steering Lexus IS300 2002 Electrical Components / LEXUS 2002 IS300 SEDAN (OM9997X) User Guide

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
101
SV16066
Do not attach a cup holder or any other device or
object on or around the door. When the side airbag
inflates, the cup holder or any other device or object
will be thrown with great force, or the side airbag may
not activate correctly, resulting in death or serious
injury. Likewise, the driver and front passenger
should not hold objects in their arms or on their
knees.
Do not use seat accessories which cover the parts
where the side airbags inflate. Such accessories may
prevent the side airbags from activating correctly,
causing death or serious injury.
 Do not modify or remove any wiring. Do not modify,
remove, strike or open any components, such as the
steering wheel pad, steering wheel, column cover,
front passenger airbag cover, front seats or airbag
sensor assembly. Doing so may cause sudden SRS
front airbag inflation or disable the system, which
could result in death or serious injury.
 Do not modify or replace the seats or the upholstery
of front seats with side airbags. Such changes may
disable the system or cause the side airbags to inflate
accidentally, resulting in death or serious injury.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death
or serious injury. Consult your Lexus dealer if you insist
on modifications of this kind.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
102
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following changes withoutconsulting your Lexus dealer. Such changes caninterfere with proper operation of the SRS airbagsystem in some cases.
Installation of electronic devices such as a mobiletwo±way radio, cassette tape player or compact disc
player.
Modification of the suspension system.
Modification of the front end structure and side structure of the passenger compartment.
Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, kangaroo bar,etc.), snowplow, winches or any other equipment tothe front end.
Repairs made on or near the front fenders, front endstructure, console, steering column, steering wheel,dashboard near the front passenger airbag or frontseats.
SV16061
This SRS front airbag system has an indicator to inform the
driver of operating problems. If either of the following
conditions occurs, this indicates a malfunction of the airbags.
Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible to service the
vehicle.
 When the ignition key is turned to the ºACCº or ºONº
position, the light does not come on, stays on or flashes.
 The light comes on or starts flashing while driving.
If the light stays on, it indicates that the driver and front
passenger airbags fail. If the light flashes, the side airbags fail.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
103
SV16067
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible:
Any of the SRS airbags have been inflated.
 The front of the vehicle and portion of the doors (shaded in
the illustration) were involved in an accident that was not
severe enough to cause the SRS airbags to inflate. 
The surface of the seats with the side airbags or the pad
section of the steering wheel or front passenger airbag
cover (shaded in the illustration) is scratched, cracked, or
otherwise damaged.
NOTICE
Do not disconnect the battery cables before contacting
your Lexus dealer.

SECTION 3 ± 1
163
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converter164
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 165
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 166
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 167
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
How to start the engine 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 169
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic throttle control system 179
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 180
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Traction control system 183
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 184
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Brake pad wear indicators 188
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 188
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . Limited ±slip differential
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

STARTING AND DRIVING
166
To allow proper operation of your vehicle's
ventilation system, keep the inlet grilles in front of the
windshield clear of snow, leaves, or other
obstructions.
 If you smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle, drive with
the windows open and the trunk lid closed. Have the
cause immediately located and corrected.BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, 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 turning the key to ºONº, and check the fuel
gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.

STARTING AND DRIVING
167
IGNITION SWITCH WITH STEERINGLOCK
SS31002
ºSTARTº ± Starter motor on. The key will return to the
ºONº position when released.
For starting tips, see page 168.
ºONº ± Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the ºONº position if the engine
is not running. The battery will discharge and theelectronic ignition system could be damaged.
ºACCº ± Accessories such as the radio operate, but the
engine is off. If you leave the key in the ºACCº or ºLOCKº position and open
the driver's door, a buzzer will remind you to remove the key.*
NOTE: *The volume or interval of beep sound can be
changed. Ask your Lexus dealer for details.
SS31003
ºLOCKº ± Engine is off and the steering wheel is locked.
The ignition key can be removed only at this position.
To turn the key from ºACCº to the ºLOCKº position you must put\
the transmission selector lever in the ºPº position and you must
push in the key.
Once you remove the key, the engine immobiliser system is
automatically set. See ºEngine immobiliser systemº on page
10.
When starting the engine, the key may seem stuck at the
ºLOCKº position. To free it, first be sure the key is pushed all
the way in, and then rock the steering wheel slightly while
turning the key gently.
If, in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the
vehicle is moving, turn the key only to ºACCº.

