engine overheat Lexus IS300 2003 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 IS300 OWNER'S MANUAL (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)

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)

STARTING AND DRIVING
224
THREE±WAY CATALYTICCONVERTER
SV31040
Three±way catalytic converters are emission control
devices installed in the exhaust system.
It looks somewhat like a muffler, but its purpose is to reduce
pollutants in the exhaust gas.
CAUTION
Keep people and combustible materials away from
the exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The
exhaust gas is very hot.
 Do not drive, idle or park your vehicle over anything
that might burn easily such as grass, leaves, paper or
rags.
NOTICE
A large amount of unburned gases flowing into the three±way catalytic converter may cause it to overheatand create a fire hazard. To prevent this and otherdamage, observe the following precautions:
Use only unleaded gasoline.
Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level; runningout of fuel could cause the engine to misfire, creatingan excessive load on the three±way catalyticconverter.
Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed for morethan 20 minutes.
Avoid racing the engine.
Do not push±start or pull±start your vehicle.
Do not turn off the ignition while the vehicle ismoving.
Keep your engine in good running order.Malfunctions in the engine electrical system,electronic ignition system or fuel system could cause
an extremely high three±way catalytic converter temperature.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stallsfrequently, take your vehicle in for a check±up assoon as possible. Remember, your Lexus dealer
knows your vehicle and its three±way catalyticconverter system best.
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
236
3Shift into the º2º position. The transmission will downshift
to second gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes
lower than the speed listed below and stronger engine
braking than that of º3º position will be obtained.
4Shift into the ºLº position. The transmission will downshift
to first gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower
than the speed listed below and maximum engine braking
will be enabled.
º4º 177 km/h (110 mph)
º3º 123 km/h (76 mph)
º2º 81 km/h (51 mph)
ºLº 17 km/h (11 mph)
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface.
The abrupt change in engine speed could cause the
vehicle to spin or skid.
(d) Using the º3º, º2º and ºLº positions
The º3º, º2º and ºLº positions are used for strong eng\
ine
braking as described previously.
With the selector lever in º3º, º2º or ºLº, you can start t\
he vehicle
in motion as with the lever in ºDº.
With the selector lever in º3º or º2º, the vehicle will star\
t in the
first gear and automatically shift to third or second gear.
With the selector lever in ºLº, the transmission is engaged in
the first gear.
NOTICE
Be careful not to over±rev the engine. Watch the tachometer to keep engine rpm from going into thered zone. The approximate maximum allowablespeed for each position is given below for yourreference:
º3º 124 km/h (78 mph)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
º2º 81 km/h (51 mph)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ºLº 52 km/h (33 mph)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long
time in the º3º, º2º or ºLº position. This may causesevere automatic transmission damage from
overheating. To prevent such damage, º4º positionshould be used in hill climbing or hard towing.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

STARTING AND DRIVING
238
(g) Good driving practice
If the transmission repeatedly shifts up and down between the
fourth and overdrive gears when climbing a gentle slope, shift
the selector lever to the ºMº position and select the fourth gear
by pushing the transmission switch. Be sure to shift the
selector lever to the ºDº position after climbing the slope.
CAUTION
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped
with the engine running. This prevents the vehicle from
creeping.
NOTICE
Always use the brake pedal or the parking brake to hold
the vehicle on an upgrade. Do not attempt to hold the vehicle using the accelerator pedal, as this can causethe transmission to overheat.
(h) If you cannot shift the selector
If you cannot shift the selector lever even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override button. For
instructions, see ºIf you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector leverº on page 289.
(i) If the ºECT PWRº indicator light flashes
If the ºECT PWRº indicator light flashes, contact your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible. There may be trouble in the
transmission system.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

DRIVING TIPS
259
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VARIOUSCONDITIONS

Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you
much better control.

Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle.
Avoid driving onto high, sharp±edged objects and other
road hazards. Failure to do so can lead to severe tire
damage resulting in tire bursts.
Drive slowly when passing over bumps or travelling on a
bumpy road. Otherwise, the impact could cause severe
damage to the tires and/or wheels.

When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch
the curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking
brake, and place the transmission in ºPº (automatic) or in
first or reverse (manual). If necessary, block the wheels.

Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get
the brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you and then press the pedal lightly.
If you do not feel a normal braking force, the brakes are
probably wet. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously while
lightly pressing the brake pedal with the parking brake
applied. If they still do not work safely, pull to the side of the
road and call a Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION

Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is
fully released and that the parking brake reminder
light is off.

Do not leave your vehicle unattended while the
engine is running.

Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear,
and poor fuel economy.

To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed
and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and not work
properly. See page 235.

Be careful when accelerating, upshifting,
downshifting or braking on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed, such as sudden
acceleration or engine braking, could cause the
vehicle to spin or skid.

Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the
legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140 km/h
(85 mph) unless your vehicle has high±speed
capability tires. Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may
result in tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine
whether the tires on your vehicle are high±speed
capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

DRIVING TIPS
263
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKEYOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Improving fuel economy is easy ± just take it easy. It will help
make your vehicle last longer, too. Here are some specific tips
on how to save money on both fuel and repairs:

Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. Check
the pressure every two weeks, or at least once a month.
Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel.

Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess
weight puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater
fuel consumption.

Avoid lengthy warm±up idling. Once the engine is
running smoothly, begin driving ± but gently. Remember,
however, that on cold winter days this may take a little
longer.

Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts.

Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait and you
are not in traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start
again later.

Avoid engine over±revving. Use a gear position suitable
for the road on which you are traveling.

Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing down.
Stop±and±go driving wastes fuel.

Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking. Maintain a
steady pace. Try to time the traf fic signals so you only need
to stop as little as possible or take advantage of through
streets to avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper distance from
other vehicles to avoid sudden braking. This will also
reduce wear on your brakes.

Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever possible.

Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. This causes
premature wear, overheating and poor fuel economy.

Maintain a moderate speed on highways. The faster you
drive, the greater the fuel consumption. By reducing your
speed, you will cut down on fuel consumption.

Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid hitting
the curb and slow down on rough roads. Improper
alignment not only causes faster tire wear but also puts an
extra load on the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.

Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud, etc.
This not only lessens weight but also helps prevent
corrosion.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

SECTION 4
265
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
In case of an emergency
If your engine stalls while driving266
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot increase the engine speed 266
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 267
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle overheats 271
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 272
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.
If your vehicle becomes stuck 283
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever 289
. . . . . . .
If you lose your keys or lock yourself out 290
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
267
IF YOUR VEHICLE WILL NOTSTART
(a) Simple checks
Before making these checks, make sure you have followed the
correct starting procedure instructions in ºHow to start the
engineº on page 229 and that you have sufficient fuel. Since
your vehicle is equipped with the engine immobiliser system,
also check whether the other keys will start the engine. If they
work, your key may be broken. Have the key checked at your
Lexus dealer. If none of your keys work, the system is possibly
broken. Call your Lexus dealer. See ºKeysº on page 8.
If the engine is not turning over or is turning over too
slowly ±
1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior light.
3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is
cranked, the battery is discharged. You may try jump starting.
See º(c) Jump startingº for further instruction.
If the light is O.K., but the engine still will not start, it needs
adjustment or repair. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside
Assistance or Customer Service Assistance. (See
ºForewordº.)
NOTICE
Do not pull± or push±start the vehicle. It may damage
the vehicle or cause a collision when the engine starts.Also the three±way catalytic converter may overheatand become a fire hazard.
If the engine turns over at its normal speed but will not
start ±
1. The engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking.
See º(b) Starting a flooded engineº for further instructions.
2. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair.
Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer
Service Assistance. (See ºForewordº.)
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)