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

6.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
vi
Page
1Power door lock switch and power window switches 21, 35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Power rear view mirror control switches 107 . . . . . .
3Rear fog light switch 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Headlight cleaner switch 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Headlight, turn signal and fog light
switch 28, 30, 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6Transmission shift switches 234
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Instrument panel light control 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Cruise control switch 241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Wiper and washer switches 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10Ignition switch 227
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Emergency flasher switch 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Outside temperature display/Clock 59
. . . . . . . . . . . .
13Front passenger's seat belt reminder light 47 . . . . . Page
14Automatic air conditioning controls
180
. . . . . . . . . .
15Car audio 194
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Seat heater switches 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17Glove box 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18Parking brake lever 228
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Driving pattern selector switch
(Automatic transmission) 230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20Ashtray 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
21Cigarette lighter 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22Automatic transmission selector lever/
Manual transmission gear shift lever 230, 239 . . . . .
23Traction control system off/Snow mode
switch (Manual transmission) 244 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Hood lock release lever 82
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

8.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viii
Page
1Tachometer43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Headlight high beam indicator light 30
. . . . . . . . . . .
3Low engine oil level warning light 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Vehicle skid control system warning light 51 . . . . . .
5Turn signal indicator lights 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6Cruise control indicator light 241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Momentary fuel consumption meter 42. . . . . . . . . . .
8Voltmeter42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Automatic headlight leveling system warning
light 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
10Engine coolant temperature gauge 41
. . . . . . . . . . . .
11Anti±lock brake system warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . .
12Malfunction indicator lamp 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Fuel gauge 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14Low fuel level warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Odometer and trip meter 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Power mode indicator light 232
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
17Snow mode indicator light
232
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18ODO/TRIP knob 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Automatic transmission indicator lights 230 . . . . . .
20M mode indicator 233
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Gear position indicator for manual control 233 . . . .
22Discharge warning light 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23Rear light failure warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Security indicator light 176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Traction control system
off indicator/warning light 51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26Low engine oil pressure warning light 48
. . . . . . . . .
27Slip indicator light 244
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Brake system warning light 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29SRS warning light 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30Open door warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Driver's seat belt reminder light 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

10.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
x
Page
1Tachometer43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Headlight high beam indicator light 30
. . . . . . . . . . .
3Low engine oil level warning light 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Vehicle skid control system warning light 51 . . . . . .
5Turn signal indicator lights 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6Cruise control indicator light 241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Momentary fuel consumption meter 42. . . . . . . . . . .
8Voltmeter42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Automatic headlight leveling system warning
light 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
10Engine coolant temperature gauge 41
. . . . . . . . . . . .
11Anti±lock brake system warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . .
12Malfunction indicator lamp 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Fuel gauge 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14Low fuel level warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Odometer and trip meter 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Power mode indicator light 232
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
17Snow mode indicator light
232
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18ODO/TRIP knob 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Automatic transmission indicator lights 230 . . . . . .
20M mode indicator 233
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Gear position indicator for manual control 233 . . . .
22Discharge warning light 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23Rear light failure warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Security indicator light 176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Traction control system
off indicator/warning light 51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26Low engine oil pressure warning light 48
. . . . . . . . .
27Slip indicator light 244
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Brake system warning light 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29SRS warning light 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30Open door warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Driver's seat belt reminder light 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

PREFACE
1
QUICK REFERENCE
Basic Operation
Driver's seat2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel 3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\

Headlight and turn signal switch 5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper switch 6
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . .
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

