warning light lexus LS400 1996 Gauges, Meters and Service Reminders / 1996 LS400: STARTING AND DRIVING

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
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
142
Traction control failure warning
If the ªTRAC OFFº 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
144ªABSº warning light
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to
the ªONº 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.