check engine Lexus GS300 2006 Starting and Driving

STARTING AND DRIVING
341 Avoid racing the engine.
Do not push−start or pull−start your vehicle.
Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is moving.
Keep your engine in good running order.
Malfunctions in the engine electrical system,
electronic ignition system or fuel system could cause
an extremely high three−way catalytic converter
temperature.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, take your vehicle in for a check−up as
soon as possible. Remember, your Lexus dealer
knows your vehicle and its three−way catalytic
converter system best.
To ensure that the three−way catalytic converter and
the entire emission control system operate properly,
your vehicle must receive the periodic inspections
required by the Lexus Maintenance Schedule. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the
“Owner’s Manual Supplement / Scheduled
Maintenance”.
ENGINE EXHAUST CAUTION
CAUTION
Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust. It contains
carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless
gas. It can cause unconsciousness or even death.
Make sure the exhaust system has no holes or loose
connections. The system should be checked from
time to time. If you hit something, or notice a change
in the sound of the exhaust, have the system checked
immediately.
Do not run the engine in a garage or enclosed area
except for the time needed to drive the vehicle in or
out. The exhaust gases cannot escape, making this
a particularly dangerous situation.
Do not remain for a long time in a parked vehicle with
the engine running. If it is unavoidable, however, do
so only in an unconfined area and adjust the heating
or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle.
Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. An open or
unsealed trunk lid may cause exhaust gases to be
drawn into the vehicle.

STARTING AND DRIVING
343
Engine switch
G31031
By pushing the engine switch with an electronic key in
possession, you can select “ACC”, “IG−ON” or “OFF”
mode and start or stop the engine. (For details, see
“Selecting the mode” on page 344 and “Starting the engine” on
page 350 and “Stopping the engine” on page 351.)
When an electronic key is in the vehicle, it is automatically
detected and checked if it corresponds to the registered ID
code for the vehicle, thereby allowing engine operation and
mode selection.
Press the engine switch slowly and firmly. Quick operation
may not activate the desired mode.In the following conditions, the system malfunctions. Contact
your Lexus dealer.
If the engine switch is not illuminated when the clearance
lights are turned on.
If the engine switch indicator light flashes amber.
If the switch movement seems unusual.
If, in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the
vehicle is moving, press the engine switch for more than 3
seconds. At this time, “ACC” mode is selected.
CAUTION
Do not press the engine switch during driving, except
in an emergency situation.
If you leave your vehicle in hot weather, the switch
surface may get hot. Take care not to get burned.

STARTING AND DRIVING
347
Steering lock
The steering wheel is locked in “OFF” mode.
When the steering lock is activated, you may hear a sound
coming from the steering column, it is not a malfunction. If you
select the “OFF” mode while the driver’s door is open, the
steering wheel is not locked until the driver’s door is closed.
If you select the mode other than “OFF” or start the engine, the
steering lock is disabled.
If there is trouble somewhere in the steering lock system, either
of the following warning messages will appear on the
multi−information display.
S/T IS NOT UNLOCKED
CHECK S/T LOCK
G31045
When pushing the engine switch while the brake pedal is
depressed, the steering lock is not unlocked if load is
applied to the steering wheel, and the above message
appears.
The engine will not start. At this time, the master warning light
comes on and the engine switch indicator light blinks green.

STARTING AND DRIVING
349
How to start the engine
Before starting the engine, be sure to follow the instructions.
CRANKING HOLD FUNCTION
Once you push the engine switch while the brake pedal is
depressed, the cranking hold function continues to crank the
engine in “IG−ON” mode until it starts.
The function stops cranking the engine after about 25 seconds
at maximum if the engine has not started yet. When you crank
the engine again, wait a few seconds and restart it.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, seat cushion angle,
seat cushion height, head restraint height and steering wheel
angle.
3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts.
Remember to check that the service reminder indicators
function when the engine switch is selected in “IG−ON” mode,
and check the fuel gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.BEFORE CRANKING
1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Put the selector lever in ”P”. If you need to restart the engine
while the vehicle is moving, put the selector lever in ”N”. A
starter safety device will prevent the starter from operating if
the selector lever is in any drive position.
4. Depress the brake pedal and hold it to the floor until driving
off.
The multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system in your engine automatically controls the
proper air−fuel mixture for starting. You can start a cold or hot
engine as follows:

STARTING AND DRIVING
350
Starting the engine
Normal starting procedure
G31035
When depressing the brake pedal while carrying an
electronic key, make sure the green engine switch
indicator light comes on. And then push the engine
switch to start the engine.
If you press the engine switch while the brake pedal is
depressed and the transmission is in “P” or “N”, the engine will
start even if initially in “OFF”, “ACC” or “IG−ON” mode.
If you start the engine in “OFF” mode, the engine immobilizer
is disabled, and the security indicator light goes off.
If you push the engine switch while the brake pedal is
depressed with the transmission not in “P” or “N”, “IG−ON”
mode will be selected with the engine not running.If the engine stalls ...
Simply restart it , using the correct procedure given in normal
starting.
If the engine will not start
See ”If your vehicle will not start” on page 462.
NOTICE
Do not race a cold engine.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, have the engine checked immediately.

