automatic transmission lexus LS400 1995 Gauges, Meters and Service Reminder Indicators / 1995 LS400: STARTING AND DRIVING

SECTION 3 – 1
125
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three−way catalytic converter126 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 127. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine128 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock128 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake129 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine130 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission131 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control136 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronically modulated air suspension139 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system141 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system142 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires145 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STARTING AND DRIVING
131
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 “P” position when the
brake pedal is depressed with the ignition switch in “ON”
position. ()
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)
3:Position for engine braking (Shifting into overdrive not
possible)
2:Position for engine braking
L:Position for stronger engine braking than that in “2” position
Correct use of the automatic transmission is explained in
the following parts.
(a) Normal driving
(b) Using engine braking
(c) Backing up
(d) Parking
(e) Good driving practice
(f) If you cannot shift the selector lever
(g) If the “ECT PWR” indicator light flashes

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133
 1
“D” (Drive) position 2
Brake pedal
4. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the
selector lever to “D”.
Always use the “D” position to improve fuel economy and quiet
driving. Only in this position, shifting into the overdrive gear is
possible. However, while the engine coolant temperature is
low, the transmission will not shift into the overdrive gear even
in the “D” position. (See “(b) Using engine braking” and “(e)
Good driving practice” for exceptions.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while
shifting.
5. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress the
accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting.
In normal cruising, the vehicle will start in the first gear and
automatically shift to the most suitable gear for the running
conditions.
In “3” position, the automatic transmission system will select
the most suitable gear for the running conditions such as hill
climbing, hard towing, etc.
If 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”.

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134
(b) Using engine braking
To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the
transmission in the way described below:
1
Shift into the “3” position. The transmission will downshift
to the third gear.
2
Shift into the “2” position. The transmission will downshift
to the second gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes
lower than 134 km / h (83 mph) and more powerful engine
braking will be obtained.
3
Shift into the “L” position. The transmission will downshift
to the first gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes
lower than 73 km / h (45 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.
NOTICE

Be careful not to overrev the engine. Watch the
tachometer to keep engine rpm from going into the
red zone. The approximate maximum allowable
speed for each position is given below for your
reference:
“2”... 134 km / h (83 mph)
“L”... 73 km / h (45 mph)

Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long
time in the “2” or “L” position. This may cause severe
automatic transmission damage from overheating.
To prevent such damage, “3” position should be
used in hill climbing or hard towing.

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136
(e) Good driving practice

If the transmission repeatedly upshifts and downshifts
between the third and overdrive gears when climbing a
gentle slope, shift the selector lever to the “3” position. Be
sure to shift the selector lever to the “D” position after
climbing the slope.

When towing a trailer, in order to maintain efficient engine
braking and electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive. The selector lever must be in the “3” position.
CAUTION
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped
with the engine running. This prevents the vehicle from
creeping.
NOTICE
Do not hold the vehicle on an upgrade with the
accelerator pedal. This can cause the transmission to
overheat. Always use the brake pedal or parking brake.
(f) If you cannot shift the selector lever
If you cannot shift the selector ever even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override button. For
instructions, see “If you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector lever” on page 175.
(g) If the “ECT PWR” indicator light flashes
If the “ECI PWR” indicator light flashes, contact your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible. There may be trouble in the
transmission system.
CRUISE CONTROL
The cruise control allows you to cruise the vehicle at a
desired speed over 40 km / h (25 mph) with your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
Your cruising speed can be maintained although a slight speed
change may occur when driving up or down a gradient, within
the limits of engine performance. On steeper hills, a great
speed change will occur so it is better to drive without the cruise
control.
When the cruse control is on, the driving pattern of the
automatic transmission is fixed in the normal position,
regardless of the position of the selector switch.

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CAUTION

To help maintain maximum control of your vehicle,
do not use the cruise control when driving in heavy
or varying traffic, or on slippery (rainy, icy or
snow−covered) or winding roads.

Avoid vehicle speed increases when driving
downhill. If the vehicle speed is too fast in relation to
the cruise control set speed, cancel the cruise
control then downshift the transmission to use
engine braking to slow down.
Turning on the system
CRUISE
To operate the cruise control, push the main switch. This turns
the system on. The indicator light in the instrument cluster
shows that you can now set your desired cruising speed.
Another push on the switch will turn the system completely off.
When the ignition key is turned off, the main switch is also
automatically turned off. To use the cruise control again, push
the main switch again to turn it on.
CAUTION
To avoid accidental cruise control engagement, keep
the main switch off when not using the cruise control.