key Lexus IS300 2004 Air Conditioning / LEXUS 2004 IS300 (OM53461U) Manual PDF

STARTING AND DRIVING
256
Normal driving mode
SV31037

Slip indicator light
Leave the system on during the ordinary driving so that it
can operate when needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds just after the vehicle begins to move. This means that
the traction control system is in the self-check mode, but does
not indicate a malfunction.
When the traction control system is operating, the following
conditions occur:
 The system controls the spinning of the rear wheels. At this
time, the slip indicator light blinks.
 You may feel vibration or noise in your vehicle, caused by
operation of the brakes. This indicates the system is functioning properly. The slip indicator light comes on for a few seconds when the
ignition key is turned to ºONº. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on, contact your Lexus
dealer.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
257
Traction control off mode
SV31036
If your wheels get stuck in a ditch when you are driving on
a severe off road and sand, turn off the traction control
system. This system that controls engine performance
interferes with the process of freeing your wheels.
To turn off: Push ºTRAC OFFº switch.
The ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning light will come on.
To turn on: Push ºTRAC OFFº switch once again.
The ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning light will go off.
SV31043
ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning light
This light also warns that there is a problem somewhere in the
traction control system.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to ºONº
and will go off after a few seconds. It will come on again when
you push the ºTRAC OFFº switch to turn off the system.
If the light comes on with the normal driving mode while driving,
the system does not work. However, as conventional braking
operates when applied, there is no problem to continue your
driving.
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:
The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned
to ºONº
 The light remains on after the ignition is turned on.
 The light comes on with the normal driving mode while
driving.
 The light flashes.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
259
SV31037

Slip indicator light
If the vehicle is going to skid during driving , the slip indicator
light blinks and an alarm sounds intermittently. Special care
should be taken while driving.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few seconds when the
ignition key is turned to ºONº. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on, contact your Lexus
dealer.
ºVSCº warning light
SV31042
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in the
vehicle stability control system or traction control system.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to ºONº
and will go off after a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the vehicle stability control
system and traction control system do not work. However, as
conventional braking operates when applied, there is no
problem to continue your driving.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
260In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:

The warning light does not come on after the ignition key is
turned to ºONº.
 The warning light remains on after the ignition key is turned
to ºONº.
 The warning light comes on while driving.
The ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning light will come on when the
ºVSCº warning light comes on even if the ºTRAC OFFº switch
is not pushed.
ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM
The electronic throttle control system always maintains
appropriate engine output in relation to the accelerator
opening in all driving conditions.
SV31038
You can select the snow mode by pushing the ºSNOWº
switch. The ºSNOWº indicator light will come on.
Snow mode: Decreases the engine output to minimize rear
wheel spinning on snowcovered or slippery roads.
To return to the normal mode, push the ºSNOWº switch again.
The ºSNOWº indicator light will go off.
When you turn the ignition switch off in the snow mode, the
mode automatically changes to the normal mode.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
263
ºABSº warning light
SV31014

U.S.A.
SV31031

CANADA
The light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the ºONº
position. If the anti-lock brake system and the brake assist
work properly, the light turns off after a few seconds.
Thereafter, if either of the systems malfunctions, the light
comes on again.
When the ºABSº warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti-lock brake system, the brake
assist system, the traction control system and/or the vehicle
stability control system do not operate, but the brake system
still operates conventionally.
When the ºABSº warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti-lock brake system and/or the
traction
control system do/does not operate so that the wheels
could lock up during a sudden braking or braking on slippery
road surfaces.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates
a malfunction somewhere in the components monitored
by the warning light system. Contact your Lexus dealer
as soon as possible to service the vehicle.
 The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned
to the ºONº position, or remains on.
 The light comes on while you are driving.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not
indicate a problem.
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DRIVING TIPS
273
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 traffic 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.
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SECTION 4
279
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
In case of an emergency
If your engine stalls while driving280
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If you cannot increase the engine speed 280
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If your vehicle will not start 281
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If your vehicle overheats 285
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If you have a flat tire 286
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If your vehicle becomes stuck 298
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If your vehicle needs to be towed 299
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If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever 304
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If you lose your keys or lock yourself out 305
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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
280
IF YOUR ENGINE STALLS WHILEDRIVING
If your engine stalls while driving . . . .
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line.
Move cautiously off the road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Try starting the engine again.
If the engine will not start, see ºIf your vehicle will not startº\
.
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the
brakes and steering will not work, so steering and
braking will be much harder than usual.
IF YOU CANNOT INCREASE THEENGINE SPEED
If 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 you vehicle at low speeds. Have your
vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Even if the abnorma lity 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.
CAUTION
Be especially careful to prevent erroneous pedal
operation.
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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
281
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 237 and that you have sufficient fuel. Since
your vehicle is equipped with the engine immobilizer 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, there may be a
malfunction in the immobilizer system. 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.)
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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
282
(b) Starting a flooded engine
If the engine will not start, your engine may be flooded
because of repeated cranking.
If this happens, turn the key to ºSTARTº with the accelerator
pedal fully depressed. Continue this operation for 30 seconds
and then stop cranking. Then try starting the engine with your
foot off the accelerator pedal.
If the engine does not start after 30 seconds of cranking,
release the key, wait a few minutes and try again.
If 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 crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may overheat the starter and wiring systems.
(c) Jump starting
To avoid serious personal injury and damage to your
vehicle which might result from battery explosion, acid
burns, electrical burns, or damaged electronic
components, these instructions must be followed
precisely.
If you are unsure about how to follow this procedure, we
strongly recommend that you seek help from your Lexus
dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service Assistance.
(See ºForewordº.)
CAUTION
 Batteries contain sulfuric acid which is poisonous
and corrosive. Wear protective safety glasses when
jump starting, and avoid spilling acid on your skin,
clothing, or vehicle.
 If you should accidentally get acid on yourself or in
your eyes, remove any contaminated clothing and
flush the affected area with water immediately. Then
get immediate medical attention. If possible,
continue to apply water with a sponge or cloth while
en route to the medical office.
 The gas normally produced by a battery will explode
if a flame or spark is brought near. Use only
standardized jumper cables and do not smoke or
light a match while jump starting.
03 07.09