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

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
141
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically controls
spinning of the rear wheels which may occur when
accelerating on slippery road surfaces, thus assisting
driver control and driving power to the rear wheels.
When you turn the ignition switch on, this system always
turns on. Leave the system on during ordinary driving so
that it can operate when needed. When traction control is
applied, the slip indicator light blinks.
You can turn off the traction control system by pushing
the “TRAC−OFF−” switch. The “TRAC OFF”
indicator / warning light will then come on. Pushing the
“TRAC−OFF−” switch a second time turns the system
back on and extinguishes the “TRAC OFF”
indicator / warning light.
You may hear a slight clicking noise in the engine compartment
when the engine is started. This means that the traction control
system is in the self−check mode, and does not indicate
malfunction. When the traction control system is operating,
you may feel vibration of your vehicle, caused by operation of
the brakes. This indicates the system is functioning properly.
When getting the vehicle out of mud or new snow, etc. the
traction control system will operate to prevent the wheels from
spinning. Even though the accelerator pedal is fully depressed,
the engine speed will be restrained to a certain level.

STARTING AND DRIVING
142
Traction control failure warning
If the “TRAC OFF” indicator / warning light flashes, contact
your Lexus dealer as soon as possible. There may be trouble
in the traction control system.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full stability of
the vehicle and power to the rear wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction control system is
in operation. In situations where the road surface is
covered with ice or snow, your vehicle should be fitted
with snow tires or tire chains and driven at a more
cautious pace.
BRAKE SYSTEM
The tandem master cylinder brake system is a hydraulic
system with two separate sub−systems. If either sub−system
should fail, the other will still work. However, the pedal will be
harder to press, and your stopping distance will be longer.
Also, the brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake
system. Have your brakes fixed immediately.
Brake booster
The brake booster uses engine vacuum to power−assist the
brakes. If the engine should quit while you are driving, you can
bring the vehicle to a stop with normal pedal pressure. There
is enough reserve vacuum for one or two stops but no more!
CAUTION

Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls. Each
push on the pedal uses up your vacuum reserve.

Even if the power assist is completely lost, the brakes
will still work. But you will have to push the pedal
hard − much harder than normal. And your braking
distance will be longer.

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.