lock 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
128
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, head restraint 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 130.
“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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
129 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 ignition 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.
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 moving, turn the key only to “ACC”.
PARKING BRAKE
1
To set: Fully depress the parking brake pedal.
2
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.

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

STARTING AND DRIVING
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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
143
Anti−lock brake system
The anti−lock brake system is designed to prevent
lock−up of the wheels during sudden braking or braking
on slippery road surfaces. This assists the driver in
controlling the vehicle under these circumstances.
The anti−lock brake system becomes operative after the
vehicle has accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately
10 km / h (6 mph). It stops operating when the vehicle
decelerates to a speed below approximately 5 km / h (3 mph).
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle is
started. This means that the anti−lock brake system is in the
self check mode, and does not indicate a malfunction.
When the anti−lock brake system function is in action, you may
feel the brake pedal pulsating and hear a noise. In this
situation, to let the anti−lock brake system work for you, just
hold the brake pedal down more firmly. Do not pump the brake.
The brake pedal pulsation caused by the anti−lock brake
system may indicate hazardous road surface conditions.
Although the anti−lock brake system assists in providing
vehicles control, it is still important to drive with all due care,
because the anti−lock brake system cannot overcome the
laws of physics that act on your vehicle:

Braking capability is dependent on tire friction with the road
surface.
Even though the anti−lock brake system is operating, a
driver cannot maintain full control on certain slippery road
surfaces, when cornering at high speeds, or in violent
maneuvers.

Avoid high speeds on wet roads. The anti−lock brake
system cannot eliminate the risk of hydroplaning and loss
of tire friction.
Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Compared with vehicles riot fitted with an anti−lock brake
system, your vehicle may require a longer stopping distance
in the following cases:

Driving on rough, gravel or snow−covered roads.

Driving with tire chains installed.

Driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or has
other differences in surface height.

STARTING AND DRIVING
144“ABS” warning light
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” position. After about 3 seconds, the light will go off.
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.

The light does not come on as described above, or remains
on.

The light comes on while driving.
Even if the anti−lock brake system should fail, the brake
system will still operate conventionally. Have your vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Drum−in−disc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drum−in−disc type parking brake system.
This type of brake system needs bedding−down of the brake
shoes periodically or whenever the parking brake shoes
and / or drums are replaced.
Have your Lexus dealer perform the bedding−down.
Brake pad wear limit warning light
When your brake pads are worn enough to require
replacement, the brake pad wear limit warning light in the
instrument cluster comes on.
If the warning light comes on while driving, have the brake pads
checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible. Expensive rotor damage can result if the pads are not
replaced when needed.