change time lexus LS400 1998 Engine / LEXUS 1998 LS400 (OM50498U) User Guide

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
126If quick heating or cooling is desired
Push the ”TEMP” or ”PASSENGER TEMP” button on either side
and hold it until ”MAX. HOT” or ”MAX. COLD” appears on the
display.
If manual fan speed control is desired
21L007-3
1
Fan speed at low 2
Fan speed at high
The fan speed can be set to your desired speed by pushing the
appropriate side of fan speed control button. The higher the fan
speed is, the more air is delivered. Pushing the ”OFF” button turns
off the fan.
To remove exterior windshield frost, use the high speed setting.If manual switching of air intake is desired
21L008-4
Each time you push the air intake control button, the mode changes
in order from the RECIRCULATED AIR mode to AUTOMATIC
mode to OUTSIDE AIR mode, then back to the RECIRCULATED
AIR mode. Each indicator light shows which mode is now selected.
1
RECIRCULATED mode If quick circulation of cooled air
is desired, select this mode.
2
AUTOMATIC mode When driving where the outside air is
dirty (i.e., when the vehicle running just in front of your vehicle
accelerates rapidly), the system changes automatically from
the OUTSIDE AIR mode to the RECIRCULATED mode.
3
OUTSIDE AIR mode The system will take fresh outside air
into the vehicle.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
127 For normal use, it is best to keep the air intake control button set to
OUTSIDE AIR mode. If recirculated air is used during heating, the
windows will fog up more easily.
To change the sensitivity of the sensor switching between the
RECIRCULATED and OUTSIDE AIR in the AUTOMATIC
mode, push the air intake control button until you hear a beep.
The display changes as illustrated below.
21L044
Each time you push the ”TEMP” button, the sensitivity changes from
”+3” down to ”3”. If you do not operate any button for a few
seconds, the previous display returns.If manual onoff of the air conditioning is desired
Push the ”A/C” button to turn the air conditioning on and push it
again to turn the air conditioning off.
The air conditioning does not work if the outside temperature is
lowered down to around 0C (32F).
If the system is used for ventilation, heating in dry weather or
removing frost or exterior fog on the windshield, turn the air
conditioning off once it is no longer required. This will improve fuel
economy. The air conditioning can be used for yearround
automatic temperature control including cooling and dehumidifying
operation.
If the air conditioning compressor does not operate, the indicator of
the ”A/C” button will blink. If the indicator of the ”A/C” button
blinks even when the ”A/C” button is pushed again, have the
compressor checked by your nearest Lexus dealer.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
149 Radio reception
Usually, the problem with radio reception does not mean there is a
problem with your radio it is just the normal result of conditions
outside the vehicle.
For example, nearby buildings and terrain can interfere with FM
reception. Power lines or telephone wires can interfere with AM
signals. And of course, radio signals have a limited range, and the
farther you are from a station, the weaker its signal will be. In
addition, reception conditions change constantly as your vehicle
moves.
Here are some common reception problems that probably do not
indicate a problem with your radio:
FM
Fading and drifting stations Generally, the effective range of FM
is about 40 km (25 miles). Once outside this range, you may notice
fading and drifting, which increase with the distance from the radio
transmitter. They are often accompanied by distortion.
Multipath FM signals are reflective, making it possible for two
signals to reach your antenna at the same time. If this happens, the
signals will cancel each other out, causing a momentary flutter or
loss of reception.
Static and fluttering These occur when signals are blocked by
buildings, trees, or other large objects. Increasing the bass level may
reduce static and fluttering.Station swapping If the FM signal you are listening to is
interrupted or weakened, and there is another strong station nearby
on the FM band, your radio may tune in the second station until the
original signal can be picked up again.
AM
Fading AM broadcasts are reflected by the upper atmosphere
especially at night. These reflected signals can interfere with those
received directly from the radio station, causing the radio station to
sound alternately strong and weak.
Station interference When a reflected signal and a signal received
directly from a radio station are very nearly the same frequency, they
can interfere with each other, making it difficult to hear the
broadcast.
Static AM is easily affected by external sources of electrical noise,
such as high tension power lines, lightening, or electrical motors.
This results in static.
Caring for your cassette player and tapes
For high performance from your cassette player and tapes:
Clean the tape head and other parts regularly.
A dirty tape head or tape path can decrease sound quality and
tangle your cassette tapes. The easiest way to clean them is by
using a cleaning tape. (A wet type is recommended.)

