manual transmission Lexus IS300 2005 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2005 IS300 (OM53489U) User Guide

STARTING AND DRIVING
238
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 ªPº position when the
brake pedal is depressed with the ignition switch in ªONº
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 ª5º to ª4º, engine braking will not be
enabled because the cruise control is not cancelled. For
the operation to decrease the vehicle speed, see page 251.
3, 2: Position for more powerful engine braking
L: Position for maximum engine braking
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STARTING AND DRIVING
247
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
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The shift pattern is the conventional pattern shown above.
CAUTION
The shift lever knob can become extremely hot after
parking under the sun.
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. 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)
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STARTING AND DRIVING
250
Setting operation
SV31030

Each function is described below.
1Setting at a desired speed.
Automatic transmission: The transmission must be in the
ªDº position or the gear position must be ª4º or ª5º in M mode
before you set the cruise control speed.
Bring the vehicle to the desired speed, press the control lever
downward in the ªSET/COASTº direction and release it. This
sets the vehicle at that speed. Now you may take your foot off
the accelerator pedal. If you need acceleration ± for example,
when passing ± depress the accelerator pedal enough for the
vehicle to exceed the set speed. When you release the
accelerator pedal, the vehicle will return to the speed set prior
to the acceleration.
2Cancelling the preset speed
You can cancel the preset speed by either of the following:
a. Pulling the control lever in the ªCANCELº direction.
b. Depressing the brake pedal.
c. Depressing the clutch pedal (manual transmission)
If the vehicle speed falls below about 40 km/h (25 mph), the
preset speed will be automatically cancelled.
If the vehicle speed drops 16 km/h (10 mph) below the preset
speed, the preset speed will also automatically be cancelled.
If the preset speed automatically cancels out for other than
these reasons, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus
dealer at the earliest opportunity.
3Resetting to a faster speed
Press the control lever upward in the ªRES/ACCº direction and
hold it. Release the lever when the desired speed is attained.
While the lever is held upward, the vehicle will gradually gain
speed.
When the difference between the actual vehicle speed and the
set speed is less than 5 km/h (3 mph), the set speed can be
increased 1.6 km/h (1 mph) each time by pressing the control
lever upward in the ªRES/ACCº direction quickly within 0.6
seconds.
However, a quicker way to reset is to accelerate the vehicle
and then press the control lever downward in the
ªSET/COASTº direction.
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DRIVING TIPS
268
BREAK±IN PERIOD
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
You need not follow a break±in schedule with your new Lexus.
But following a few simple tips for the first 1600 km (1000 miles)
can add to the future economy and long life of your vehicle:
Avoid full throttle acceleration when starting and driving.
 Avoid racing the engine.
 Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles).
 Do not drive slowly with the manual transmission in a high
gear.
 Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either fast
or slow.
OPERATION IN FOREIGN
COUNTRIES
If you plan to drive your Lexus in another country ...
First, comply with the vehicle registration laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the correct fuel (unleaded
and minimum octane rating).
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DRIVING TIPS
269
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 such as a tire burst.
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 ªPº (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 243.
 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 skid or spin.
 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.
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DRIVING TIPS
271
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
See page 335 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy
summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Lexus dealer ± they will be pleased to help.
Check the electronic ignition system for loose
connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt
lock de±icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto
parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute
because it may damage your vehicle's paint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility
it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ªPº (automatic) or into
first or reverse (manual) and block the front wheels. Do not use
the parking brake, or snow or water accumulated in and around
the parking brake mechanism may freeze the parking brake,
making it hard to release. Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering
difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you
carry some emergency equipment.
Some of
the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains,
window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
285
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, if you experience a loss of power, or if you
hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine has
probably overheated.
When the engine overheats
Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your
emergency flashers. Put the transmission in ªPº (automatic) or
neutral (manual) and apply the parking brake.
A: If steam is coming from your engine:
Turn off the engine. Leave the hood closed until there is no sign
of steam or coolant. Your engine could have been seriously
damaged already. Call your Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until
there is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is sign of
very high pressure.
B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning.
Check the following.
Is the cooling fan operating?
 Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
 Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
CAUTION
When the eng ine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
 Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the
engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out
under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the
acceptable range, turn off the engine and call your Lexus
dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant
temperature has cooled to normal, continue driving your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your
vehicle overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible
by your Lexus dealer.
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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
286
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line.
Move cautiously off the road to a safe place ± well away
from the traffic. Avoid stopping on the center divider of
a highway. Park on a level spot with firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Firmly set the parking brake and put the transmission
in ªPº (automatic) or reverse (manual).
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side away
from traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.
CAUTION
When jacking, be sure to observe the following to
reduce the possibility of personal injury:
 Follow jacking instructions.
 Do not put any part of your body under a vehicle
supported by a jack. Personal injury may occur.
 Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle
is supported by the jack.
Stop the vehicle on a level firm ground, firmly
set the parking brake and put the transmission
in ªPº (automatic) or reverse (manual). Block
the wheel diagonally opposite to the one being
changed if necessary.
 Make sure to set the jack properly in the jack
point. Raising the vehicle with jack improperly
positioned will damage the vehicle or may allow
the vehicle to fall off the jack and cause
personal injury.
 Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is
supported by the jack alone.
 Use the jack only for lifting your vehicle during
wheel changing.
 Do not raise the vehicle with someone in the
vehicle.
 When raising the vehicle, do not put an object
on or under the jack.
 Raise the vehicle only high enough to remove
and change the tire.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving with a deflated tire.
Driving even a short distance can damage a tire
and wheel beyond repair.
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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
299
IF YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS TO BETOWED
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done
by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
In consultation with them, have your vehicle towed using
either (a) or (b).
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
(b) Using a flat bed truck
(c) Never tow with a sling type truck
Only when you cannot receive a towing service from a
Lexus dealer or commercial tow truck service, tow your
vehicle carefully in accordance with the instructions
given in ª(d) Emergency towingº on page 303.
Proper equipment will help ensure that your vehicle is not
damaged while being towed. Commercial operators are
generally aware of the state/provincial and local laws
pertaining to towing.
Your vehicle can be damaged if it is towed incorrectly. Although
most operators know the correct procedure, it is possible to
make a mistake. To avoid damage to your vehicle, make sure
the following precautions are observed. If necessary, show this
page to the tow truck driver.
TOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by the
state/provincial and local laws. The wheels and axle on the
ground must be in good condition. If they are damaged, use a
towing dolly.
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
From front
SS41015
MANUAL TRANSMISSION:
We recommend using a towing dolly under the rear wheels.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:
Use a towing dolly under the rear wheels.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission
from the front with rear wheels on the ground, as thismay cause serious damage to the transmission.
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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
304
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for usein towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cable or chain tothe towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake and put the
transmission in neutral (manual) or ªNº (automatic). The
ignition key must be in ªACCº (engine off) or ªONº (engine
running).
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 SHIFT
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER
SV04012
If you cannot shift the selector lever, use the shift lock
button as follows:
1Turn the ignition key to ªLOCKº or ªACCº. Make sure the
parking brake is applied. Pry up the cover with a
flat±bladed screwdriver or equivalent.
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