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

INTRODUCTION
ii
New vehicle warranty
Your new vehicle is covered by the following Lexus limited
warranties:
New vehicle warranty
 Emission control systems warranty
 Others
For further information, please refer to the “Owner’s Guide”,
“Owner’s Manual Supplement” or “Warranty Booklet”.
Your responsibility for maintenance
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure the specified
maintenance is performed. Section 5 of this Owner’s Manual
gives details of these maintenance requirements. Included in
Section 6 is general maintenance. For scheduled
maintenance information, please refer to the “Owner’s Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance”.
Accessories, spare parts and modification of
your Lexus
A wide variety of non −genuine spare parts and accessories for
Lexus vehicles are currently available in the market. You
should know that Toyota does not warrant these products and
is not responsible for their performance, repair, or
replacement, or for any damage they may cause to, or adverse
effect they may have on, your Lexus vehicle. This vehicle should not be modified with non
−genuine Lexus
products. Modification with non −genuine Lexus products
could af fect its performance, safety or durability, and may even
violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or
performance problems resulting from the modification may not
be covered under warranty.
Spark ignition system of your Lexus
The spark ignition system in your Lexus meets all
requirements of the Canadian Interference− Causing
Equipment Standard.
Installation of a mobile twoway radio system
As the installation of a mobile two −way radio system in your
vehicle could affect electronic systems such as the multiport
fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel injection system,
cruise control system, anti −lock brake system, SRS airbag
system and seat belt pretensioner system, be sure to check
with your Lexus dealer for precautionary measures or special
instructions regarding installation.
Scrapping of your Lexus
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your
Lexus contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped
with the airbags and seat belt pretensioners left as they are,
this may cause an accident such as fire. Be sure to have the
systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner removed
and disposed of by a qualified service shop or by your Lexus
dealer before you scrap your vehicle.

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viPage
1
Door lock switch and power window
switches 24, 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Driving position memory switches 152
. . . . . . . . . . .
3 Power rear view mirror control switches 102 . . . . . .
4 Side vents 170
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Instrument panel light control dial 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Headlight, turn signal and
fog light switches 28, 30, 33, 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Multiinformation display control switches 59 . . . .
8 Ignition switch 225
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Wiper and washer switches 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Seat heater switches 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Emergency flasher switch 43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Clock 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . .
13 Car audio 174, 196
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Front passenger’s seat belt reminder light 53 . . . . .
15 Security indicator light 14, 156
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
16 Glove box
70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Automatic air conditioning controls 160
. . . . . . . . . .
18 Rear window and outside rear view mirror
defogger switch 39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Ashtray 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
20 Automatic transmission selector lever 227 . . . . . . . .
21 Rear electric sunshade switch 79
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Electronic modulated suspension
control switch 237 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Traction control system off switch 238
. . . . . . . . . . .
24 Cruise control switch 234
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Power adjustable pedals switch 100
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Parking brake pedal 226
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Auxiliary box 76
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Hood lock release lever 84
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 Trunk lid opener 85
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30 Fuel filler door opener 87
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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.

Finish
SECTION 1 – 3
47
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder
indicators
Fuel gauge48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Odometer and trip meter 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi−information display 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel light control 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Finish
GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
59
MULTIINFORMATION DISPLAY
13E068
The following information is displayed in the instrument
cluster when you push the “MODE” button with the
ignition switch turned on.
Each time you push the “MODE” button, the display
toggles through this information.
(1) Instantaneous fuel consumption
(2) Average fuel consumption
(3) Driving range
(4) Average vehicle speed
(5) Driving time
The displayed values in the multi−information display indicate
general driving conditions. Accuracy varies with driving habits
and road conditions.
When the ignition switch is on, the last previously used mode
displayed just before the ignition switch is off will appear.
If the electrical power source has been disconnected from the
multi−information display, the display will automatically be set
to the initial mode.
When the instrument panel lights are turned on, the brightness
of the display will be reduced.
CAUTION
Do not adjust the display while the vehicle is moving.
Be sure to adjust the display only when the vehicle is
stopped.

