stop start lexus LS400 1998 Engine / LEXUS 1998 LS400 (OM50498U) User Guide

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
140
Cassette tape player operation
(a) Playing a cassette tape
20L049-2
When you insert a cassette tape, the exposed tape should be to the
right.
The player will automatically start when you insert a cassette tape.
At this time, ”TAPE” appears on the display.
If a metal or chrome equivalent cassette tape is put in the cassette
player, the player will automatically adapt to it and ”METAL”
appears on the display.
To stop or eject the cassette tape, push the ”EJECT” button.
Autoreverse feature: After the cassette player reaches the end of
a tape, it automatically reverses and begins to play the other side,
regardless of whether the cassette was playing or fast forwarding.
20L050-2
If a cassette is already in the slot, push the ”TAPE” button.
Dolby Noise Reduction* feature: If you are listening to a tape that
was recorded with Dolby* B or C Noise Reduction, push the button
by the doubleD symbol until the appropriate symbol appears on the
display.
The Dolby B NR mode reduces tape noise by about 10 dB. The
Dolby C NR mode reduces tape noise by another 10 dB or about 20
dB total. For best sound reproduction, select the same NR mode that
was used to record the tape.
To play a tape recorded without Dolby NR, push the button until the
symbol disappears from the display.
* Dolby noise reduction manufactured under license from Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corporation. ”DOLBY” and the doubleD symbol
are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
145 When the magazine is set completely, the system will be in a ”Load”
cycle for approximately 20 seconds while the system searches for
discs in the magazine. Upon completion of this cycle, the CD unit
will be ready to play. If the ”CD” button is pushed during the ”Load”
cycle, ”LOAD” appears on the display until the system has
completed the load cycle, after which the system will begin normal
play.
CAUTION
To reduce the chance of injury in case of an accident or a
sudden stop, always keep the cover closed while driving.
(b) Playing a compact disc
20L058-1
Push the ”CD” button if the magazine is already loaded in the
player.
”CD” appears on the display.
The discs set in the magazine are played continuously, starting with
disc number 1. The disc number of the disc currently being played,
the track number and the time from the beginning of the program
appear on the display.
When play of one disc ends, the first track of the following disc
starts. When play of the final disc ends, play of the first disc starts
again.
The player will skip any empty disc trays.

STARTING AND DRIVING
165
(d) Backing up
31L012-3
1
”R” (Reverse) position 2
Brake pedal
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the selector
lever to the ”R” position.
NOTICE
Never shift into reverse while the vehicle is moving.
When you are backing up, you can adjust the outside rear view
mirror on the passenger’s side down quickly. For details, see page
78.
(e) Parking
31L009-3
1
”P” (Park) position 2
Brake pedal
3
Parking brake pedal
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Depress the parking brake pedal fully.
3. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the selector
lever to the ”P” position.
CAUTION
While the vehicle is moving, never attempt to move the
selector lever into ”P” under any circumstances. Serious
mechanical damage and loss of vehicle control may result.

STARTING AND DRIVING
166
(f) Good driving practice
If the transmission repeatedly upshifts and downshifts between
the fourth and overdrive gears when climbing a gentle slope, shift
the selector lever to the ”4” position. Be sure to shift the selector
lever to the ”D” position after climbing the slope.
When towing a trailer, in order to maintain efficient engine
braking and electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive. The selector lever must be in the ”4” position.
CAUTION
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with
the engine running. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
NOTICE
Do not hold the vehicle on an upgrade with the accelerator
pedal. This can cause the transmission to overheat. Always use
the brake pedal or parking brake.
(g) Rocking your vehicle if stuck
CAUTION
If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc., then
you may attempt to rock the vehicle free by moving it forward
and backward. Do not attempt this procedure if people or
objects are anywhere near the vehicle. During the rocking
operation the vehicle may suddenly move forward or back as
it becomes unstuck, causing injury or damage to nearby
people or objects.
NOTICE
If you rock your vehicle, observe the following precautions to
prevent damage to the transmission and other parts.
Do not depress the accelerator pedal while shifting the
selector lever or before the transmission is completely shifted
to forward or reverse gear.
Do not race the engine and avoid spinning the wheels.
If your vehicle remains stuck after rocking the vehicle several
times, consider other ways such as towing.

