suspension Lexus ES330 2005 Gauges, Meters and Service Reminder Indicators / LEXUS 2005 ES330 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM33691U)

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each Section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xPage
1Door lock switch and power window
switches 25, 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Driving position memory switches 165
. . . . . . . . . . .
3Power rear view mirror control switches 172 . . . . . .
4Side vents 192
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Instrument panel light control dial 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6Headlight, turn signal and
fog light switches 32, 34, 37, 38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Audio remote control switches 215, 246
. . . . . . . . . . .
8Ignition switch 257
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Speech command switch See the separate . . . . . . . .
“Navigation System Owner’s Manual”.
10Multiinformation display control button 67 . . . . . . . .
11Windshield wiper and washer switches 38
. . . . . . . . .
12Seat ventilator/heater switches 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Emergency flasher switch 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14Clock 74
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
15Audio system or navigation system
including audio system
(For the navigation system, see the separate
“Navigation System Owner’s Manual”.) 198, 222 . . .
16Front passenger’s seat belt reminder light 60 . . . . . .
17“AIRBAG OFF” indicator light 140
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
18“AIRBAG ON” indicator light
140
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Security indicator light 14, 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20Glove box 77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Front passenger seat position
memory switches 167 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22Automatic air conditioning controls 182
. . . . . . . . . .
23Rear window and outside rear view mirror
defogger switch 43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Grocery bag hook 86
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Automatic transmission selector lever 260 . . . . . . . .
26Rear electric sunshade switch 87
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27Electronic modulated suspension
control switch 269 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Cigarette lighter and ashtray 75
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29Traction control system off switch 270
. . . . . . . . . . .
30Cruise control switch 266
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Power adjustable pedals switch 170
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32Parking brake pedal 258
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33Auxiliary box 84
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34Hood lock release lever 90
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35Trunk lid opener 91
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36Fuel filler door opener 94
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SWITCHES
34
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 CLICKSTOP: 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
36To 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.

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM
11 8
CAUTION
Do not modify, remove, strike or open the seat belt
pretensioner assemblies, airbag sensor or surrounding
area or wiring. Failure to follow these instruction may
prevent the seat belt pretensioners from activating
correctly, cause sudden operation of the system or
disable the system, which could result in death or
serious injury. Consult your Lexus dealer about any
repairs and modifications.
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following changes without
consulting your Lexus dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the seat belt
pretensioners in some cases.
 Installation of electronic devices such as a mobile
twoway radio, cassette tape player or CD player
 Repairs on or near the seat belt retractor assemblies
 Modification of the suspension system
 Modification of the front end structure
 Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, kangaroo bar,
etc.), snowplow, winches or any other equipment to
the front end
 Repair made on or near the front fenders, front end
structure or console
This indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned to
the “ON” position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This
means the 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 passenger occupant classification system, “AIRBAG
OFF” indicator light, “AIRBAG ON” indicator light, front
passenger’s seat belt buckle switch, seat belt pretensioner
assemblies, inflators, warning light, interconnecting wiring and
power sources. (For details, see “Service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers” on page 57 for instructions.)

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM
128
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following changes without
consulting your Lexus dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the SRS front airbag
system in some cases.
Installation of electronic devices such as a mobile
twoway radio, cassette tape player or CD player
 Modification of the suspension system
 Modification of the front end structure
 Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, kangaroo bar,
etc.), snowplow, winches or any other equipment to
the front end
 Repairs made on or near the front fenders, front end
structure, console, steering column, steering wheel
or dashboard near the front passenger airbag
The indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned to
the “ON” position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This
means the SRS front airbags 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 passenger occupant classification system, “AIRBAG
OFF” indicator light, “AIRBAG ON” indicator light, front
passenger’s seat belt buckle switch, seat belt pretensioner
assemblies, inflators, warning light, interconnecting wiring and
power sources. (For details, see “Service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers” on page 57 for instructions.)

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM
138
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following changes without
consulting your Lexus dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the SRS side airbag
and curtain shield airbag system in some cases.
Installation of electronic devices such as a mobile
twoway radio, cassette tape player or CD player
 Modification of the suspension system
 Modification of the structure of the passenger
compartment
 Repairs made on or near the console or front seat
The indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned to
the “ON” position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This
means the SRS side airbags and curtain shield airbags 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 passenger occupant classification system, “AIRBAG
OFF” indicator light, “AIRBAG ON” indicator light, front
passenger’s seat belt buckle switch, seat belt pretensioner
assemblies, inflators, warning light, interconnecting wiring and
power sources. (For details, see “Service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers” on page 57 for instructions.)

SECTION 3 – 1
253
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three−way catalytic converter254
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 255
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 256
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 257
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 258
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
How to start the engine 259
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 260
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 266
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Electronic modulated suspension 269
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system 269
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle stability control system 272
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 274
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 278
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STARTING AND DRIVING
269
ELECTRONIC MODULATEDSUSPENSION
This electronic modulated suspension adjusts the
damping effect on the shock absorbers with the control
switch. Select one of the 4 modes which is suited to the
driving conditions with the control switch to provide good
riding comfort and stability.
1For sporty type driving such as on winding mountain
roads and high speed driving
2For moderate high speed driving
3For ordinary driving such as in the city traffic
4For driving on a bumpy road
5Soft
6Firm
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 “ON”, 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.

DRIVING TIPS
288
Maintenance
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent
maintenance due to the additional load. For this
information, please refer to the scheduled maintenance
information in the “Owner’s Manual Supplement/
Scheduled Maintenance”.
 Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after
approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.
Pretowing safety check
Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or
unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has an
abnormal nose −up or nose− down condition, and check for
improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other
possible causes.
 Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that it
cannot shift.
 Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal,
state/provincial or local regulations. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently
than when not towing. The three main causes of
vehicletrailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed
and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when
towing:
 Before starting out, check the operation of the lights and all
vehicle −trailer connections. After driving a short distance,
stop and recheck the lights and connections. Practice
turning, stopping and backing with a trailer in an area away
from traffic until you learn the feel.
 Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice. Grip
the bottom of the steering whe el and move your hand to the
left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right
to move the trailer to the right. (This procedure is generally
opposite to that when backing without a trailer.) Also, just
turn the steering wheel a little at a time, avoiding sharp or
prolonged turning. Have someone guide you when backing
to reduce the risk of an accident.
 Because stopping distance may be increased,
vehicle −to−vehicle distance should be increased when
towing a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow
at least one vehicle and trailer length between you and the
vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as you may skid,
resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This is especially
true on wet or slippery surfaces.

MAINTENANCE
330
Tire inflation pressure
Check the tire inflation pressure with a gauge every
two weeks, or at least once a month and adjust as
shown on the tire and loading information label. See
page 366 for additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or
excessive wear. See page 381 for additional
information.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the maintenance
schedule. (For scheduled maintenance information,
please refer to the “Owner’s Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance”.) See page 380
for additional information.DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEEDREPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and
visual tip −offs that indicate service is needed. Some important
clues are:
 Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
 Appreciable loss of power
 Strange engine noises
 A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from
the air conditioning after use is normal.)
 Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous
carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
 Flat−looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering,
uneven tire wear
 Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level
road
 Strange noises related to suspension movement
 Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal,
pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to one side when
braking
 Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal