engine lexus LS400 1996 Audio System / 1996 LS400: GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDERS

25
SECTION 1 ± 3
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder
indicators
Fuel gauge 26
Engine coolant temperature gauge 26
Tachometer 27
Odometer and trip meter 28
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 28
Instrument panel light control 34

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
26
FUEL GAUGE

Low fuel level warning light
The gauge is displayed when the ignition switch is on
and indicates the approximate quantity of fuel
remaining in the tank.
It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4 full.
If the fuel level approaches ªEº or the low fuel level warning
light comes on, fill the fuel tank as soon as possible.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the malfunction indicator
lamp comes on. Fill the fuel tank immediately.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times. If the
indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible.
Set the inner back cover for fuel capacity and recommended
fuel selection.
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE

Normal range
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature
when the ignition switch is on. The engine operating
temperature will vary with changes in weather and
engine load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your
vehicle and allow the engine to cool.
Your vehicle may overheat during severe operating
conditions, such as:
Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
Reducing speed or stopping after high speed driving.
Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in
stop±and±go traffic.
Towing a trailer.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
27
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in the engine cooling
system as this may cause the engine to overheat.
The thermostat is designed to control the flow of
coolant to keep the temperature of the engine
within the specified operating range.
Do not continue driving with an overheated engine.
See ªIf your vehicle overheatsº on page 163.
TACHOMETER
The tachometer indicates engine speed in thousands of
rpm (revolutions per minute). Use it while driving to
prevent engine overrevving.
Driving with the engine running too fast causes excessive
engine wear and poor fuel economy. Remember, in most
cases the slower the engine speed, the greater the fuel
economy.
NOTICE
Do not let the indicator needle get into the red zone.
This may cause severe engine damage.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
29
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)Stop and check.
Add engine oil.
Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer. Close all doors.
Replace bulb.
Add washer fluid.(n) Low fuel level Fill up tank.
warning light
(o) Key reminder buzzer Remove key.
(a) Brake System Warning Light
This light has the following two functions:
Parking brake reminder
If this light is on, make sure the parking brake is fully
released. The light should go off.
Low brake fluid level warning
If this light comes on and stays on while you are driving, slow
down and pull off the road. Then stop the vehicle carefully.
Remember that stopping distance and pedal effort may be
increased. There may be a problem somewhere in the brake
system. Check the fluid level of the see±through reservoir.
To make sure the parking brake has not caused the warning
light to come on, check to see that the parking brake is fully
released.
If the brake fluid level is low...
At a safe place, test your brakes by starting and stopping.
If you judge that the brakes still work adequately, drive
cautiously to your nearest dealer or shop for repairs.
If the brakes are not working, have the vehicle towed in for
repairs. (For towing information, see page 170.)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
30
CAUTION!
It is dangerous to continue driving normally when the
brake fluid level is low.
If the brake fluid level is correct...
Have the warning system checked by your Lexus dealer.
(b) Brake Pad Wear Limit Warning Light
This light warns that the brake pads are worn to the extent
that replacement is required. If it comes on while you are
driving, have the brake pads checked and replaced by your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
(c) Seat Belt Reminder Light and Buzzer
Once the ignition key is turned ªONº or ªSTARTº, the
reminder light and buzzer come on if the driver's seat belt is
not fastened. Unless the driver fastens the belt, the light
stays on and the buzzer stops after about 4 to 8 seconds.
(d) SRS Airbag Warning Light
This indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned
to the ªACCº or ªONº position. It goes off after about 6
seconds. This means the SRS airbags are operating
properly.
The SRS airbag warning light system monitors the airbag
sensor assembly, inflators, warning light, interconnecting
wiring and power sources.
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.
(e) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, stop the vehicle, turn off
the engine, and check for the cause. Look first at the engine
drive belt.
If it is loose or broken, the generator will not charge the
battery properly.
If the belt is O.K., there is a problem somewhere in the
charging system.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
31 The engine ignition will continue to operate, however, until
the battery is discharged. Turn off the air conditioning,
blower, radio, etc., and drive directly to the nearest Lexus
dealer or repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive belt is
broken or loose.
(f) Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil pressure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are driving, pull off the road
to a safe place and stop the engine immediately. Call a Lexus
dealer or qualified repair shop for assistance.
The light may occasionally flicker when the engine is idling
or it may come on briefly after a hard stop. There is no cause
for concern if it then goes out when the engine is accelerated
slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level is extremely low.
It is not designed to indicate low oil level, and the oil level
must be checked using the oil level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the warning light on ±
even for one block. It may ruin the engine.
(g) Low Engine Oil Level Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil level is too low. Add oil as
soon as possible. (For instructions, see ªChecking the
engine oil levelº on page 195.)
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oil will
damage the engine.
(h) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See ªFuel gaugeº on
page 26 for instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely. (See ªFuel
tank capº on page 50 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your engine or
automatic transmission electrical system.
If it comes on while you are driving in case c., have your
vehicle checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.