STARTING AND DRIVING
176
CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the vehicle skid control system.
Even if the vehicle skid control system is operating, it is not
that your vehicle is absolutely safe. Reckless driving will
result in an unexpected accident. Always keep safety
driving in mind. If the slip indicator light flashes, sounding
an alarm, special care should be taken while driving.
Only use tires of specified size. The size, manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern for all 4 tires should be the same.
If you use the tires other than specified, or different type or
size, the vehicle skid control system may not function
correctly. When replacing the tires or wheels, contact your
Lexus dealer.
BRAKE SYSTEM
The tandem master cylinder brake system is a hydraulic system with
two separate subsystems. If either subsystem 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 powerassist 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
177
Antilock brake system
The antilock brake system is designed to automatically help
prevent lockup of the wheels during a sudden brake or braking
on slippery road surfaces. This assists in providing directional
stability and steering performance of the vehicle under these
circumstances.
The antilock 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 antilock brake system is in the selfcheck mode, and
does not indicate a malfunction.
Effective way to press the ABS brake pedal: When the antilock
brake system function is in action, you may feel the brake pedal
pulsating and hear a noise. In this situation, to let the antilock brake
system work for you, just hold the brake pedal down more firmly.
Do not pump the brake. This will result in reduced braking
performance.
The brake pedal pulsation caused by the antilock brake system may
indicate hazardous road surface conditions. Although the antilock
brake system assists in providing vehicle control, it is still important
to drive with all due care, because the antilock 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 antilock 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 antilock 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 antilock brake system,
your vehicle may require a longer stopping distance in the following
cases:
Driving on rough, gravel or snowcovered roads.
Driving with tire chains installed.
Driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or has other
differences in surface height.

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 antilock 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), antilock 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.
Drumindisc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drumindisc type parking brake system. This
type of brake system needs beddingdown of the brake shoes
periodically or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or drums are
replaced.
Have your Lexus dealer perform the beddingdown.
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.

DRIVING TIPS
181
BREAKIN PERIOD
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
You need not follow a breakin schedule with your new Lexus. But
following a few simple tips for the first 1600 km (1000 miles) can
add to the future economy and long life of your vehicle:
Do not drive over 88 km/h (55 mph).
Avoid overrevving. Maintain engine speed between 2000 and
4000 rpm.
Avoid fullthrottle starts.
Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles).
Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either fast or slow.
Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500 miles).
OPERATION IN FOREIGN
COUNTRIES
If you plan to drive your Lexus in another country ...
First, comply with the vehicle registration laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the correct fuel (unleaded and
minimum octane rating).
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VARIOUS
CONDITIONS
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you
much better control.
Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle. Avoid
driving onto high, sharpedged objects and other road hazards.
Failure to do so can lead to severe tire damage resulting in tire
bursts.
When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch the
curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking brake, and
place the transmission in ”P”. If necessary, block the wheels.
Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get the
brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that there is no
traffic near you and then press the pedal lightly. If you do not feel
a normal braking force, the brakes are probably wet. To dry them,
drive the vehicle cautiously while lightly pressing the brake pedal
with the parking brake applied. If they still do not work safely,
pull to the side of the road and call a Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is fully
released and that the parking brake reminder light is off.

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 highspeed 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
highspeed 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 ethyleneglycol 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 deicer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing.

DRIVING TIPS
187
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently than
when not towing. The three main causes of vehicletrailer
accidents are driver error, excessive speed and improper trailer
loading. Keep these in mind when towing:
Before starting out, check the operation of the lights and all
vehicletrailer connections. After driving a short distance, stop
and recheck the lights and connections. Practice turning,
stopping and backing with a trailer in an area away from traffic
until you learn the feel.
Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice. Grip the
bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the left to
move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to move
the trailer to the right. (This procedure is generally opposite to
that when backing without a trailer.) Also, just turn the steering
wheel a little at a time, avoiding sharp or prolonged turning. Have
someone guide you when backing to reduce the risk of an
accident.
Because stopping distance may be increased, vehicletovehicle
distance should be increased when towing a trailer. For each 16
km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer
length between you and the vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking
as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This
is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.
Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit your
vehicle in a tight turn. Slow down before making a turn to avoid
the need of sudden braking.
Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be
closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Therefore,
compensate for this by making a larger than normal turning radius
with your vehicle.
Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of
your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention to the rear
from time to time to prepare yourself for being passed by large
trucks or buses, which may cause your vehicle and trailer to sway.
If swaying happens, firmly grip the steering wheel and reduce
speed immediately but gradually. Never increase speed. If it is
necessary to reduce speed, brake slowly. Steer straight ahead. If
you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your
vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires
considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the
length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty of room before
changing lanes.
In order to maintain efficient engine braking and electrical
charging performance, do not use overdrive. Transmission must
be in the ”4” position.