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

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
iv
INDEX
The page number is listed for each item in the Owner’s Manual
so that you can rapidly find the item and page you are
searching for.
GAS STATION INFORMATION
The information you need to know for appropriate servicing at
the gas station is provided here.
QUICK INDEX
This is designed so that you can quickly find the needed
information when an urgent situation arises.
Safety symbol
In this manual, you will also see a circle with a slash through
it. This means “Do not”, “Do not do this”, or “Do not le\
t this
happen”.
Safety and vehicle damage warnings
In this manual you will see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings.
These are used in the following ways:
CAUTION
This is a warning against anything which may cause
injury to people if the warning is ignored. You are
informed about what you must or must not do in order
to reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others.
NOTICE
This is a warning against anything which may cause
damage to the vehicle or its equipment if the warning is
ignored. You are informed about what you must or must
not do in order to avoid or reduce the risk of damage to
your Lexus and its equipment.
Your Lexus Owner’s Manual provides you with a
considerable amount of information. To use this
information most effectively, please take the time to
familiarize yourself with the contents and use of the
manual.

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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

KEYS AND DOORS
20
Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
 Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio / TV
technician for help.
FCC WARNING:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved
by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
For vehicles sold in Canada
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of the
device.
Replacing the battery
When you replace the battery, prepare a lithium battery
CR1616 or equivalent and a special screwdriver.
CAUTION
Special care should be taken that small children do not
swallow the removed battery or components.
NOTICE
When replacing the battery, be c areful not to lose the
components.
 Replace only with the same or equivalent type
recommended by a Lexus dealer.
 Dispose of used batteries according to the local laws.

SWITCHES
30
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, as the headlight beam level is
always maintained automatically by the system at the proper
level, 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.
HEADLIGHT SWITCH(Canada)
To turn the lights on, twist the knob on the end of the lever.
FIRST CLICKST OP: Only the parking, tail, license plate, side
marker and instrument panel lights turn on.
SECOND CLICKSTOP: Headlights also turn on.
THIRD CLICKSTOP (“AUTO”): The headlights and all other
lights automatically turn on depending on the darkness of the
surroundings.*
NOTE:
* The sensitivity of the automatic light control sensor can be
changed.
Ask your Lexus dealer for details.

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.

SWITCHES
35
Twist the interval adjuster upward to increase the wiping
time
interval between sweeps, and downward to decrease
it.
The wiper lever must be in the “INT” position.
To make the washer squirt, pull the lever toward you and
release it.
Also, the wipers will automatically operate a couple of times
after the washer squirts even with the lever in the “OFF”
position.
The low washer fluid warning light in the instrument cluster
comes on when the fluid level in the tank becomes nearly
empty. For information on adding washer fluid, see “Adding
washer fluid” on page 348.
In cold weather, warm the windshield with the defroster before
using the washer. This will help prevent icing, which could
block your vision.
NOTICE
Do not operate the wipers if the windshield is dry. It may
scratch the glass.
When waxing your vehicle, make sure that the washer nozzles
do not become blocked. If a nozzle becomes blocked, contact
your Lexus dealer to have the vehicle serviced.
NOTICE
If a nozzle becomes blocked, do not try to clear it with
a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.

SWITCHES
37
When
the ignition switch is turned off with the wiper lever in the
“AUTO” position, and then the ignition switch is turned on
again, the automatic operation may not work even if raindrops
are on the windshield.
In this case, move the lever to another position and return it to
the “AUTO” position again.
CAUTION
Be careful not to get your fingers caught between the
wipers and windshield.
When the wiper lever is in the “AUTO” position with the
ignition switch on, the wipers could operate
automatically in the following cases:
 If you touch the upper center of the windshield
adjacent to the sensor.
 If you wipe the upper center of the windshield
(adjacent to which the sensor is located) with a towel.
 If the windshield vibrates.
 If you touch the sensor.
NOTICE
Do not apply detergent to or wet the automatic wiper
control sensor when cleaning the inside of the
windshield.
To make the washer squirt, pull the lever toward you and
release it.
Also, the wipers will automatically operate a couple of times
after the washer squirts even with the lever in the “OFF”
position.
The low washer fluid warning light in the instrument cluster
comes on when the fluid level in the tank becomes nearly
empty. For information on adding washer fluid, see “Adding
washer fluid” on page 348.
In cold weather, warm the windshield with the defroster before
using the washer. This will help prevent icing, which could
block your vision.
NOTICE
Do not operate the wipers if the windshield is dry. It may
scratch the glass.
When waxing your vehicle, make sure that the washer nozzles
do not become blocked. If a nozzle becomes blocked, contact
your Lexus dealer to have the vehicle serviced.
NOTICE
If a nozzle becomes blocked, do not try to clear it with
a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.

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
48
FUEL GAUGE
Low fuel level warning light
The gauge is displayed when the ignition switch is on and
indicates the approximate quantity of fuel remaining in the
tank.
It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4 full.
If the fuel level approaches “E” or the low fuel level warning light\
comes on, fill the fuel tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the tank,
the fuel gauge needle may fluctuate or the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than usual.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the malfunction indicator
lamp comes on. Fill the fuel tank immediately.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times. If the
indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible. See the inner back cover for fuel capacity and recommended
fuel selection.
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
 Normal range
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature when
the ignition switch is on. The engine operating
temperature will vary with changes in weather and engine
load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your vehicle
and allow the engine to cool.