Battery lexus LS400 1998 Engine / LEXUS 1998 LS400 (OM50498U) Owner's Guide

STARTING AND DRIVING
157
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 ”ON”, and check the fuel gauge to see that
you have sufficient fuel.
IGNITION SWITCH WITH
STEERING LOCK
31L0011
”START” Starter motor on. The key will return to the ”ON”
position when released.
For starting tips, see page 159.
”ON” Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the ”ON” position if the engine is not
running. The battery will discharge and the electronic ignition
system/distributor ignition system could be damaged.
”ACC” Accessories such as the radio operate, but the engine
is off.
If you leave the key in the ”ACC” or ”LOCK” position and open the

STARTING AND DRIVING
175
Vehicle skid control failure warning
31L073
In the following cases, the warning message appears and the
reminder light next to the warning message and the ”VSC OFF”
indicator light come on. And the warning tone also sounds.
(a) After the removal of the battery terminals (See ”Initial
adjustment of vehicle skid control system” described below.)
(b) If the vehicle skid control system malfunctions
If the message appears for the cause of (b), have your vehicle
checked by Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Although the message appears, there is no problem to continue your
normal driving.
Initial adjustment of vehicle skid control system
After the battery terminals are disconnected, an initial adjustment
should be made. At this time, the reminder light comes on and the
warning message appears in the multi information display.
Make an initial adjustment in the following ways:
1. Apply the parking brake and put the transmission in ”P”.
2. Connect the battery terminals.
3. Turn the ignition switch on. At this time, the ”VSC OFF”
indicator light comes on and then about 6 seconds later, the reminder
light comes on and the ”CHECK VSC” warning message appears in
the multi information display.
4. The warning message and the ”VSC OFF” indicator light go out
about 15 seconds after the ignition switch is turned on. If the vehicle
is shaken after the ignition switch is turned to ”ON”, it may take
longer to go out the warning message.
If the warning message does not go out about 1 minute after you turn
the ignition switch on, turn it off and then on again.
If the vehicle is on the moving object like a ship or turntable, an
accurate adjustment cannot be made. Move the vehicle on the
ground (or the part not causing vibrations to the vehicle) and make
an adjustment from step 1.

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.

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 pushstart the vehicle. It may damage the
vehicle or cause a collision when the engine starts. Also the
threeway 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”.)

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.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
195
40L002-7
5
Discharged battery 6
Booster battery
JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE
1. If the booster battery is installed in another vehicle, make sure the
vehicles are not touching. Turn off all unnecessary lights and
accessories.2. If required, remove all the vent plugs from the booster battery.
Lay a cloth over the open vents on the booster battery. (This helps
reduce the explosion hazard, personal injuries and burns.)
If the booster battery is an extended maintenance interval battery, it
is not necessary to remove the vent plugs.
3. If the engine in the vehicle with the booster battery is not running,
start it and let it run for about 5 minutes. During jump starting, run
the engine at about 2000 rpm with the accelerator pedal lightly
depressed.
4. Locate positive (+) and negative () terminals of each battery.
Connect the jumper cables in the exact order (
1
2
3
4
)
shown in the illustration.
1
Connect a positive (red) jumper cable clamp to the positive (+)
terminal of the discharged battery.
2
Connect the clamp at the other end of the positive (red) cable
to the positive (+) terminal of the booster battery.
3
Connect a negative (black) cable clamp to the negative ()
terminal of the booster battery.
4
Connect the clamp at the other end of the negative (black) cable
to a solid, stationary, unpainted metallic point (e.g. engine
hanger) away from the battery. Do not connect it to or near any
part that moves when the engine is cranked.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
196
CAUTION
When making the connections, to avoid serious injury, do not
lean over the battery or accidentally let the jumper cables or
clamps touch anything except the correct battery terminals or
the ground.
5. Start your engine in the normal way. After starting, run it at about
2000 rpm for several minutes with the accelerator pedal lightly
depressed.
6. Carefully disconnect the cables in the exact reverse order: the
negative cable and then the positive cable.
7. Carefully dispose of the battery cover cloths which may now
contain sulfuric acid.
8. If removed, replace all the battery vent plugs.
If the cause of your battery discharging is not apparent (for example,
lights left on), you should have it checked.
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating,
if you experience a loss of power, or if you hear a loud knocking
or pinging noise, the engine has probably overheated.
When the engine overheats
Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your emergency
flashers. Put the transmission in ”P” and apply the parking brake.
A: If steam is coming from your engine:
Turn off the engine. Leave the hood closed until there is no sign of
steam or coolant. Your engine could have been seriously damaged
already. Call your Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until there
is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is sign of very high
pressure.

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.)

61L005-5
INTRODUCTION
220
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
1 Brake fluid reservoir
2 Fuse box
3 Battery
4 Washer fluid tank
5 Engine oil level dipstick
6 Engine oil filler cap
7 Power steering fluid
reservoir
8 Engine coolant reservoir

INTRODUCTION
221
DOITYOURSELF SERVICE
PRECAUTIONS
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure given in this Section.
You should be aware that improper or incomplete servicing may
result in operating problems.
Performing doityourself maintenance during the warranty period
may affect your warranty coverage. Read the separate Lexus
Warranty statement for details and suggestions.
This Section gives instructions only for those items that are
relatively easy for an owner to perform. As explained in Section 5,
there are still a number of items that must be performed by a qualified
technician with special tools.
For information on tools and parts for doityourself maintenance,
see ”Parts and tools”.
Utmost care should be taken when working on your vehicle to
prevent accidental injury. Here are a few precautions that you should
be especially careful to observe:
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
(Removing rings, watches, and ties is advisable.)
Right after driving, the engine compartment the engine,
radiator, exhaust manifold and power steering fluid
reservoir, etc. will be hot. So be careful not to touch them.
Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames around
fuel or the battery. Their fumes are flammable.
Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It
contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Do not get under your vehicle with just the body jack
supporting it. Always use automotive jack stands or other
solid supports.
Be sure the ignition is off if you work near the electric
cooling fan or radiator grille. With the ignition on, the
electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if the air
conditioning is on and/or if the coolant temperature is high.
Use eye protection whenever you work on or under your
vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or falling
material, fluid spray, etc.
NOTICE