manual 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)

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)

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
228When 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.
CAUTION
For manual transmission:
Never remove the key when the vehicle is moving, as
this will lock the steering wheel and result in loss of
steering control.
PARKING BRAKE
SV31017
To set: Pull up the lever. For better holding power, first
depress the brake pedal and hold it while setting the
parking brake.
To release: Pull up the lever slightly (1) , press the lock
release button (2), and lower (3).
To remind you that the parking brake is set, the parking brake
reminder light in the instrument panel remains on until you
release the parking brake.
CAUTION
Before driving, make sure the parking brake is fully
released
and that the parking brake reminder light is off.
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)

STARTING AND DRIVING
239
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
SV31034
The shift pattern is the conventional pattern shown above.
Press the clutch pedal down fully while shifting, and then
release it slowly. Do not rest your foot on the pedal while
driving, because it will cause clutch trouble. And do not use the
clutch to hold the vehicle when stopped on an uphill grade ±
use the parking brake.
Upshifting too soon or downshifting too late will cause lugging,
and possibly pinging. Regularly revving the engine to
maximum speed in each gear will cause excessive engine
wear and high fuel consumption.
Recommended shifting speeds
The transmission is fully synchronized and upshifting or
downshifting is easy.
For the best compromise between fuel economy and vehicle
performance, you should upshift or downshift at the following
speeds: gear km/h (mph)
1 to 2 or 2 to 1 24 (15)
2 to 3 or 3 to 2 40 (25)
3 to 4 or 4 to 3 64 (40)
4 to 5 or 5 to 4 72 (45)
Downshift to the appropriate gear if acceleration is needed
when you are cruising below the above downshifting speeds.
Upshifting too soon or downshifting too late will cause lugging,
and possibly pinging. Regularly revving the engine to
maximum speed in each gear will cause excessive engine
wear and high fuel consumption.
Maximum allowable speeds
To get on a highway or to pass slower traffic, maximum
acceleration may be necessary. Make sure you observe the
following maximum allowable speeds in each gear: gear km/h (mph)
1 56 (35)
2 98 (61)
3 145 (91)
NOTICE
Do not downshift if you are going faster than the maxi-
mum allowable speed for the next lower gear.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)