service lexus LS400 1998 Audio System / LEXUS 1998 LS400 (OM50498U) Owner's Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: LEXUS, Model Year: 1998, Model line: LS400, Model: Lexus LS400 1998Pages: 304, PDF Size: 5.94 MB
Page 193 of 304
STARTING AND DRIVING
178”ABS” warning light
31L019-2
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the ”ON”
position. After about a few 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. But when the ”ABS” warning light is
on (and the brake system warning light is off), anti lock brake
system is not assisting brake performance so that the wheels could
lock up during a sudden brake or braking on slippery road surfaces.
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 message
31L082
When your brake pads are worn enough to require replacement,
the brake pad wear warning message in the multi information
display appears.
If the warning message in the multi information display appears
while driving, have the brake pads checked and replaced by your
nearest Lexus dealer immediately.
Continuous driving without replacing the brake pads will cause
expensive rotor damage and increasing brake pedal effort to get the
same stopping distance.
Page 197 of 304
DRIVING TIPS
182Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. It
can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear, and poor
fuel economy.
To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed and
downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes excessively,
they may overheat and not work properly. See page 163.
Be careful when accelerating, upshifting, downshifting or
braking on a slippery surface. The abrupt change in engine
speed, such as sudden acceleration or engine braking, could
cause the vehicle to spin or skid.
Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal
speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140 km/h (85 mph)
unless your vehicle has high speed capability tires.
Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may result in tire failure,
loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire
dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are
high speed capability tires or not before driving at such
speeds.
Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are wet.
If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer stopping
distance, and it may pull to one side when the brakes are
applied. Also, the parking brake will not hold the vehicle
securely.
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have ethylene glycol antifreeze in the radiator.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it must be
in top shape to provide enough power for winter starting. Page 253
tells you how to visually inspect the battery. Your Lexus dealer and
most service stations will be pleased to check the battery charge
level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold weather.
See page 232 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy summer
oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause harder starting.
If you are not sure about which oil to use, call your Lexus dealer
they will be pleased to help.
Check the electronic ignition system for loose connections or
obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing.
Page 208 of 304
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
193
IF YOUR ENGINE STALLS WHILE
DRIVING
If your engine stalls while driving . . . .
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move
cautiously off the road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Try starting the engine again.
If the engine will not start, see ”If your vehicle will not start”.
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and
steering will not work, so steering and braking will be much
harder than usual.
IF YOUR VEHICLE WILL NOT
START
(a) Simple checks
Before making these checks, make sure you have followed the
correct starting procedure instructions in ”How to start the engine”
on page 159 and that you have sufficient fuel. Since your vehicle is
equipped with the engine immobiliser system, also check whether
the other keys will start the engine. If they work, your key may be
broken. Have the key checked at your Lexus dealer. If none of your
keys work, the system is possibly broken. Call your Lexus dealer.
See ”Keys” on page 8.If the engine is not turning over or is turning over too slowly
1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior light.
3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is cranked, the
battery is discharged. You may try jump starting. See ”(c) Jump
starting” for further instruction.
If the light is O.K., but the engine still will not start, it needs
adjustment or repair. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or
Customer Service Assistance. (See ”Foreword”.)
NOTICE
Do not pull or push start the vehicle. It may damage the
vehicle or cause a collision when the engine starts. Also the
three way catalytic converter may overheat and become a fire
hazard.
If the engine turns over at its normal speed but will not start
1. The engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking. See
”(b) Starting a flooded engine” for further instructions.
2. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call
a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service
Assistance. (See ”Foreword”.)
Page 209 of 304
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
194
(b) Starting a flooded engine
If the engine will not start, your engine may be flooded because
of repeated cranking.
If this happens, turn the key to ”START” with the accelerator pedal
held down. Continue this operation for 30 seconds and then stop
cranking. Then try starting the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
If the engine does not start after 30 seconds of cranking, release the
key, wait a few minutes and try again.
If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call a
Lexus dealer. Roadside Assistance or Customer Service Assistance.
(See ”Foreword”.)
NOTICE
Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may
overheat the starter and wiring systems.
(c) Jump starting
To avoid serious personal injury and damage to your vehicle
which might result from battery explosion, acid burns, electrical
burns, or damaged electronic components, these instructions
must be followed precisely.
If you are unsure about how to follow this procedure, we strongly
recommend that you seek help from your Lexus dealer, Roadside
Assistance or Customer Service Assistance. (See ”Foreword”.).
CAUTION
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which is poisonous and
corrosive. Wear protective safety glasses when jump
starting, and avoid spilling acid on your skin, clothing, or
vehicle.
If you should accidentally get acid on yourself or in your
eyes, remove any contaminated clothing and flush the
affected area with water immediately. Then get immediate
medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with
a sponge or cloth while en route to the medical office.
The gas normally produced by a battery will explode if a
flame or spark is brought near. Use only standardized
jumper cables and do not smoke or light a match while
jump starting.
NOTICE
The battery used for boosting must be 12 V. Do not jump start
unless you are sure that the booster battery is correct.
Page 219 of 304
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
204
40L015 1
10. Reinstall the wheel ornament.
Put the wheel ornament into position and then tap it firmly with the
side or heel of your hand to snap it into place.
CAUTION
Take due care in handling the ornament to avoid unexpected
personal injury.
11. After changing the wheel, check the air pressure of the
replaced tire. Stow all the tools, jack and flat tire securely.
If the pressure of the replaced tire is low, drive slowly to the nearest
service station and fill to the correct pressure.
Do not forget to reinstall the tire valve cap as dirt and moisture could
get into the valve core and possible cause air leakage. If the cap is
missing, put a new one on as soon as possible.
This is the same procedure for changing or rotating your tires.
CAUTION
Before driving, make sure all the tools, jack and flat tire are
securely in place in their storage location to reduce the
possibility of personal injury during a collision or sudden
braking.
Page 220 of 304
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
205
IF YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE
TOWED
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by your
Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service. In consultation
with them, have your vehicle towed using either (a) or (b).
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
(b) Using a flat bed truck
(c) Never tow with a sling type truck
Only when you cannot receive a towing service from a Lexus
dealer or commercial tow truck service, tow your vehicle
carefully in accordance with the instructions given in ”(d)
Emergency towing” on page 208.
Proper equipment will help ensure that your vehicle is not damaged
while being towed. Commercial operators are generally aware of the
state/provincial and local laws pertaining to towing.
Your vehicle can be damaged if it is towed incorrectly. Although
most operators know the correct procedure, it is possible to make a
mistake. To avoid damage to your vehicle, make sure the following
few precautions are observed. If necessary, show this page to the tow
truck driver.
TOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by the
state/provincial and local laws. The wheels and axle on the ground
must be in good condition. If they are damaged, use a towing dolly.
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
From front
40L021
Use a towing dolly under the rear wheels.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission from the
front with rear wheels on the ground, as this may cause serious
damage to the transmission.
Page 223 of 304
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
208
(c) Towing with a sling type truck
40L023 1
NOTICE
Do not tow with a sling type truck, either from the front or rear.
This may cause body damage.
(d) Emergency towing
40L031 1
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by your
Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
If towing service is not available in an emergency, your vehicle
may be temporarily towed by a cable or chain secured to the
emergency towing eyelet. Use extreme caution when towing the
vehicle.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done only on hard surfaced roads for
a short distance and at low speeds. Also, the wheels, axles, drive
train, steering and brakes must all be in good condition.
Page 228 of 304
MAINTENANCE
213
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Your Lexus vehicle has been designed to have fewer maintenance
requirements with longer service intervals to save both your time and
money. However, each regular maintenance as well as day to day
care is more important than ever before to ensure smooth,
trouble free, safe, and economical driving.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure the specified
maintenance, including general maintenance services, is performed.
Note that both the new vehicle and emission control system
warranties specify that proper maintenance and care must be
performed. See the Owner’s Guide, Owner’s Manual Supplement
or Warranty Booklet for complete warranty information.
General maintenance
General maintenance items are those day to day care practices that
are important to your vehicle for proper operation. It is the owner’s
responsibility to ensure that the general maintenance items are
performed regularly.
These checks or inspections can be done either by yourself or your
Lexus dealer.
Scheduled maintenance
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the ”Owner’s Manual
Supplement/Maintenance Schedule” are those required to be
serviced at regular intervals.For details of your maintenance schedule, read the separate
”Owner ’s Manual Supplement/Maintenance Schedule”.
It is recommended that any replacement parts used for
maintenance or for the repair of the emission control system be
Lexus supplied.
The owner may elect to use non Lexus supplied parts for
replacement purposes without invalidating the emission control
system warranty. However, use of replacement parts which are
not of equivalent quality may impair the effectiveness of the
emission control systems.
You may also elect to have maintenance, replacement, or repair
of the emission control devices and system performed by any
automotive repair establishment or individual without
invalidating this warranty. See Owner’s Guide, Owner’s
Manual Supplement or Warranty Booklet for complete
warranty information.
Where to go for service?
Lexus technicians are well trained specialists and are kept up to date
with the latest service information through technical bulletins,
service tips, and in dealership training programs. They are well
informed about the operation of all the systems on your vehicle.
You can be confident that your Lexus dealer’s service department
performs the best job to meet the maintenance requirements of your
vehicle reliably and economically.
Page 229 of 304
MAINTENANCE
214Your copy of the repair order is proof that all required maintenance
has been performed for warranty coverage. And if any problems
should arise with your vehicle while under warranty, your Lexus
dealer will promptly take care of it. Again, be sure to keep a copy
of the repair order for any service performed on your Lexus.
What about do it yourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself, if you have
a little mechanical ability and a few basic automotive tools. Simple
instructions for how to perform them are presented in Section 6.
If you are a skilled do it yourself mechanic, the Lexus service
manuals are recommended. Please be aware that do it yourself
maintenance can affect your warranty coverage. See your Owner’s
Guide, Owner’s Manual Supplement or Warranty Booklet for the
details.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified. It is recommended that any
problem you notice be brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer
or qualified service shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only where adequate ventilation can be
obtained if you run the engine.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Tire pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks, or at least once
a month and adjust as shown on the tire pressure label. See page 241
for additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive wear. See
page 243 for additional information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for looseness.
Tighten them if necessary.
Page 230 of 304
MAINTENANCE
215 Tire rotation
Rotate the tires every 12000 km (7500 miles). See page 242 for
additional information.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes or notice
any leak, have the cause found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors, including trunk lid, operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely. Make sure the engine hood secondary latch
secures the hood when the primary latch is released.
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal lights,
and other lights are working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
function properly.Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified freeplay. Be alert for changes in
steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive freeplay or
strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters, seatback
recliner, etc. operate smoothly. Check that the head restraints move
up and down smoothly and that the locks hold securely in any latched
position.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors and
anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt webbing
is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal effort or
catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper clearance and
freeplay. Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side when
applied.