check engine light Lexus ES330 2004 Owner's Manual Supplement / LEXUS 2004 ES330 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM33633U)

SWITCHES
36
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, 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.

SWITCHES
39
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.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
58If 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 ONº position, the
light does not come on or remains on.
The light comes on while driving.
(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.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive belt is broken
or loose.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
59
(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 Ð
even for one block. It may ruin the engine.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
60
(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 levelº on page 329.)
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 consumptionº on page
327.)
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oil will
damage the engine.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
61
(h) Engine Oil Replacement Reminder Light (for
vehicles sold in U.S.A.)
This light reminds you when to replace the engine oil.
This light will come on when the ignition key is turned to the
ONº position and will go off after about a few seconds.
When you drive for about 7200 km (4500 miles) after the
engine oil replacement, this light illuminates for about 3
seconds and then flashes for about 12 seconds with the
ignition key turned to the ONº position. If you continue driving
without replacing the engine oil, and if the distance driven
exceeds 8000 km (5000 miles), the light will come on after the
ignition key is turned to the ONº position. The light will remain
on thereafter.
If the light is flashing, we recommend that you replace the
engine oil at an early opportunity depending on the driving and
road conditions. If the light comes on, replace it as soon as
possible.
The system must be reset after the engine oil replacement.
Reset the system by the following procedure:
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFFº position with the odometer
reading shown. (For details, see Odometer and trip meterº on
page 52.)
2. Turn the ignition key to the ONº position while holding down
the trip meter reset knob.
Hold down the knob for at least 5 seconds. The odometer
indicates 000000º and the light goes off.
If the system fails to reset, the light will continue flashing.
(i) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
ONº 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.
Empty fuel tank
If the fuel tank is empty, refuel immediately.
Loose fuel tank cap
If the fuel tank cap is loose, securely tighten it.
These cases are temporary malfunctions. The malfunction
indicator lamp will go off after taking several driving trips.
If the lamp does not go off even after several trips, contact your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
If the fuel tank is not empty or the fuel tank cap is not
loose...
There is a problem somewhere in the engine, emission
control system, electronic throttle control system, automatic
transmission electrical system or warning light system itself.
Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible to service the
vehicle.
If engine speed does not increase when the accelerator pedal
is depressed, there may be a problem somewhere in your
electronic throttle control system.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
62At this time, vibration may occur. However, if you depress the
accelerator pedal more firmly and slowly, you can drive your
vehicle at low speeds. Have your vehicle checked by your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Even if the abnormality of the electronic throttle control system
is corrected during low speed driving, the system may not be
recovered until the engine is stopped and the ignition key is
turned to the ACCº or LOCKº position.
CAUTION
Be especially careful to prevent erroneous pedal
operation.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
Your vehicle may not pass a state emission inspection if the
malfunction indicator lamp remains on. Contact your Lexus
dealer to check your vehicle's emission control system and
OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) system before taking your
vehicle for the inspection.
For details, see Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M)
programsº on page 311.
(j) ABSº Warning Light
Vehicles without vehicle stability control system Ð
The light comes on with the ignition key turned to the ONº
position. If the anti-lock brake system works properly, the light
turns off after a few seconds. Thereafter, if the system
malfunctions, the light comes on again.
When the ABSº warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti-lock brake system does not
operate, but the brake system still operates conventionally.
When the ABSº warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti-lock 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 components 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 ONº 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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
283
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically helps prevent
the spinning of front wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the ignition key is turned to ONº, the system
automatically turns on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of
the vehicle and power against front wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction control system is
in operation. Do not drive the vehicle under any speed
or maneuvering conditions which may cause the
vehicle to lose traction control. In situations where the
road surface is covered with ice or snow, your vehicle
should be fitted with snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious speed for the
present road conditions.
Normal driving mode

Slip indicator light
Leave the system on during the ordinary driving so that it
can operate when needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the traction control system
is in the self-check mode, but does not indicate a malfunction.
When the traction control system is operating, the following
conditions occur:
The system controls the spinning of the front wheels. At this
time, the slip indicator light blinks.
You may feel vibration or noise in your vehicle, caused by
operation of the brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly.

STARTING AND DRIVING
286
VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL
SYSTEM
The vehicle stability control system helps provide
integrated control of the systems such as anti-lock brake
system, traction control, engine control, etc. This system
automatically controls the brakes and engine to help
prevent the vehicle from skidding when cornering on a
slippery road surface or operating steering wheel
abruptly.
The system will activate when your vehicle speed reaches or
exceeds 15 km/h (9 mph), and will deactivate when the vehicle
speed reduced to below 15 km/h (9 mph).
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the system is in the
self-check mode but does not indicate a malfunction.
CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the vehicle stability
control system. Even if the vehicle skid control
system is operating, you must always drive carefully
and attentively to avoid serious injury. Reckless
driving will result in an unexpected accident. If the
slip indicator light blinks, sounding an alarm, special
care should be taken while driving.
Only use tires of specified size. The size,
manufacture, brand and tread pattern for all 4 tires
should be the same. If you use the tires other than
specified, or different type or size, the vehicle
stability control system may not function correctly.
When replacing the tires or wheels, contact your
Lexus dealer.
In situations where the road surface is covered with
ice or snow, your vehicle should be fitted with snow
tires or tire chains.

Slip indicator light
If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the slip indicator
light blinks and an alarm sounds intermittently. Special care
should be taken while driving.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few seconds when the
ignition key is turned to ONº. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on, contact your Lexus
dealer.

DRIVING TIPS
295
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VARIOUS
CONDITIONS
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you
much better control.
Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle.
Avoid driving onto high, sharp-edged objects and other
road hazards. Failure to do so can lead to severe tire
damage such as a tire burst.
Drive slowly when passing over bumps or travelling on a
bumpy road. Otherwise, the impact could cause severe
damage to the tires and/or wheels.
When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch
the curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking
brake, and place the transmission in Pº. If necessary, block
the wheels.
Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get
the brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you and then press the pedal lightly.
If you do not feel a normal braking force, the brakes are
probably wet. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously while
lightly pressing the brake pedal with the parking brake
applied. If they still do not work safely, pull to the side of the
road and call a Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is
fully released and that the parking brake reminder
light is off.
Do not leave your vehicle unattended while the
engine is running.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear,
and poor fuel economy.
To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed
and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and not work
properly. See page 275.
Be careful when accelerating, upshifting,
downshifting or braking on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed, such as sudden
acceleration or engine braking, could cause the
vehicle to spin or skid.
Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the
legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140 km/h
(85 mph) unless your vehicle has high-speed
capability tires. Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may
result in tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine
whether the tires on your vehicle are high-speed
capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.