engine Lexus IS300 2003 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 IS300 (OM53439U) User Guide

KEYS AND DOORS
11
11R055
When starting the engine, do not use the key withother transponder keys around (including the flat key
and keys of other vehicles) and do not press other key plates against the key grip. Otherwise the enginemay not start, or may stop soon after it starts. If thishappens, remove the key once and then insert itagain after taking off other transponder keys
(including the flat key and keys of other vehicles)from the ring or while gripping or covering them with
your hand to start the engine.
SV11019
Do not bend the key grip or flat key.
Do not cover the key grip or flat key with any material that cuts off electromagnetic waves.
Do not knock the key or flat key hard against otherobjects.
Do not leave the key or flat key exposed to hightemperatures for a long period, such as on the
dashboard and hood under the direct sunlight.
Do not put the key or flat key in water or wash it in anultrasonic washer.
Do not use the key or flat key with electromagneticmaterials.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

KEYS AND DOORS
12
ENGINE IMMOBILISER SYSTEM
SV11007
The engine immobiliser system is a theft prevention
system. When you insert the key in the ignition switch, the
transponder chip in the key's head transmits an electronic
code to the vehicle. The engine will start only when the
electronic code in the chip corresponds to the registered
ID code for the vehicle.
The system is automatically set when the key is removed from
the ignition switch. At this time, the security indicator light
flashes. When you insert the key in the ignition switch, the
security indicator light goes out and the system is canceled
automatically, which enables the engine to start.
For your Lexus dealer to make you a new key with built±in
transponder chip, your dealer will need your key number and
master key or the flat key. However, there is a limit to the
number of additional keys your Lexus dealer can make for you. The transponder chip of the flat key is in its key case. You can
cancel the engine immobiliser system using the flat key. (For
details, see ºFlat keyº on page 9.)
If you make your own duplicate key, you will not be able
to cancel the system or start the engine.
For vehicles sold in U.S.A.
FCC ID: MOZ RI±4ATY
MADE IN JAPAN
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
CAUTION
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by
the party responsible for compliance could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

SWITCHES
29
Daytime Running Light System
The headlights turn on at reduced intensity when the parking
brake is released with the engine started, even with the light
switch in the ºOFFº position. They will not go off until the
ignition switch is turned off.
To turn on the other exterior lights and instrument panel lights,
twist the knob to the first clickstop.
Twist
the knob to the second clickstop to turn on the headlights
to full intensity for driving at night.
When setting the knob to the third clickstop (ºAUTOº), the
headlights will automatically adjust to full intensity and/or turn
on the other lights depending on the darkness of the
surroundings. Likewise, as the surroundings become brighter,
the headlights will turn to reduced intensity, ultimately turning
off the other lights.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when theengine is not running.
Automatic headlight leveling system
SV12022
The headlight beam level is always maintained automatically
at the proper level in all loading conditions so that your
headlights do not dazzle other road users.
If this system fails, the warning light in the instrument cluster
comes on. If this occurs, have your vehicle checked by Lexus
dealer.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

SWITCHES
37
CAUTION
To avoid serious personal injury, you must do the
following.
Before you close the power windows, always make
sure there is nobody around the power windows. You
must also make sure the heads, hands and other
parts of the bodies of all occupants are kept
completely inside the vehicle. If someone's neck,
head or hands get caught in a closing window, it
could result in a serious injury. When anyone closes
the power windows, make sure he or she operates the
windows safely.
 When small children are in the vehicle, never let them
use the power window switches without supervision.
Use the window lock switch to prevent them from
making unexpected use of the switches.
 Never leave small children alone in the vehicle,
especially with the ignition key still inserted. They
could use the power window switches and get
trapped in a window. Unattended children can be
involved in serious accidents.
 Never try jamming any part of your body to make the
jam protection function work intentionally.
 The jam protection function may not work if
something gets caught just before the window fully
closed.
EMERGENCY FLASHER SWITCH
SV12023
To turn on the emergency flashers, push the switch.
All the turn signal lights will flash. The emergency flashers will
work with the engine running or off and with or without the
ignition key.
Turn on the emergency flashers to warn other drivers if you
must stop your vehicle where it might be a traffic hazard.
Always pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible.
The turn signal light switch will not work when the emergency
flashers are in operation.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not
leave the switch on longer than necessary when theengine is not running.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

SWITCHES
38
SEAT HEATER SWITCHES
SV12006

1For driver's seat 2For front passenger's seat
There is a heater switch for each front seat. Push these
switches to turn the respective seat heater on, and push
the switches again to turn them off.
The ignition key must be in the ºONº position.
When the seat heater switch is on, the indicator on the right
side of the switch will come on.
CAUTION
Occupants must use caution when operating the seat
heater because they may experience minor burns even
at low temperatures. Use extra caution for;
Babies, sm all children, elderly persons, sick persons
or handicapped persons
 Persons who have delicate skin
 Persons who are exhausted
 Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs which
induce sleep (sleeping drug, cold remedy, etc.).
To prevent the seat from overheating, do not use the
seat heater with a blanket, cushion, or other insulating
objects which cover the seat.
NOTICE
Do not put unevenly weighted objects on the seat and do not stick sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.) intothe seat.
When cleaning the seats, do not use organicsubstances (paint thinner, benzine, alcohol,gasoline, etc.). They may damage the heater and seat
surface.
To prevent the battery from being discharged, turn the switches off when the engine is not running.
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
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
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)