Engine Lexus ES300 2003 Owner's Manuals (in English)

FOREWORD
i
Congratulations on your selection of this Lexus. In Lexus vehicles we h\
ave invested all our engineering and design resources; all
the know−
how we have gained in over 60 years of making automobiles; the highest m\
otivation of our most talented employees; and
our tradition of incessant striving toward ever greater quality.
This Owner’s Manual explains the features of your new Lexus. Please read it and fol\
low the instructions carefully so that you can
enjoy many years of safe motoring.
When it comes to service, remember that your Lexus dealer knows your vehicle bes\
t and is interested in your complete satisfaction.
Your Lexus dealer will provide quality maintenance and any other assistan\
ce you may require.
If there is not a Lexus dealer near you, or you need emergency assistanc\
e for any reason, please call the following number:
U.S. OWNERS
 When traveling in the U.S. mainland or Canada:
Lexus Roadside Assistance 180025LEXUS (TollFree)
(18002553987)
 HAWAII:
Lexus Customer Service Assistance 180025LEXUS (TollFree)
(18002553987)
CANADIAN OWNERS
 When traveling in Canada or the U.S. mainland:
Lexus Roadside Assistance/Customer Service 180026LEXUS (TollFree)
(18002653987)
Please leave this Owner’s Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next owner will nee\
d this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time o\
f printing. However, because of the Lexus policy
of continual product improvement, we reserve the right to make changes a\
t any time without notice.
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment, \
including options. Therefore, you may find
some explanations for equipment not installed on your vehicle.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
iii
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 equipment
5. 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 occu rs, 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
SPECIFICATIONS
Simple maintenance procedure and service data are provided
here for your reference should you wish to perform inspection
and maintenance yourself.

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viiiPage
1
Tachometer 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Traction control system off indicator light 238 . . . .
3 Vehicle skid control system/traction control
system warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Headlight indicator light 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Headlight high beam indicator light 33
. . . . . . . . . . .
6 Turn signal indicator light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Fog light indicator light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Cruise control indicator light 234
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Slip indicator light 238, 240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low fuel level warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Automatic transmission indicator lights 227 . . . . . .
13 Engine coolant temperature gauge 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Odometer and trip meter
50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Trip meter reset knob 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Fuel gauge 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Low washer fluid warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Low engine oil level warning light 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Multiinformation display 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Rear light failure warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low engine oil pressure warning light 54
. . . . . . . . .
22 Brake system warning light 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Antilock brake system warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . .
24 Driver’s seat belt reminder light 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Discharge warning light 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 SRS warning light 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Open door warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Malfunction indicator lamp 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xPage
1
Tachometer 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Traction control system off indicator light 238 . . . .
3 Vehicle skid control system/traction control
system warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Tail light indicator light 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Headlight high beam indicator light 33
. . . . . . . . . . .
6 Turn signal indicator light 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Fog light indicator light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Cruise control indicator light 234
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Slip indicator light 238, 240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low fuel level warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Automatic transmission indicator lights 227 . . . . . .
13 Engine coolant temperature gauge 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Odometer and trip meter
50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Trip meter reset knob 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Fuel gauge 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Low washer fluid warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Low engine oil level warning light 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Multiinformation display 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Rear light failure warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low engine oil pressure warning light 54
. . . . . . . . .
22 Brake system warning light 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Antilock brake system warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . .
24 Driver’s seat belt reminder light 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Discharge warning light 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 SRS warning light 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Open door warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Malfunction indicator lamp 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAS STATION INFORMATION
Fuel selection:
Select unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 87
(Research Octane Number 91) or higher. For improved
vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded
gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91 (Research Octane
Number 96) or higher is recommended.
 Fuel tank capacity:
70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 lmp. gal.)
 Engine oil:
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
Oil grade: API grade SL “Energy −Conserving” or ILSAC
multigrade engine oil
Recommended oil viscosity: SAE 5W −30
Oil capacity: L (qt., lmp. qt.)
Drain and refill With filter 4.7 (5.0, 4.1)
Without filter 4.5 (4.8, 4.0)
See page 312 for detailed information. 
Engine coolant:
Capacity: 9.2 L (9.7 qt., 8.2 lmp. qt.)
Coolant type − “Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” or
equivalent
With ethylene −glycol type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of aluminum components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
For checking the engine coolant, see page 315 .
 Automatic transaxle:
Fluid type − Toyota Genuine ATF Type T −IV
See page 319 for detailed information.
 Tire information:
See pages 324 through 331 for detailed information.
 Tire pressure:
Tire size: P215/60R16 94V
Tire pressure:
Front 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 29 psi)
Rear 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm2 or bar, 29 psi)
For sustained high speeds above 160 km/h (99 mph), in
countries where such speeds are permitted by law, add 40
kPa (0.4 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 6 psi) to the front tires and rear tires,
but never exceed the maximum cold tire pressure molded
on the tire sidewall.

