stop start Lexus IS300 2003 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 IS300 OWNER'S MANUAL (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)

KEYS AND DOORS
10
NOTICE
Do not let the key case become bent as the key platemay fall out or become bent also.
The flat key is designed for emergency use only. Sodo not use it regularly instead of other master keys.11L021-2
When using a key containing a transponder chip,observe the following precautions:
When starting the engine, do not use the key with akey ring resting on the key grip and do not press thekey ring against the key grip. Otherwise the enginemay not start, or may stop soon after it starts.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

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)

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)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
47
(b) Driver's Seat Belt Reminder Light andBuzzer
This light and buzzer remind you to buckle up the driver's seat
belt.
Once the ignition key is turned to ºONº or ºSTARTº, the
reminder light flashes and buzzer sounds if the driver's seat
belt is not fastened. Unless the driver fastens the belt, the light
stays flashing and the buzzer stops after about 4 to 8 seconds.
(c) Front Passenger's Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light reminds you to buckle up the front passenger's seat
belt.
Once the ignition key is turned to ºONº or ºSTARTº, the
reminder light flashes if a passenger sits in the front passenger
seat and does not fasten the seat belt. Unless the front
passenger fastens the belt, the light stays flashing. However,
if a front passenger uses an additional seat cushion, the light
may not flash even when the seat belt is not buckled up.
If luggage load is placed on the front passenger seat,
depending on its weight and how it is placed on the seat,
built±in sensors in the seat cushion may detect the pressure,
causing the reminder light to come on.
(d) SRS Warning Light
The indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned to
the ºACCº or ºONº position. It goes off after about 6
seconds. This means the SRS airbags and front seat belt
pretensioners are operating properly.
The SRS warning light system monitors the airbag sensor
assembly, front airbag sensors, side and curtain shield airbag
sensors, front seat belt pretensioner assemblies, inflators,
warning light, interconnecting wiring and power sources.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a
malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the warning
light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible
to service the vehicle.
 When the ignition key is turned to the ºACCº or ºONº
position, the light does not come on, remains on or flashes.
 The light comes on or starts flashing while driving.
If the light stays on, it indicates that the driver and front
passenger airbags fail. If the light flashes, the side and curtain
shield airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners fail.
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)

THEFT DETERRENT
177
2. Close and lock all the doors, trunk and hood using an
ignition key or wireless remote control.
The flashing indicator light will remain on when all the doors,
trunk and hood are closed and locked.
3. After 30 seconds, the indicator starts flashing and the
system is set.
Cancelling the system
When you unlock any door or trunk using an ignition key
or wireless remote control, the system is cancelled.
Activating the system
The alarm sounds for 60 seconds if any of the following are
operated:

Unlocking any door or trunk without using an ignition key or
wireless remote control.
 Opening the hood forcibly.
 Reconnecting the battery.
If any door is unlocked and the ignition key is not in the ignition
switch during the alarm sounding, its door is automatically
locked.
To stop the alarm: Use either of the following methods.
 Unlock the door or trunk using an ignition key or wireless
remote control.
 Turn the ignition switch on.
Testing the system
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the system as described above.
The front doors should be locked with the ignition key or
wireless remote control. Be sure to wait until the indicator light
starts flashing.
3. Unlock one of the doors from the inside.
The system should activate the alarm.
4. Unlock any of the doors with a key or the wireless
remote control to cancel the system.
5. Repeat this operation for the other doors and hood.
When testing the hood, also check that the system is activated
when the battery terminal is disconnected and then
reconnected.
If the system does not work properly, have it checked by your
Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
Disconnecting the battery may result in the erasure of information you have set in the computer memory. After
reconnecting the battery, check that the memorized data has been retained. If it has been erased, input it into
the computer once more.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

AUDIO
208If no messages have been stored, or if there are no more
messages to be recalled, ºNO MSG STOREDº will appear on
the display, and the message display will be canceled. The
display then returns to show the program service name. The
message display will be canceled if you activate any function
that affects the display.
Message display can be canceled by pressing any of the
following buttons:
ºAMº, ºFMº, ºCDº, ºTAPEº, ºLOADº, ºSEEKº, ºTUNEº, any
preset, º
SCANº, any audio control, ºRDSº, or ºº. If the
current station is not a traffic program and traffic
announcements is off, pushing ºTRAFº will cancel the display.
The message will be canceled after the entire message has
been displayed.
(g) ºALERTº display
The alert program type sends emergency alert messages. The
radio will receive alert messages if it is on and tuned to an RDS
station, or if the previous station was an RDS station. If the
radio receives an alert announcement, it will interrupt the
previous mode, display ºALERTº .
Cassette tape player operation
(a) Playing a cassette tape
SV22058
When you insert a cassette tape, the exposed tape should
face to the right.
The player will automatically start when you insert a cassette
tape. At this time, ºPLAYº appears on the display.
If a metal or chrome equivalent cassette tape is put in the
cassette player, the player will automatically adapt to it and
ºMTLº appears on the display.
To stop or eject the cassette tape, push the ºEJECTº button.
Auto±reverse feature: After the cassette player reaches the
end of a tape, it automatically reverses and begins to play the
other side, regardless of whether the cassette was playing or
fast forwarding.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

STARTING AND DRIVING
237
(e) Backing up
SV31025

1Brake pedal 2ºRº (Reverse) position
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the
selector lever to the ºRº position.
NOTICE
Never shift into reverse while the vehicle is moving.
(f) Parking
SV31026

1Brake pedal 2Parking brake lever
3ºPº (Park) position
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Pull the parking brake lever up fully to securely apply the
parking brake.
3. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the
selector lever to the ºPº position.
CAUTION
Never attempt to move the selector lever into ºPº under
any circumstances while the vehicle is moving. Serious
mechanical damage and loss of vehicle control may
result.
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)