service Lexus IS300 2003 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 IS300 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM53439U)

1.
FOREWORD
i
Congratulations on your selection of this Lexus. In Lexus vehicles we ha\
ve invested all our engineering and design resources; a
ll
the know± how we have gained in over 60 years of making automobiles; the\
highest motivation of our most talented employees; and
our tradition of incessant striving toward ever greater quality.
This Owner's Manual explains the features of your new Lexus. Please read it and fol\
low the instructions carefully so that you can
enjoy many years of safe motoring.
When it comes to service, remember that your Lexus dealer knows your vehicle bes\
t and is interested in your complete satisfaction.
Your Lexus dealer will provide quality maintenance and any other assistan\
ce you may require.
If there is not a Lexus dealer near you, or you need emergency assistanc\
e for any reason, please call the following number:
U.S. OWNERS

When traveling in the U.S. mainland or Canada:
Lexus Roadside Assistance 1±800±25±LEXUS (Toll±Free)
(1±800±255±3987)

HAWAII:
Lexus Customer Service Assistance 1±800±25±LEXUS (Toll±Free)
(1±800±255±3987)
CANADIAN OWNERS
When traveling in Canada or the U.S. mainland:
Lexus Roadside Assistance/Customer Service 1±800±26±LEXUS (Toll±Free)
(1±800±265±3987)
Please leave this Owner's Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next owner will nee\
d this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time o\
f printing. However, because of the Lexus policy
of continual product improvement, we reserve the right to make changes a\
t any time without notice.
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equi\
pment, including options. Therefore, you may find
some explanations for equipment not installed on your vehicle.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

2.
INTRODUCTION
ii
New vehicle warranty
Your new vehicle is covered by the following Lexus limited
warranties:

New vehicle warranty

Emission control systems warranty

Others
For further information, please refer to the ºOwner's Guideº,
ºOwner's Manual Supplementº or ºWarranty Bookletº.
Your responsibility for maintenance
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure the specified
maintenance is performed. Section 5 of this Owner's Manual
gives details of these maintenance requirements. Included in
Section 6 is general maintenance. For scheduled
maintenance information, pl ease refer to the ºOwner's Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenanceº.
Accessories, spare parts and modification of
your Lexus
A wide variety of non±genuine spare parts and accessories for
Lexus vehicles are currently available in the market. You
should know that Toyota does not warrant these products and
is not responsible for their performance, repair, or
replacement, or for any damage they may cause to, or adverse
effect they may have on, your Lexus vehicle. This vehicle should not be modified with non±genuine Lexus
products. Modification with non±genuine Lexus products
could af
fect its performance, safety or durability, and may even
violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or
performance problems re sulting from the modification may not
be covered under warranty.
Spark ignition system of your Lexus
The spark ignition system in your Lexus meets all
requirements of the Canadian Interference±Causing
Equipment Standard.
Installation of a mobile two±way radio system
As the installation of a mobile two±way radio system in your
vehicle could affect electronic systems such as the multiport
fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel injection system,
cruise control system, anti±lock brake system, SRS airbag
system and seat belt pretensioner system, be sure to check
with your Lexus dealer for precautionary measures or special
instructions regarding installation.
Scrapping of your Lexus
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your
Lexus contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped
with the airbags and seat belt pretensioners left as they are,
this may cause an accident such as fire. Be sure to have the
systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner removed
and disposed of by a qualified service shop or by your Lexus
dealer before you scrap your vehicle.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

3.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
iii
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
The contents of this manual are explained briefly on this
page to help you make the best use of the manual. Please
read this page and the rest of the Owner's Manual
carefully to make sure you fully understand the operation
of your vehicle.
This will help you enjoy safe and comfortable driving.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The table of contents and the pictorial index provide easy
reference to the appropriate pages.
BASIC OPERATION ± QUICK REFERENCE
Operation of basic equipment is briefly explained in an easily
understandable way for quick reference.
SECTION 1 ± INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
The vehicle's equipment is divided into the 7 groups listed
below. Use of the equipment is explained, including any points
you should pay particular attention to.
1. Keys and doors
2. Switches
3. Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators
4. Interior equipment
5. Exterior equipment
6. Comfort adjustment
7. Theft deterrent
SECTION 2 ± AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
The features of the vehicle's air conditioning and audio are
explained in detail. Be sure to read this section so that you can
make full use of them.
SECTION 3 ± STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting the engine, driving, stopping, operation of features
affecting vehicle handling, hints on vehicle safety and safe
driving techniques are all explained. Please read everything
in this section, and remember ± drive safely!
SECTION 4 ± IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
This section explains what to do in the event of an urgent
situation such as the engine not starting or getting a flat tire,
etc. If such a problem occurs, check the contents of this
Owner's Manual and follow the instructions given.
SECTION 5 ± MAINTENANCE
This section explains the importance of regular maintenance.
Regular and periodic inspection and maintenance of your
Lexus will help to keep your vehicle in its best condition.
SECTION 6 ± SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Simple maintenance procedure and service data are provided
here for your reference should you wish to perform inspection
and maintenance yourself.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