STARTING AND DRIVING
156To ensure that the threeway catalytic converter and the
entire emission control system operate properly, your vehicle
must receive the periodic inspections required by the Lexus
Maintenance Schedule. For scheduled maintenance
information, refer to the separate ”Owner’s Manual
Supplement/ Maintenance Schedule”.
ENGINE EXHAUST CAUTION
CAUTION
Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust. It contains carbon
monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless gas. It can
cause unconsciousness or even death.
Make sure the exhaust system has no holes or loose
connections. The system should be checked from time to
time. If you hit something, or notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust, have the system checked immediately.
Do not run the engine in a garage or enclosed area except
for the time needed to drive the vehicle in or out. The
exhaust gases cannot escape, making this a particularly
dangerous situation.
Do not remain for a long time in a parked vehicle with the
engine running. If it is unavoidable, however, do so only in
an unconfined area and adjust the heating or cooling
system to force outside air into the vehicle.
Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. An open or
unsealed trunk lid may cause exhaust gases to be drawn
into the vehicle. If you must drive with the trunk lid open
to accommodate a large object, close the windows, open all
the dashboard vents and have the heating or cooling system
deliver fresh air into the vehicle by turning the fan to high
speed with the air intake control button in the OUTSIDE
AIR mode.
To allow proper operation of your vehicle’s ventilation
system, keep the inlet grilles in front of the windshield clear
of snow, leaves, or other obstructions.
If you smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle, drive with the
windows open and the trunk lid closed. Have the cause
immediately located and corrected.

STARTING AND DRIVING
164
3
Shift into the ”2” position. The transmission will downshift to
the second gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower
than 104 km/h (65 mph) and more powerful engine braking
than that of ”3” position will be obtained.
4
Shift into the ”L” position. The transmission will downshift to
the first gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower than
18 km/h (11 mph) and maximum engine braking will be
applied.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed could cause the vehicle to spin
or skid.
(c) Using the ”3”, ”2” and ”L” positions
The ”3”, ”2” and ”L” positions are used for strong engine braking as
described previously.
With the selector lever in ”3”, ”2” or ”L”, you can start the vehicle
in motion as with the lever in ”D”.
With the selector lever in ”3” or ”2”, the vehicle will start in the first
gear and automatically shift to the third or second gear.
With the selector lever in ”L”, the transmission is engaged in the first
gear.
NOTICE
Be careful not to overrev the engine. Watch the tachometer
to keep engine rpm from going into the red zone. The
approximate maximum allowable speed for each position is
given below for your reference:
”3” 160 km/h (99 mph). . . .
”2” 104 km/h (65 mph). . . .
”L” 68 km/h (42 mph). . . .
Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long time
in the ”3”, ”2” or ”L” position. This may cause severe
automatic transmission damage from overheating. To
prevent such damage, ”4” position should be used in hill
climbing or hard towing.

MAINTENANCE
216Parking brake
Check that the pedal has the proper travel and that, on a safe incline,
your vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission ”Park” mechanism
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with the
selector lever in ”P” position and all brakes released.
Engine compartment
Items listed below should be checked from time to time, e.g. each
time when refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See page 261 for
additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the Upper and Lower lines
on the seethrough reservoir when the engine is cold. See page 233
for additional information.
Battery
Your Lexus has a maintenance free battery. You do not have to add
distilled water. For longer life of the battery, however, see page 253
for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 239 for
additional information.Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and the
vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 230 for additional
information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in the ”HOT”
or ”COLD” range depending on the fluid temperature. See page 240
for additional information.
Exhaust system
Look for cracks, holes and loose supports. If you notice any change
in the sound of the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes, have the cause
located and corrected immediately. (See engine exhaust cautions in
Section 31.)

ENGINE
229
FACTS ABOUT ENGINE OIL
CONSUMPTION
Functions of engine oil
Engine oil has the primary function of lubricating and cooling the
inside of the engine, and plays a major role in maintaining the engine
in proper working order.
Engine oil consumption
It is normal that an engine should consume some engine oil
during normal engine operation. The causes of oil consumption
in a normal engine are as follows.
Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston rings and cylinders. A thin
film of oil is left on the cylinder wall when a piston moves
downwards in the cylinder. High negative pressure generated
when the vehicle is decelerating sucks some of this oil into the
combustion chamber. This oil as well as some part of the oil film
left on the cylinder wall is burned by the high temperature
combustion gases during the combustion process.
Oil is also used to lubricate the stems of the intake valves. Some
of this oil is sucked into the combustion chamber together with
the intake air and is burned along with the fuel. High temperature
exhaust gases also burn the oil used to lubricate the exhaust valve
stems.The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the viscosity of
the oil, the quality of the oil and the way the vehicle is driven.
More oil is consumed by highspeed driving and frequent
acceleration and deceleration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since its pistons, piston rings and
cylinder walls have not become conditioned.
When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in mind that
the oil may have become diluted, making it difficult to judge the
true level accurately.
For example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips and
consumes a normal amount of oil, the dipstick may not show any
drop in the oil level at all, even after 1000 km (600 miles) or more.
This is because the oil is gradually becoming diluted with fuel or
moisture, making it appear that the oil level has not changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle is then
driven at high speeds, as on an expressway, making it appear that oil
is excessively consumed after driving at high speeds.
Importance of engine oil level check
One of the most important points in proper vehicle maintenance is
to keep the engine oil at the optimum level so that oil function will
not be impaired. Therefore, it is essential that the oil level be
checked regularly. Lexus recommends that the oil level be checked
every time you refuel the vehicle.
NOTICE