ECO mode lexus LS400 1996 Audio System / 1996 LS400: STARTING AND DRIVING

STARTING AND DRIVING
140ªNORMALº mode ± For driving on roads with a normal
surface.
ªHIGHº mode ± For driving on rough roads which are
unsurfaced or continually bumpy.
The damping effect is set slightly firmer in ªHIGHº mode. So
you may feel the vibration of the vehicle compared to in
ªNORMALº mode. However, this does not mean a
malfunction in the system. We recommend you use a
ªNORMALº mode in normal driving.
To change the mode, push the selector switch.
ªNORMALº mode
The vehicle height remains at normal height at all driving
speeds.
ªHIGHº mode
The vehicle height switches between the following two
vehicle heights according to the driving conditions:
Vehicle height
Driving condition
NormalMedium and high speed driving
HighLow speed driving
The indicator light shows ªHIGHº mode is selected.
When you turn the ignition key to the ªONº position, the
indicator light will come on for 2 seconds in any mode.
NOTICE
For vehicles equipped with the height control switch,
be sure to turn the ignition switch off before jacking.
If this is not done, the vehicle height adjustment
function will operate, which may cause body
damage.
(b) Malfunction warning
If the ªHIº indicator light blinks, there is a malfunction in this
system. Have the system checked by your Lexus dealer at
the first opportunity.

STARTING AND DRIVING
141
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically helps control
the spinning of the rear wheels which may occur when
accelerating on slippery road surfaces, thus assisting
driver control and driving power of 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 ªTRAC±OFF±º switch. The ªTRAC OFFº
indicator/warning light will then come on. Pushing the
ªTRAC±OFF±º switch a second time turns the system
back on and extinguishes the ªTRAC OFFº
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
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
vehicle 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 not 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.