AUDIO
191
FM
Fading and drifting stations
− Generally, the ef fective range
of FM is about 40 km (25 miles). Once outside this range, you
may notice fading and drifting, which increase with the
distance from the radio transmitter. They are often
accompanied by distortion.
Multipath − FM signals are reflective, making it possible for
two signals to reach your antenna at the same time. If this
happens, the signals will cancel each other out, causing a
momentary flutter or loss of reception.
Static and fluttering − These occur when signals are blocked
by buildings, trees, or other large objects. Increasing the bass
level may reduce static and fluttering.
Station swapping − If the FM signal you are listening to is
interrupted or weakened, and there is another strong station
nearby on the FM band, your radio may tune in the second
station until the original signal can be picked up again. AM
Fading
− AM broadcasts are reflected by the upper
atmosphere − especially at night. These reflected signals can
interfere with those received directly from the radio station,
causing the radio station to sound alternately strong and weak.
Station interference − When a reflected signal and a signal
received directly from a radio station are very nearly the same
frequency, they can interfere with each other, making it dif ficult
to hear the broadcast.
Static − AM is easily affected by external sources of electrical
noise, such as high tension power lines, lightening, or electrical
motors. This results in static.
Caring for your cassette player and tapes
For the best performance for your cassette player and tapes:
Clean the tape head and other parts regularly.
 A dirty tape head or tape path can decrease sound quality
and tangle your cassette tapes. The easiest way to clean
them is by using a cleaning tape. (A wet type is
recommended.)

AUDIO
215
FM
Fading and drifting stations
− Generally, the ef fective range
of FM is about 40 km (25 miles). Once outside this range, you
may notice fading and drifting, which increase with the
distance from the radio transmitter. They are often
accompanied by distortion.
Multipath − FM signals are reflective, making it possible for
two signals to reach your antenna at the same time. If this
happens, the signals will cancel each other out, causing a
momentary flutter or loss of reception.
Static and fluttering − These occur when signals are blocked
by buildings, trees, or other large objects. Increasing the bass
level may reduce static and fluttering.
Station swapping − If the FM signal you are listening to is
interrupted or weakened, and there is another strong station
nearby on the FM band, your radio may tune in the second
station until the original signal can be picked up again. AM
Fading
− AM broadcasts are reflected by the upper
atmosphere − especially at night. These reflected signals can
interfere with those received directly from the radio station,
causing the radio station to sound alternately strong and weak.
Station interference − When a reflected signal and a signal
received directly from a radio station are very nearly the same
frequency, they can interfere with each other, making it dif ficult
to hear the broadcast.
Static − AM is easily affected by external sources of electrical
noise, such as high tension power lines, lightening, or electrical
motors. This results in static.
Caring for your cassette player and tapes
For the best performance for your cassette player and tapes:
Clean the tape head and other parts regularly.
 A dirty tape head or tape path can decrease sound quality
and tangle your cassette tapes. The easiest way to clean
them is by using a cleaning tape. (A wet type is
recommended.)

STARTING AND DRIVING
226
PARKING BRAKE
To set: Hold the regular brake pedal down with your right
foot. Push down the parking brake pedal with your left
foot.
To release: Hold the regular brake pedal down with your
right foot and push the parking brake pedal with your left
foot. When you lift your left foot, the parking brake pedal
will follow it to the released position.
Before leaving your vehicle, firmly apply the parking brake.
CAUTION
Before driving, make sure the parking brake is fully
released and that the parking brake reminder light is off.
HOW TO START THE ENGINE
Before cranking
1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Put the selector lever in “P”. If you need to restart the engine
while the vehicle is moving, put the selector lever in “N”. A
starter safety device will prevent the starter from operating if
the selector lever is in any drive position.
4. Depress the brake pedal and hold it to the floor until driving
off.
Starting the engine
Before starting the engine, be sure to follow the instructions in
“Before cranking”.
Normal starting procedure
The multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system in your engine automatically controls the
proper air −fuel mixture for starting. You can start a cold or hot
engine as follows:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, crank the engine by
turning the key to “START”. Release it when the engine starts.
2. After the engine runs for about 10 seconds, you are ready
to drive.