traction control Lexus ES330 2006 Basic Functions In Frequent Use / OWNER'S MANUAL (OM33703U)

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each Section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
iiPage
1Door lock switch and power window
switches xxvi, xlv
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Driving position memory switches clxvii
. . . . . . . . . .
3Power rear view mirror control switches clxxv . . . . .
4Side vents cxcvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Instrument panel light control dial lxxi
. . . . . . . . . . . .
6Headlight, turn signal and
fog light switches xxxiii, xxxv, xxxviii, xxxix . . . . . . .
7Audio remote control switches ccxviii, ccxlix . . . . . .
8Ignition switch cclx
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Speech command switch See the separate . . . . . . . .
“Navigation System Owner’s Manual”.
10Multiinformation display control button lxviii . . . . .
11Windshield wiper and washer switches xxxix. . . . . .
12Seat ventilator/heater switches xlix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Emergency flasher switch xlviii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14Clock lxxvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
15Audio system or navigation system
including audio system
(For the navigation system, see the separate
“Navigation System Owner’s Manual”.) cci, ccxxv .
16Front passenger’s seat belt reminder light lxi . . . . . .
17“AIRBAG OFF” indicator light cxliii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
18“AIRBAG ON” indicator light
cxliii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Security indicator light xv, xxix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20Glove box lxxviii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Front passenger seat position
memory switches clxix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22Automatic air conditioning controls clxxxv . . . . . . . .
23Rear window and outside rear view mirror
defogger switch xliv. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Grocery bag hook lxxxix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Automatic transmission selector lever cclxiii . . . . . .
26Rear electric sunshade switch xc
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27Electronic modulated suspension
control switch cclxxii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Cigarette lighter and ashtray lxxvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29Traction control system off switch cclxxiv
. . . . . . . .
30Cruise control switch cclxix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Power adjustable pedals switch clxxiii
. . . . . . . . . . . .
32Parking brake pedal cclxi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33Auxiliary box lxxxvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34Hood lock release lever xciii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35Trunk lid opener xciv
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36Fuel filler door opener xcvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each Section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
ivPage
1Tachometer
lvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Traction control system off indicator light cclxxiv .
3Vehicle stability control system/traction control
system warning light lxvi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Engine oil replacement reminder light lxiii
. . . . . . . .
5Headlight indicator light xxxiii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6Headlight high beam indicator light xxxviii . . . . . . . .
7Turn signal indicator light xxxviii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Fog light indicator light xxxix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Cruise control indicator light cclxix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10Slip indicator light cclxxiii, cclxxvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light lxvii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Low fuel level warning light lxvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Automatic transmission indicator lights cclxiii . . . .
14Engine coolant temperature gauge lvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
15Odometer and trip meter
lvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Trip meter reset knob lvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17Fuel gauge lv
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18Low washer fluid warning light lxvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Low engine oil level warning light lxiii
. . . . . . . . . . . .
20Multiinformation display lxviii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Rear light failure warning light lxvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22Low engine oil pressure warning light lxii
. . . . . . . . .
23Brake system warning light lx
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Antilock brake system warning light lxv
. . . . . . . . . .
25Driver’s seat belt reminder light lxi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26Charging system warning light lxii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27SRS warning light lxi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Open door warning light lxvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29Malfunction indicator lamp lxiv
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each Section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viPage
1Tachometer
lvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Traction control system off indicator light cclxxiv .
3Vehicle stability control system/traction control
system warning light lxvi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Tail light indicator light xxxv
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Headlight high beam indicator light xxxviii . . . . . . . .
6Turn signal indicator light xxxviii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Fog light indicator light xxxix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Cruise control indicator light cclxix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Slip indicator light cclxxiii, cclxxvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light lxvii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Low fuel level warning light lxvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Automatic transmission indicator lights cclxiii . . . .
13Engine coolant temperature gauge lvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14Odometer and trip meter
lvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Trip meter reset knob lvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Fuel gauge lv
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17Low washer fluid warning light lxvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18Low engine oil level warning light lxiii
. . . . . . . . . . . .
19Multiinformation display lxviii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20Rear light failure warning light lxvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Low engine oil pressure warning light lxii
. . . . . . . . .
22Brake system warning light lx
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23Antilock brake system warning light lxv
. . . . . . . . . .
24Driver’s seat belt reminder light lxi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Charging system warning light lxii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26SRS warning light lxi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27Open door warning light lxvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Malfunction indicator lamp lxiv
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
lxv
(j) “ABS” Warning Light
Vehicles without vehicle stability control system —
The light comes on with the ignition key turned to the “ON”
position. If the anti−lock brake system works p roperly, the light
turns off after a few seconds. Thereafter, if the system
malfunctions, the light comes on again.
When the “ABS” 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 “ABS” 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 “ON” 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.CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on together with the
brake system warning light, immediately stop your
vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
In this case, not only the antilock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.
Vehicles with vehicle stability control system —
The light comes on with the ignition key turned to the “ON”
position. If the anti−lock brake system and the brake assist
system work properly, the light turns off after a few seconds.
Thereafter, if the system malfunctions, the light comes on
again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti −lock brake system, the brake
assist system, the traction control system and the vehicle
stability control system do not operate, but the brake system
still operates conventionally.
When the “ABS” 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.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
lxviIf 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 “ON” 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.
CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on together with the
brake system warning light, immediately stop your
vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
In this case, not only the antilock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.
(k) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the doors are completely closed.
(l) Rear Light Failure Warning Light
If this light comes on when the headlight switch is turned on (at
the first or second clickstop), it indicates that one or more of the
tail lights are burned out.
If it comes on when the brake pedal is depressed, one or more
stop lights are burned out.
Have defective bulbs replaced as soon as possible.
(m) Vehicle Stability Control System/Traction
Control System Warning Light
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in the
vehicle stability control system or traction control system.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to “ON”
and will go off after a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the system does not work.
However, as conventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driving.
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:
The warning light does not come on after the ignition key is
turned to “ON”.
 The warning light remains on after the ignition key is turned
to “ON”.
 The warning light comes on while driving.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will come on when the “VSC”
warning light comes on even if the “TRAC OFF” switch is not
pushed.

