lexus LS400 1994 Engine / 1994 LS400: STARTING AND DRIVING

SECTION 3 – 1
11 7
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three-way catalytic converter11 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution
11 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine120 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock120 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake121 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine121 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission123 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control128 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lexus ride control system131 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height control system132 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system134 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system135 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires137 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STARTING AND DRIVING
11 8
THREE-WAY CATALYTIC
CONVERTER
Three-way
catalytic converter
Vehicles sold in California
Three-way
catalytic converter
Vehicles sold outside California
Three-way catalytic converters are emission control
devices installed in the exhaust system.The three-way catalytic converter located at the confluence of
exhaust pipes 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 gas flowing into the
three-way catalytic converter may cause it to overheat
and create a fire hazard. To prevent this and other
damage, observe the following precautions:

Use only unleaded gasoline.

Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level; running
out of gas could cause the engine to misfire, creating
an excessive load on the three-way catalytic
converter.

Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed for more
than 20 minutes.

Avoid racing the engine.

Do not push-start or pull-start your vehicle.

Do not turn off the ignition while the vehicle is
moving.

STARTING AND DRIVING
11 9

Keep your engine in good running order.
Malfunctions in the engine electrical system,
electronic ignition system / distributor ignition
system or fuel system could cause an extremely high
three-way catalytic converter temperature.

If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, take your vehicle in for a check-up as soon
as possible. Remember, your Lexus dealer knows
your vehicle and its three-way catalytic converter
system best.

To ensure that the three-way catalytic converter and
the entire emission control system operate properly,
your vehicle must receive the periodic inspections
required by the Lexus Maintenance Schedule.
ENGINE EXHAUST CAUTION
CAUTION:

Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust. It contains carbon
monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless gas. It can
cause unconsciousness or even death.

Make sure the exhaust system has no holes or loose
connections. The system should be checked from time
to time. If you hit something, or notice a change in the
sound of the exhaust, have the system checked
immediately.
Do not run the engine in a garage or enclosed area
except for the time needed to drive the vehicle in or out.
The exhaust gases cannot escape, making this a
particularly dangerous situation.

Do not remain for a long time in a parked vehicle with
the engine running. If it is unavoidable, however, do so
only in an unconfined area and adjust the heating or
cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle.

Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. An open or
unsealed trunk lid may cause exhaust gases to be
drawn into the vehicle. If you must drive with the trunk
lid open to accommodate a large object, close the
windows, open all the dashboard vents and have the
heating or cooling system deliver fresh air into the
vehicle by turning the fan to high speed with the air
intake control button in the OUTSIDE AIR mode.

To allow proper operation of your vehicle’s ventilation
system, keep the inlet grilles in front of the windshield
clear of snow, leaves, or other obstructions.

If you smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle, drive with the
windows open and the trunk lid closed. Have the cause
immediately located and corrected.

STARTING AND DRIVING
120
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, headrest height and
steering wheel angle.
3. Adjust inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts.
Remember to check that the service reminder, indicators
function when turning the key to “ON”, and check the fuel
gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.
IGNITION SWITCH WITH STEERING
LOCK
“START” − Starter motor on. The key will return to the
“ON” position when released.For starting tips, see page 121.
“ON” − Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE:
Do not leave the key in the “ON” position if the engine is
not running. The battery will discharge and the
electronic ignition system / distributor ignition system
could be damaged.
“ACC” − Accessories such as the radio operate, but the
engine is off.
If you leave the key in the “ACC” or “LOCK” position and open
the driver’s door, a buzzer will remind you to remove the key.
“LOCK” − Engine is off and the steering wheel is locked.
The key can be removed only at this position.
To turn the key from “ACC” to the “LOCK” position, you must
put the transmission selector lever in the “P” position.

STARTING AND DRIVING
121 When starting the engine, the key may seem stuck at the
“LOCK” 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 in motion, turn the key only to “ACC”.
PARKING BRAKE
Release
Set
To set: Fully depress the parking brake pedal.
To release: Pull the parking brake release lever.
Before leaving your vehicle, firmly apply the parking brake.
CAUTION:
Before driving, make sure the parking brake is fully
released and that the parking brake reminder light is off.
HOW TO START THE ENGINE
Before cranking
1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Put the selector lever in “P”. If you need to restart the engine
while the vehicle is moving, put the selector lever in “N”. A
starter safety device will prevent the starter from operating if
the selector lever is in any drive position.
4. Depress the brake pedal and hold it to the floor until you are
ready to drive off.
Starting the engine
Before starting the engine, be sure to follow the instructions in
“Before cranking”.
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 “START”. 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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
122If the engine stalls ...
Simply restart it, using the correct procedure given in normal
starting.
If the engine will not start
See “If your vehicle will not start” on page 150.
NOTICE:

Do not crank for more than 15 seconds at a time.