STARTING AND DRIVING
359 “S” mode indicator light
“S” mode allows you to use the shift range positions.
The “S” mode indicator light comes on when the selector
lever is shifted into the “S” position. When the “S” mode
indicator light does not come on even with the selector lever
moved to the “S” position, there may be a problem
somewhere in the system. Have your vehicle
checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible. In this case, you can drive in the same condition
as in the “D” position.
(c) Using engine braking
G31027

“S” mode position
To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the range in
the “S” mode position as follows:
Shift into the “5” (fifth range) position. The transmission will
downshift to fifth gear and engine braking will be enabled.
If you drive in the “D” position: Shift the selector lever to
the “S” position and “5” (fifth range) will automatically be
selected.
If you drive in the “S” position: Shift the selector lever
down to the “–” position by selecting the “5” (fifth range).

STARTING AND DRIVING
365 In the power mode, the “ECT PWR” light in the instrument
cluster is on and the most suitable shift pattern is selected
depending on the driver’s operation of accelerator and brake
pedal and on the vehicle condition. See “Automatic shifting
point change control” on page 356.
To return to the normal mode, push the driving pattern selector
switch lightly on the “SNOW” side.
Snow mode: For slippery road surfaces such as in snow. In
this mode, the spinning of the rear wheels is controlled
appropriately.
When you push the driving pattern selector switch on the
“SNOW” side, the snow mode is turned on and the ”ECT
SNOW” light in the instrument cluster comes on.
To return to the normal mode, push the driving pattern selector
switch on the “SNOW” side again.
When you turn the engine switch off in the snow mode, the
electronic throttle control system automatically changes to the
normal mode.
INTUITIVE PARKING ASSIST
G31049
The intuitive parking assist is a warning system used
when parking the vehicle at low speed (e.g. into a garage).
It uses an ultrasonic sensor, which checks the
approximate distance to an obstacle. It will inform you of
the approximate distance to an obstacle by displaying
information on the multi−information display and the
screen, and with beeping sounds.

STARTING AND DRIVING
366
1
Dual sensors
There are four of these steering guidance sensors installed in
the front bumper.
Steering guidance means that when an obstacle is inspected,
not only is the distance estimated, this function judges whether
collision with the obstacle within detection range is avoidable
if the vehicle is steered in a certain direction, and informs the
driver. There will be no warning if it judges that there is no
possibility of collision with the obstacle within detection range.
(See page 369.)
2
Rear corner sensors
There is one of these installed on each corner of the rear
bumper, they inspect obstacles and will sound a warning
depending on the distance to the obstacle. (See page 373.)
3
Back sensors
There are two of these installed near the center of the rear
bumper, they inspect obstacles and will sound a warning
depending on the distance to the obstacle. (See page 374.)
G31050
To use the intuitive parking assist, push the main switch
in the switch box with the engine switch in “IG−ON” mode.
Pushing the main switch again will turn the intuitive
parking assist off.
When you push the main switch, the indicator light in the
instrument cluster comes on and a beep sounds for one
second, indicating that the intuitive parking assist is turned on.
The intuitive parking assist will remain on even after turning the
engine switch to “OFF” and then to “IG−ON” mode with the
main switch on. However, a beep does not sound at this time.
If an error is detected in the intuitive parking assist while
self−checking, beeps sound and a warning appears in the
multi−information display and on the screen. For details, see
“Intuitive parking assist failure warning” on page 378.

This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES−001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme a la norme
NMB−001 du Canada.
STARTING AND DRIVING
388For vehicles sold in Canada.
REAR VIEW MONITOR SYSTEM
The rear view monitor system assists the driver by
displaying an image of the rear of the vehicle while
backing up. The displayed image on the screen is a
horizontally reversed mirror image of the inside rear view
mirror.
To display the rear view image on the screen, place the
selector lever in the “R” position when the engine switch
is selected in “IG−ON” mode.
If you move the selector lever out of the “R” position, the screen
returns to the previous screen. Operating another function of
the navigation system will display another screen.
The rear view monitor system is a supplemental device
intended to assist back up. When backing up, be sure to check
behind and all around the vehicle visually.
Vehicles with intuitive parking assist—
When the intuitive parking assist is turned on and an obstacle
is detected in front or rear of your vehicle, a warning appears
on the right top of the rear view monitor. For details, see
“Intuitive parking assist” on page 365.

STARTING AND DRIVING
412
G13075
If the system malfunction is detected when dynamic radar
cruise control is in the “RADAR READY” mode or
operating, the above message appears.
If this message appears, stop your vehicle in a safe place, turn
the engine switch off, and then restart it to reset the system.
If the setting still cannot be made or the same message
appears again, the system might have malfunctioned.
Although it is no problem to continue driving, contact your
Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
While you are cruising with the dynamic radar cruise
control on, if the master warning light comes on, the
“CRUISE” indicator light flashes, “CHECK CRUISE
SYSTEM” appears on the multi−information display and
the warning tone sounds, turn the engine switch off and
then on again. If the function is cancelled again after
setting or if settings cannot be made, the dynamic radar
cruise control system may be malfunctioning.
Although it is no problem to continue driving, have your
vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.
Conventional (fixed speed) cruise control
mode
This mode allows you to cruise at a desired speed over
about 45 km/h (28 mph) with your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
Cruising speed can be maintained, although a slight speed
change may occur when driving up or down a gradient, within
the limits of engine performance. On steeper hills, the speed
will change more radically so it is better to drive without cruise
control.
When cruise control is on, the driving pattern of the automatic
transmission is fixed in the normal mode, regardless of the
position of the selector switch.