STARTING AND DRIVING
173
(b) Driving in M mode
If the change lever is shifted to M position, the shift range
position can be switched over between D and 2 using the
shift switch on the steering wheel instead of operating the
change lever. The first shift range position is on D when
the change lever is shifted to M position.
SV31024

1ºMº position
When the selector lever is put in the ºMº position, the M MODE
indicator is shown on the instrument cluster.
SV31028

2Downshifting on the front, Upshifting on the rear
5: Fifth range
The most suitable gear is selected automatically
between first and fifth gears according to the vehicle
speed or the running condition.
4: Forth range The most suitable gear is selected automatically
between first and fourth gears according to the vehicle
speed or the running condition.

STARTING AND DRIVING
1743: Third range
The most suitable gear is selected automatically
between first and third gears according to the vehicle
speed or the running condition.
Slight engine braking will be obtained on a downhill
road.
Smooth running with less shifting will be obtained on an
uphill.
2: Second range First or second gear will be selected automatically
according to the vehicle speed or the running condition.
This range is used in the case that the engine braking is
necessary.
The gear position being used is shown on the instrument
cluster.
Each time you push the switch located on the front of the
steering wheel, the transmission downshifts (from º5º) to º4º\
,
º3º and then º2º.
When you push the switch located on the back of the steering
wheel, the transmission upshifts to º3º, º4º and then º5º\
.
For the precautions on each position, see the description on
the next page. Warning tone sounds twice in any of the following cases:

You attempt to downshift the transmission when it is not
possible to downshift due to the high vehicle speed.
 You attempt to downshift from º2º position.
 You attempt to upshift from º5º position.
If the ºMº indicator flashes, there is a problem somewhere
in the system. In this case, it should be noted that you
cannot downshift or upshift the transmission using the
switches on the steering wheel. Consult with your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible. The transmission works
exactly in the same way as when you put the selector lever
in the ºDº position.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface.
The abrupt change in engine speed could cause the
vehicle to spin or skid.

STARTING AND DRIVING
185
Anti±lock brake system
The anti±lock brake system is designed to automatically
help prevent lock±up of the wheels during a sudden
braking or braking on slippery road surfaces. This assists
in providing directional stability and steering
performance of the vehicle under these circumstances.
Effective way to press the ABS brake pedal: When the
anti±lock brake system function is in action, you may feel the
brake pedal pulsating and hear a noise. In this situation, to
let the anti±lock brake system work for you, just hold the
brake pedal down more firmly. Do not pump the brake in a
panic stop. This will result in reduced braking performance.
The anti±lock brake system becomes operative after the
vehicle has accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately
10 km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the vehicle
decelerates to a speed below approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
Depressing the brake pedal on slippery road surfaces such as
on the manhole cover, the steel plate under the construction,
joints in the bridge, etc. on a rainy day tends to activate the
anti±lock brake system.
You may hear a click or motor sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the engine is started or
just after the vehicle is started. This means that the anti±lock
brake system is in the self±check mode, and does not indicate
a malfunction.
When the anti±lock brake system is activated, the
following conditions may occur. They do not indicate a
malfunction of the system: 
You may hear the anti±lock brake system operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsating and the vibrations of the vehicle
body and steering wheel. You may also hear the motor
sound in the engine compartment even after the vehicle is
stopped.
 At the end of the anti±lock brake system activation, the
brake pedal may move a little forward.
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the anti±lock brake system:
Although the anti±lock brake system assists in
providing vehicle control, it is still important to drive
with all due care and maintain a moderate speed and
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, because
there are limits to the vehicle stability and effectiveness
of steering wheel operation even with the anti±lock
brake system on.
If tires grip performance exceeds its capability, or if
hydroplaning occurs during high speed driving in the
rain, the anti±lock brake system does not provide
vehicle control.
Anti±lock brake system is not designed to shorten the
stopping distance: Always drive at the moderate speed
and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Compared with vehicles without an anti±lock
brake system, your vehicle may require a longer
stopping distance in the following cases:

DRIVING TIPS
194
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have a proper freeze protection of engine
coolant.
Your coolant must contain ethylene±glycol type coolant for a
proper corrosion protection of aluminum components. Use
ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent. See ºChecking the
engine coolant levelº on page 245 for instructions.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
When it is extremely cold, we recommend to use 60% solution
for your Lexus, to provide protection down to about ±50C
(±58 F). Do not use more than 70% solution for better coolant
performance.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter
starting. Page 268 tells you how to visually inspect the battery.
Your Lexus dealer and most service stations will be pleased to
check the battery charge level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
See page 244 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy
summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Lexus dealer ± they will be pleased to help. Check the electronic ignition system for loose
connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt
lock de±icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto
parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute because it may damage your vehicle's paint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility
it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ºPº and block the front
wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water
accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism may
freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering
difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.