light Lexus GS300 2006 Starting and Driving

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
345 “ACC” mode
G31033
This mode allows some accessories to be operable such
as the radio, even if the engine is not running. An amber
indicator light turns on at the engine switch.
To select the “ACC” mode from “OFF” mode, push the engine
switch once without depressing the brake pedal. The engine
immobilizer is disabled and the security indicator light goes
out. (For details, see “Engine immobilizer” on page 11.)
If you cycle once through all the modes (“OFF”, “ACC”,
“IG−ON”) with the driver’s door closed, the second time you
select the “ACC” mode, the above message will appear for a
few seconds.
If the vehicle is left in “ACC” mode for about an hour, the engine
switch is automatically off.
If the driver’s door is opened with the transmission in “P”, a
buzzer will remind you in “ACC” mode.“IG−ON” mode
G31034
“IG−ON” mode has two conditions: all gauges, meters
and accessories on and the engine is not running, or
engine running.
To select the “IG−ON” mode while the engine is not running:
From “OFF” mode—push the engine switch twice without
depressing the brake pedal.
From “ACC” mode—push the engine switch once without
depressing the brake pedal.
The engine switch indicator light will be illuminated amber if the
engine is not running, and will turn off when the engine is
running.

STARTING AND DRIVING
346If you push the engine switch while the brake pedal is
depressed with the transmission not in “P” or “N”, “IG−ON”
mode is selected with the engine not running.
It is not a malfunction if the needles on all meters and gauges
move slightly when selected in “IG−ON” mode.
NOTICE
Do not leave the engine switch in “IG−ON” mode while
the engine is not running. The battery will be
discharged.
“OFF” mode
G31032
This mode turns the engine and all accessories off.
To select the “OFF” mode from “IG−ON” mode:
If the engine is not running, push the engine switch once
while the brake pedal is not depressed.
If the engine is running, push the engine switch once
regardless of brake pedal position while the vehicle is
completely stopped.
To select the “OFF” mode from “ACC” mode, push the engine
switch twice while the brake pedal is not depressed.
The engine immobilizer is automatically set, the security
indicator light blinks and the engine switch indicator light is
turned off. (For details, see “Engine immobilizer” on page 11.)
The steering wheel can be locked only in this mode.

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
348
G31046
To start the engine in this condition, push the engine
switch again while turning the steering wheel in either
direction as shown in the above illustration.
The steering wheel is unlocked, and the engine will start.
G31047
If the steering lock system is malfunctioning, the above
message appears.
At this time, the master warning light comes on and the engine
switch indicator light blinks amber. The engine will not start.
In this case, contact your Lexus dealer.

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
352
PARKING BRAKE
G31037

1
U.S.A. 2
Canada
To set: Hold the regular brake pedal down with your right
foot. Push down the parking brake pedal with your left
foot.
To release: Hold the regular brake pedal down with your
right foot and push the parking brake pedal with your left
foot. When you lift your left foot, the parking brake pedal
will follow it to the released position.
Before leaving your vehicle, firmly apply the parking brake.
To remind you that the parking brake is set, the parking brake
reminder light in the instrument cluster remains on until you
release the parking brake.The buzzer will remind you to release the parking brake when
the vehicle speed rises above 5 km/h (3mph) with the parking
brake is applied. At this time the master warning light blinks
and the message “PARK BRAKE” appears on the
multi−information display.
CAUTION
Before driving, make sure the parking brake is fully
released and that the parking brake reminder light is off.

STARTING AND DRIVING
355
G31023

1
Power position 2
Normal position
3
Snow position
2. Set the driving pattern selector switch to the normal
position.
Your transmission has a driving pattern selector switch which
allows you to select power, normal or snow mode to suit your
driving condition. For ordinary driving, Lexus recommends
that you use the normal mode to improve fuel economy.
3. For more powerful acceleration and sporty driving, use
the power position.
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.
For snow mode, see “Electronic Throttle Control System”
on page 364.
G31024

1
Brake pedal 2
“D” (Drive) position
4. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the
selector lever to “D”.
Always use the “D” position to improve fuel economy and quiet
driving. Only in this position, shifting into the overdrive gear is
possible. However, while the engine coolant temperature is
low, the transmission will not shift into the overdrive gear even
in the “D” position. (See “(c) Using engine braking” and “(f)
Good driving practice” for exceptions.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while
shifting.

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).