, “PWR
SEAT”, “FUEL OPEN”, “FOG”,
“AMP”, “PANEL”, “TAIL”,
“AM1”, “CIG”, “POWER
POINT”, “RAD NO.2”,
“ECUACC”, “GAUGE1”,
“GAUGE2”, “ECUIG”,
“WIPER”, “WASHER”, “HTR
(10 A)”, “SEAT HTR”, and
“SUNSHADE” fuses
28 SPARE15Spare fuse
29 A/C10Air conditioning system
30 DRL5Daytime running light system
31 HEAD RH
LW R15Righthand headlight (low
beam)
32 HEAD LHLW R15Lefthand headlight (low
beam) and front fog lights
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
33 ECUB10
Multiplex communication
system (power door lock
system, security system,
autodoor locking system,
automatic light control system,
headlight delay off system, tail
light auto cut system,
illuminated entry system,
daytime running light system,
wireless remote control
system) air conditioning
system, electronic modulated
suspension, driving position
memory system
34 DOME7.5
Ignition switch light, interior
light, personal lights, foot
lights, door courtesy lights,
trunk light, vanity lights, garage
door opener, clock, outside
temperature gauge,
multiinformation display
35 CIG15Cigarette lighter
36 ECUACC5
Power rear view mirrors, clock,
multiinformation display,
driving position memory
system
37 RAD NO.210Car audio system, navigation
system