Do not race a cold engine.

If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, have the engine checked immediately.

STARTING AND DRIVING
With the brake pedal depressed, shift
while pressing the lock release button in
(The ignition switch must be in the “ON” position.)
Shift while pressing the lock
release button in
Shift without pressing
the button
Lock release button
To prevent misshifting
Parking, engine starting
and key removal position
Reverse position
Neutral position
Normal driving position
Position for engine braking
Position for stronger engine braking
than that in “2” position
Overdrive switch
For selecting either a three-speed
or four-speed transmission
ON position
(Shifting into overdrive possible)
OFF position
(Shifting into overdrive not possible)
Shift position indicator
Shows the selector lever position
Shift position is also displayed
on the instrument cluster
Driving pattern selector switch
For selecting a driving pattern suitable
to existing driving conditions
NORMAL position
for general driving
conditions
POWER position
for powerful acceleration
123
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

STARTING AND DRIVING
124Your automatic transmission has a shift lock system to
minimize the possibility of incorrect operation. This means you
can only shift out of “P” position when the brake pedal is
depressed (with the ignition switch in “ON” position and the
lock release button pressed in).
Correct use of the automatic transmission is explained in the
following parts.
(a) Normal driving
(b) Using engine braking
(c) Using the “2” and “L” positions
(d) Backing up
(e) Parking
(f) Good driving practice
(g) If you cannot shift the selector lever out of “P” position
(h) If the “O / D OFF” indicator light flashes
(a) Normal driving
“P” (Park)
position
“N” (Neutral)
position
1. Start the engine as instructed in “How to start the
engine” on page 121.
The transmission must be in “P” or “N”. The engine will not start
in “R”, “2”, “L” or “D” position even if the key is turned to
“START”.
Driving pattern
selector switchIndicator light
Power position
Normal position
2. Set the driving pattern selector switch to the NORMAL
position.
Your transmission has a driving pattern selector switch which
allows you to select either “NORM” or “PWR” to suit your
driving condition. For ordinary driving, Lexus recommends that
you use the NORMAL position to improve fuel economy.
3. For more powerful acceleration and sporty driving, use
the POWER position.
In the POWER position, the “ECT PWR” light in the instrument
cluster is on and the transmission is shifted up at higher vehicle
speeds and shifted down more responsively than in the
NORMAL position.

STARTING AND DRIVING
125
Overdrive switch
Indicator light
On
Off
4. Set the overdrive switch to the ON position.
Always set the overdrive switch to the ON position to improve
fuel economy and quiet driving. (See “(b) Using engine
braking” and “(f) Good driving practice” for exceptions.)
Brake pedal
“D” (Drive)
position
5. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the
selector lever to “D”.
CAUTION:
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while
shifting.
6. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress the
accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting.
The vehicle will start in the first gear and automatically shift to
the most suitable gear for the running conditions, such as the
vehicle speed, hill climbing, hard towing, etc. However, while
the engine coolant temperature is low and the vehicle is
traveling at low speed, the transmission will not shift into the
overdrive gear even with the overdrive switch on.
In “D” position, the automatic transmission system will select
the most suitable gear for the running conditions such as hill
climbing, hard towing, etc.

STARTING AND DRIVING
126If you need to accelerate rapidly while driving, depress the
accelerator pedal to the full throttle position. This provides
more acceleration by automatically downshifting the
transmission to the next lower gear or beyond, depending on
the vehicle speed.
If engine braking is needed, such as in descending a long hill,
see “(b) Using engine braking”.
7. If you need to accelerate still more, exert more force to
depress the accelerator pedal beyond the full throttle
position to turn on the “kick-down” switch.
The transmission will then downshift to the next lower gear for
still more acceleration, depending on the vehicle speed.
(b) Using engine braking
Overdrive switch
: Shifting
“D” (Drive) position
“2” (Second) position
“L” (Low) position
To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the
transmission in the way described below:
Turn off the overdrive switch. (This is effective only when
you are driving in the “D” position.) The “O / D OFF” indicator
light in the instrument cluster will come on and the
transmission will downshift to the third gear.

Shift into the “2” position. The transmission will downshift to
the second gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes
lower than 121 km / h (75 mph) and more powerful engine
braking will be obtained.

Shift into the “L” position. The transmission will downshift to
the first gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower
than 67 km / h (42 mph) and maximum engine braking will be
applied.
CAUTION:
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed could cause the vehicle to
spin or skid.
(c) Using the “2” and “L” positions
The “2” and “L” positions are used for strong engine braking as
described previously.
With the selector lever in “2” or “L”, you can start the vehicle in
motion as with the lever in “D”.
With the selector lever in “2”, the vehicle will start in the first
gear and automatically shift to the second gear.
With the selector lever in “L”, the transmission is engaged in
the first gear.