height lexus LS400 1996 Gauges, Meters and Service Reminders / 1996 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 ªONº, and check the fuel
gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.
IGNITION SWITCH WITH STEERING
LOCK
ªSTARTº ± Starter motor on. The key will return to the
ªONº position when released.
For starting tips, see page 130.
ªONº ± Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the ªONº position if the
engine is not running. The battery will discharge
and the electronic ignition system/distributor
ignition system could be damaged.
ªACCº ± Accessories such as the radio operate, but the
engine is off.

STARTING AND DRIVING
139
Cruise control failure warning
If the ªCRUISEº indicator light in the instrument cluster
flashes when using the cruise control, push the main switch
to turn the system off and then push it again to turn it on.
If any of the following conditions then occurs, there is some
trouble in the cruise control system.
The indicator light does not come on.
The indicator light flashes again.
The indicator light goes out after it comes on.
If this is the case, contact your Lexus dealer and have your
Lexus inspected.
ELECTRONICALLY MODULATED
AIR SUSPENSION
(U.S.A. ONLY)
This electronically modulated air suspension adjusts
the damping effect on the shock absorbers and the
vehicle height. This adjustment is automatically made
in response to the driving conditions to provide good
riding comfort and stability in all driving conditions.
(a) Vehicle height adjustment
This system maintains a stable vehicle height,
regardless of occupants and luggage weight. You can
select one of the following modes using a selector
switch.

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
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.