stop start Lexus ES300 2003 Owner's Manuals (in English)

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
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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.

KEYS AND DOORS
12
NOTICE
Do not let the key case become bent as the key plate
may fall out or become bent also.
 The flat key is designed for emergency use only. So
do not use it regularly instead of other master keys.
When using a key containing a transponder chip,
observe the following precautions:
When starting the engine, do not use the key with a
key ring resting on the key grip and do not press the
key ring against the key grip. Doing so may prevent
the engine from starting, or may cause the engine to
stop soon after it starts.

KEYS AND DOORS
13
When starting the engine, do not use the key in
proximity with other transponder keys (including the
flat key and keys of other vehicles), and do not press
other key plates against the key grip. Doing so may
prevent the engine from starting, or may cause the
engine to stop soon after it starts. If this happens,
remove the key once and then insert it again after
taking off other transponder keys (including the flat
key and keys of other vehicles) from the ring or while
gripping or covering them with your hand to start the
engine. Do not bend the key grip or flat key.
 Do not cover the key grip or flat key with any material
that cuts off electromagnetic waves.
 Do not knock the key or flat key hard against other
objects.
 Do not leave the key or flat key exposed to high
temperatures for a long period, such as on the
dashboard and hood under the direct sunlight.
 Do not put the key or flat key in water or wash it in an
ultrasonic washer.
 Do not use the key or flat key with electromagnetic
materials.

KEYS AND DOORS
19
Operating the side windows and moon roof
The side windows and moon roof can be opened using a
wireless key from outside the vehicle.*NOTE:
* The windows and moon roof can be deactivated.
Ask your Lexus dealer for details.
Push the “UNLOCK” button until the windows and moon roof
start to move. When you release the button, the windows and
moon roof stop operating. For vehicles sold in U.S.A.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
NOTICE:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

SWITCHES
29
The automatic light control sensor is on the top of the driver’s
side instrument panel.
Do not place anything on the instrument panel, and/or do not
affix anything on the windshield to block this sensor.
When the headlights are on, they automatically turn off about
30 seconds after any door or trunk lid is opened and closed
with the ignition key turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position\
.*
If you want to turn off the lights immediately, push the “LOCK”
button on the wireless remote control key twice. The lights also
can be turned off immediately by pushing the “LOCK” button
on the wireless remote control key with all the doors locked and
the trunk lid closed.NOTE:
* The time before turning off the lights can be changed.
Ask your Lexus dealer for details. To turn on the lights again, turn the ignition key to the “ON”
position, or twist the knob on the end of lever to the “AUTO”
position and then twist the k
nob until the first or second
clickstop.
If you are going to park for over one week, make sure the knob
is in the “AUTO” or “DRL OFF” position.
Daytime Running Light (DRL) System
When the knob is set in the “AUTO” position, the headlights
turn on at reduced intensity when the parking brake is released
with the engine started. They will not go off until the ignition
switch is turned off.
The headlights will automatically adjust to full intensity and/or
turn on the other lights dependi ng on the darkness of the
surroundings.
To turn on the other exterior lights and instrument panel lights,
twist the knob to the first clickstop.
Twist the knob to the second clickstop to turn on the headlights
to full intensity for driving at night.
To cancel the DRL system, twist the knob to the “DRL OFF”
position.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not
leave the lights on longer than necessary when the
engine is not running.

SWITCHES
32To turn on the lights again, turn the ignition key to the “ON”
position, or
turn the headlight switch off and then twist the knob
until the first or second clickstop.
If you are going to park for over one week, make sure the
headlight switch is off.
Daytime Running Light System
The headlights turn on at reduced intensity when the parking
brake is released with the engine started, even with the light
switch in the “OFF” position. They will not go off until the
ignition switch is turned off.
To turn on the other exterior lights and instrument panel lights,
twist the knob to the first clickstop.
Twist the knob to the second clickstop to turn on the headlights
to full intensity for driving at night.
When setting the knob to the third clickstop (“AUTO”), the
headlights will automatically adjust to full intensity and/or turn
on the other lights depending on the darkness of the
surroundings. Likewise, as the surroundings become brighter,
the headlights will turn to reduced intensity, ultimately turning
off the other lights.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not
leave the lights on longer than necessary when the
engine is not running.
Automatic headlight leveling system
(vehicles with discharge headlight only)
Vehicle position changes according to loading condition,
passengers getting on and off, vehicle acceleration and
deceleration, etc. However, the headlight beam level is always
maintained automatically by the system at the proper level so
that your headlights do not dazzle other road users.
If this system fails, the warning light in the instrument cluster
comes on. If this occurs, have your vehicle checked by your
Lexus dealer.
If you replace the rear suspension and/or the vehicle height
changes, contact your Lexus dealer to check the automatic
headlight leveling system and headlight beam level.