SECTION 3 – 1
cclvi
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three−way catalytic convertercclvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution cclviii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine cclix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch cclx
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Parking brake cclxi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
How to start the engine cclxii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission cclxiii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control cclxix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . .
Electronic modulated suspension cclxxii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system cclxxiii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle stability control system cclxxvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system cclxxviii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. .
Brake pad wear limit indicators cclxxxii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STARTING AND DRIVING
cclxxiii
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.
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
cclxxivThe slip indicator light comes on for a few seconds when the
ignition key is turned to “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on, contact your Lexus
dealer.
Traction control off mode
If your wheels get stuck in a ditch when you are driving on
a severe off road and sand, turn off the traction control
system. This system that controls engine performance
interferes with the process of freeing your wheels.
To turn off: Push “TRAC OFF” switch.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will come on.
The vehicle stability control system is always activated, even
if the traction control system is turned off.
To turn on: Push “TRAC OFF” switch once again.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will go off.
“TRAC OFF”
indicator light comes on for a few seconds when
the ignition key is turned to “ON”. It will come on again when
you push the “TRAC OFF” switch to turn off the system.
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:
 The indicator light does not come on when the ignition key
is turned to “ON”.
 The indicator light remains on after the ignition is turned on.
 The indicator light comes on with the normal driving mode
while driving.

STARTING AND DRIVING
cclxxv
“VSC” warning light
U.S.A.
Canada This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in the
traction control system or the vehicle stability control system.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to “ON”
and will go off after a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the system does not work.
However, as conventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driving.
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:

The warning light does not come on after the ignition key is
turned to “ON”.
 The warning light remains on after the ignition key is turned
to “ON”.
 The warning light comes on while driving.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will come on when the “VSC”
warning light comes on even if the “TRAC OFF” switch is not
pushed.

STARTING AND DRIVING
cclxxvi
VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROLSYSTEM
The vehicle stability control system helps provide
integrated control of the systems such as antilock 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.
This system will activate when your vehicle speed reaches or
exceeds 15 km/h (9 mph), and will deactivate when the vehicle
speed reduces 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 “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on, contact your Lexus
dealer.