OPERATION OF SELECTOR LEVER
SELECTOR LEVER POSITION
P: Parking, engine starting and key removal position
R: Reverse position
N: Neutral position
D: Normal driving position (Shifting into overdrive
possible)
M: Position for manual shifting up or downshifting
(Shifting into overdrive possible)*
3, 2: Position for more powerful engine braking
L: Position for maximum engine braking
SVBA009
Shift while pressing the brake pedal. (Ignition
switch must be in the ºONº position.)
*:When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift from º5º to º4º\
, engine braking will not be enabled because
the cruise control is not cancelled. For the operation to decrease the \
vehicle speed, see page 243.
SV31020
QUICK REFERENCE
4
3. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
49
(g) Low Engine Oil Level Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil level is too low. Add oil as
soon as possible. (For instructions, see ºChecking the engine
oil levelº on page 315.)
While driving on steep inclines or rough roads which causes
the vehicle to substantially sway or on curves, this light may
come on due to the movement of engine oil in the engine.
In normal conditions, due to engine oil consumption, this light
may come on earlier than the specified service interval of the
scheduled maintenance. This is because the engine oil is
consumed to the low level within the scheduled maintenance
interval and does not indicate a problem. (For detailed
information, see ºFacts about engine oil consumptionº on page
313.)
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oil will damage the engine.
(h) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
ºONº position and goes off after the engine starts. This
means that the warning light system is operating properly.
If the lamp remains on, or the lamp comes on while
driving, first check the followings. 
Empty fuel tank
If the fuel tank is empty, refuel immediately.
 Loose fuel tank cap
If the fuel tank cap is loose, securely tighten it.
These cases are temporary malfunctions. The malfunction
indicator lamp will go off after taking several driving trips.
If the lamp will not go off even after the several trips, contact
your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
If the fuel tank is not empty or the fuel tank cap is not
loose...
 There is a problem somewhere in the engine, emission
control system, electronic throttle control system, automatic
transmission electrical system or warning light system itself.
Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible to service the
vehicle.
If this lamp comes on and the engine speed does not increase
with the accelerator pedal depressed down to about the middle
position, there may be a problem somewhere in your electronic
throttle control system.
At this time, if you depress the accelerator pedal more firmly
and slowly, you can drive your vehicle at low speeds. Have
your Lexus checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Even if the abnormality of the electronic throttle control system
is corrected during low speed driving, the system may not be
recovered until the engine is stopped and the ignition key is
turned to ºACCº or ºLOCKº position.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

SECTION 3 ± 1
223
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converter224
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 225
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 226
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 227
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 228
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
How to start the engine 229
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 230
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission 239
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\

Electronic controlled transmission 240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Traction control system 244
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle skid control system 247
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic throttle control system 249
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 250
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Brake pad wear indicators 254
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 254
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
Limited ±slip differential 255
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

STARTING AND DRIVING
227
IGNITION SWITCH WITH STEERINGLOCK
SS31002
ºSTARTº ± Starter motor on. The key will return to the
ºONº position when released.
For starting tips, see page 229.
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.
Manual transmission: To turn the key from ºACCº to the
ºLOCKº position, you must push in the key.
Automatic transmission: 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
12.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

STARTING AND DRIVING
229
HOW TO START THE ENGINE
Before cranking
1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3.Manual transmission : Press the clutch pedal to the floor
and shift the transmission into neutral. Hold the clutch pedal
to the floor until the engine is started. A starter safety device
will prevent the starter from operating if the clutch pedal is not
fully depressed.
Automatic transmission : Put the selector lever in ºPº. If you
need to restart the engine while the vehicle is moving, put the
selector lever in ºNº. A starter safety device will prevent the
starter from operating if the selector lever is in any drive
position.
4. For automatic transmission only :Depress the brake
pedal and hold it to the floor until driving off.
Starting the engine
Before starting the engine, be sure to follow the instructions in
ºBefore crankingº.
Normal starting procedure
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:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, crank the engine by
turning the key to ºSTARTº. Release it when the engine starts. 2. After the engine runs for about 10 seconds, you are ready
to drive.
If the weather is below freezing, let the engine warm up for a
few minutes before driving. Do not leave the vehicle while the
engine is warming up.
If the engine stalls ...
Simply restart it , using the correct procedure given in normal
starting.
If the engine will not start
See ºIf your vehicle will not startº on page 267.
NOTICE
Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This
may overheat the starter and wiring systems.
Do not race a cold engine.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stallsfrequently, have the engine checked immediately.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

STARTING AND DRIVING
230
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Your automatic transmission has a shift lock system to
minimize the possibility of incorrect operation. This
means you can only shift out of ºPº position when the
brake pedal is depressed with the ignition switch in ºONº
position. ()
SV31020

The shift position is displayed on the instrument
cluster.
P: Parking, engine starting and key removal position
R: Reverse position
N: Neutral position
D: Normal driving position (Shifting into overdrive
possible)
M: Position for manual shifting up or downshifting
When the cruise control is being used, even if you
downshift from º5º to º4º, engine braking will not be
enabled because the cruise control is not cancelled. For
the operation to decrease the vehicle speed, see page
243.
3, 2: Position for more powerful engine braking
L: Position for maximum engine braking
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)