Finish
GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
52
(a) Brake System Warning Light
This light comes on in the following cases when the ignition key
is in the “ON” position.
 When the parking brake is applied ...
This light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition key is
turned to the “ON” position even after the parking brake is
released.
 When the brake fluid level is low ...
CAUTION
It is dangerous to continue driving normally when the
brake fluid level is low.
Have your vehicle checked at your Lexus dealer in the
following cases.
The light does not come on even if the parking brake is
applied when the ignition key is in the “ON” position.
 The light does not come on even if the ignition key is turned
on with the parking brake released.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not
indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If either of the following conditions occurs, immediately
stop your vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer.
 The light does not turn off even after the parking
brake is released while the engine is running.
In this case, the brakes may not work properly and
your stopping distance will become longer. Depress
the brake pedal firmly and bring the vehicle to an
immediate stop.
 The brake system warning light remains on together
with the “ABS” warning light.
In this case, not only the antilock brake system will
fail but also the vehicle will become extremely
unstable during braking.
(b) Driver’s Seat Belt Reminder Light and
Buzzer
This light and buzzer remind you to buckle up the driver’s seat
belt.
Once the ignition key is turned to “ON” or “START”, the
reminder light and buzzer come on if the driver’s seat belt is not
fastened. Unless the driver fastens the belt, the light stays on
and the buzzer stops after about 4 to 8 seconds.

Finish
GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
53
(c) Front Passenger’s Seat Belt ReminderLight
This light reminds you to buckle up the front passenger’s seat
belt.
Once the ignition key is tur ned to the “ON” position, the
reminder light flashes if a front passenger sits in the front
passenger seat and does not fasten the seat belt. Unless the
front passenger fastens the belt, the light keeps flashing.
If luggage load is placed on the front passenger seat,
depending on its weight and how it is placed on the seat,
built−in sensors in the seat cushion may detect the pressure,
causing the reminder light to come on.
(d) SRS Warning Light
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This
means the SRS airbags and seat belt pretensioners are
operating properly.
This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor
assembly, front airbag sensors, side and curtain shield airbag
sensor assemblies, curtain shield airbag sensor assemblies,
driver’s seat position sensor, driver’s seat belt buckle switch,
front seat belt pretensioner assemblies, inflators, warning light,
interconnecting wiring and power sources. If any 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.
 When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, the
light does not come on, remains on or flashes.
 The light comes on or starts flashing while driving.
If the light stays on, it indicates that the driver and front
passenger airbags fail. If the light flashes, the side and curtain
shield airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners fail.
(e) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, stop the vehicle, turn off the
engine, and check for the cause. Look first at the engine drive
belt.
 If it is loose or broken, the generator will not charge the
battery properly.
 If the belt is O.K., there is a problem somewhere in the
charging system.
The engine ignition will continue to operate, however, until the
battery is discharged. Turn off the air conditioning, blower,
radio, etc., and drive directly to the nearest Lexus dealer or
repair shop.

Finish
GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
54
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive belt is broken
or loose.
(f) Low Engine 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.
(g) 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 “Checking the engine
oil level” on page 311.)
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.
In normal conditions, due to engine oil consumption, this light
may come on earlier than the specified service interval of the
scheduled maintenance. This is because the engine oil is
consumed to the low level within the scheduled maintenance
interval and does not indicate a problem. (For detailed
information, see “Facts about engine oil consumption” on page
309.)
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oil will
damage the engine.
(h) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” position and goes off after the engine starts. This
means that the warning light system is operating properly.
If the lamp remains on, or the lamp comes on while
driving, first check the followings.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
153
By repeating these two steps
and pressing the remaining
button, the driving position for another driver can be recorded.
To set a new memorized position, select the desired position
and perform step 2. The previous memory will be erased and
the new position will be set.
To make only slight changes to an already memorized position,
the easiest way is to first activate the memorized position, then
make the desired changes and perform step 2 above.
Recalling the memorized position
When you push button “1” or “2”, the driving position will
be automatically adjusted to the position recorded for that
button. Conditions for memorized position activation

Ignition key “ON” and selector lever in “P” position.
 Ignition switch off and within 30 seconds of opening driver’s
door.
If any driving position memory switch is pushed while one of
the memorized driving position profiles is being activated, the
operation will stop.
To activate the system, push the desired button (“1” or “2”)\
again.
The driving position memory control system cannot be
operated while the vehicle is moving.
If the vehicle’s battery is disconnected, the computer’s
memory wi ll be erased and the memorized positions will have
to be set again.
CAUTION
 Do not start the vehicle while the adjustments are
being made.
 Take care not to select the wrong button, or the seat
could strike the rear passenger or hit your body
against the steering wheel. If this happens, you can
stop the movement by pressing another driving
position memory switch.