BE056
BE057
Shift while pressing the brake pedal. (Ignition
switch must be in the “ON” position.)
NOTE: When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift from \
“D” to “4”, engine braking will not be enabled
because the cruise control is not cancelled. For the operation to decre\
ase the vehicle speed, see page 236.
OPERATION OF SELECTOR LEVER
SELECTOR LEVER POSITION
P: Parking, engine starting and key removal
position
R: Reverse position
N: Neutral position
D: Normal driving position (shifting into
overdrive possible)
4: Position for engine braking (shifting into
overdrive not possible)
3, 2: Position for more powerful engine braking
L: Position for maximum engine braking
QUICK REFERENCE
4
4. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Automatic light control
Parking, tail, license plate,
side marker and instrument
panel lights turn on.
Headlights turn on at full
intensity.
Daytime running light
system off
Parking, tail, license plate,
side marker and instrument
panel lights turn on.
Headlights also turn on.
BE004
BE004
Parking, tail, license plate,
side marker and instrument
panel lights turn on.
Headlights turn on at full
intensity.
Automatic light control
Parking, tail, license plate,
side marker and instrument
panel lights turn on.
Headlights also turn on.
Automatic light control
QUICK REFERENCE
5
5. HEADLIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL SWITCH
HEADLIGHT SWITCH (U.S.A.)
With the ignition OFF
With the engine started and parking brake
released
 HEADLIGHT SWITCH (Canada)
With the ignition OFF
With the engine started and parking brake
released

SECTION 1 – 1
9
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Keys and doors
Keys10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine immobiliser system 14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wireless remote control 15
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doors 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

KEYS AND DOORS
10
KEYS
1Master keys (black) These keys work in every lock.
For your Lexus dealer to make you a new key with
builtin transponder chip, your dealer will need it.
2Sub key (gray) This key will not open the glove box
and rear armrest door in the rear seat.
3Key number plate Keep the plate in a safe place
such as your wallet, not in the vehicle.
A transponder chip for engine immobiliser system has been
placed in the head of the master and sub keys. These chips
are needed to enable the system to function correctly, so be
careful not to lose these keys. If you make your own duplicate
key, you will not be able to cancel the system or start the
engine. To protect items locked in the trunk or glove box when using
valet parking, leave the sub key with the attendant.
The trunk lid can be opened using a loop of wire in the trunk
even with the trunk lid opener main switch in the glove box
turned off. When keeping items in
the trunk, be sure to turn off
the trunk lid opener main switch and lock the glove box and
rear armrest door. To turn off the main switch in the glove box,
see page 85. For locking the glove box, see page 70. For
locking the rear armrest door, see page 99.
Since the doors can be locked without a key, you should
always carry the flat key or spare master key in case you
accidentally lock your keys inside the vehicle.
If you should lose your keys or if you need additional keys,
duplicates can be made by a Lexus dealer using the key
number.
We recommend writing down the key number and storing it in
a safe place.

KEYS AND DOORS
11
Flat key
As a transponder chip is built in its key case, you can start
the engine with this key.
The flat key works in every lock.
A transponder chip for engine immobiliser system has been
placed in the key case of the flat key. This chip is needed to
enable the system to function correctly, so be careful not to
lose this key. If you make your own duplicate key, you will not
be able to cancel the system or start the engine.
Insert your key plate in its key case as shown. We recommend
that you always carry this with you for emergency use. Do not
leave it in your vehicle.
Starting the engine using a flat key
1. Remove the key plate from the key case.
2. Insert the key plate into the ignition switch. The indicator
light keeps flashing.
3. Bring the key case closer to the ignition switch within 10
seconds as indicated by the arrow head. The indicator light
goes out. This means the engine immobiliser system is
automatically canceled. (For details, see “Engine immobiliser
system” on page 14.) You can put the key case away then. You
cannot cancel the engine immobiliser system if 10 seconds
have past after you inserted the key plate. You need to remove
the key plate from the ignition switch and try it again from the
step 2.
4. Start the engine within 20 seconds after the security
indicator light goes out. You cannot start the engine if 20
seconds have past after the security indicator went off. You
need to remove the key plate from the ignition switch and try
it again from the step 2.