SECTION 1 ± 3
39
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators
Fuel gauge40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Momentary fuel consumption meter 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Odometer and trip meter 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel light control 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
40
FUEL GAUGE
SV13017

Low fuel level warning light
The gauge indicates the approximate quantity of the fuel
remaining in the tank when the ignition switch is on.
It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4 full.
If the fuel level approaches ºEº or the low fuel level warning light\
comes on, fill the fuel tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the tank,
the fuel gauge needle may fluctuate or the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than usual.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the malfunction indicator
lamp comes on. Fill the fuel tank immediately.The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times. If the
indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible.
See the inner back cover for fuel capacity and recommended
fuel selection.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
41
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATUREGAUGE
SV13012

Normal range
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature when
the ignition switch is on. The engine operating
temperature will vary with changes in weather and engine
load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your vehicle
and allow the engine to cool.
Your vehicle may overheat during severe operating conditions,
such as:
 Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
 Reducing speed or stopping after high speed driving.
 Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in
stop±and±go traffic.
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in the engine cooling
system as this may cause the engine to overheat. Thethermostat is designed to control the flow of coolantto keep the temperature of the engine within thespecified operating range.
Do not continue driving with an overheated engine.See ºIf your vehicle overheatsº on page 271.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
42
VOLTMETER
SV13021

1Discharge warning light 2Normal range
The voltmeter tells whether the battery is charged or
discharged. Check it while the engine is running ± the
needle should always indicate as shown above.
If the needle reads below or above the normal range while the
engine is running, it indicates that the charging system needs
immediate repair.
However, it is normal for the needle to drop below the normal
range during engine starting.
MOMENTARY FUEL CONSUMPTIONMETER
SV13018

Vehicles sold in U.S.A.
SV13020

Vehicles sold in Canada
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
43
The momentary fuel consumption is calculated and
indicated based on the driving distance and the fuel
consumption with the engine running.
If you are driving at low speeds just before stopping, the
accurate figure may not be shown.
TACHOMETER
SV13016
The tachometer indicates engine speed in thousands of
rpm (revolutions per minute). Use it while driving to
prevent engine over±revving.
Driving with the engine running too fast causes excessive
engine wear and poor fuel economy. Remember, in most
cases the slower the engine speed, the greater the fuel
economy.
NOTICE
Do not let the indicator needle get into the red zone. This
may cause severe engine damage.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
44
ODOMETER AND TRIP METER
SV13015
This meter displays the odometer and two trip meters. To
change the mode indication, push the ºODO/TRIPº knob
briefly. Each time you push the knob, the mode changes
in order from the odometer to trip meter A to trip meter B,
then back to the odometer, etc.
The odometer records the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. The twin trip meter records two different
distances independently.
For example, you can use one meter to calculate the fuel
economy and the other to measure the distance on each trip.
To set A trip meter to zero, display the A meter reading,
push the knob and hold it. The same applies for the B trip
meter.
The data of trip meters will be cancelled if the electrical power
source is disconnected.
SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS AND WARNING BUZZERS
IF THIS INDICATOR OR
BUZZER COMES ON ...DO THIS.
(a)or
If parking brake is off,
stop immediately and
contact Lexus dealer.
(b)
( Indicator and buzzer)
Fasten driver's seat
belt
(c)Fasten front
passenger's seat belt.
(d)Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer immediately.
(e)Stop and check.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
45
IF THIS INDICATOR OR
BUZZER COMES ON ...
DO THIS.
(f)Stop and check.
(g)Add engine oil.
(h)or
Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
(i)or
Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
If brake system
warning light is also
on, stop immediately
and contact Lexus
dealer.
(j)Close all doors.
IF THIS INDICATOR ORBUZZER COMES ON ...DO THIS.
(k)Replace bulb.
(l)Low fuel level
warning lightFill up tank.
(m)Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
(n)Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
(o)Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
(p)Key reminder buzzerRemove key.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)