ignition lexus LS400 1999 Electrical Components / LEXUS 1999 LS400 (OM50514U) Repair Manual

STARTING AND DRIVING
305
31L052±1
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 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 traction control
system is in the self ±check mode, and does not indicate
malfunction.
When the traction control system is operating, you may
feel vi bration 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 help operate to prevent
the wheels from spinning.
To turn off the traction control system, see page 309.

STARTING AND DRIVING
309
You can turn off the vehicle skid control system by
pushing the ºVSC ±OFF±º switch. The ºVSC OFFº
indicator comes on. At this time, the traction control
system
also turns off. You cannot turn off either one
of them. Pushing the ºVSC ±OFF±º switch a second
time turns the system back on and extinguishes the
ºVSC OFFº indicator light.
When you turn the ignition switch on, this system always
turns on.

STARTING AND DRIVING
311
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
ºPº.
2. Connect the battery terminals.
3. Turn the ignition switch on. At this time, the ºVSC
OFFº indicator light comes on and then about 6 seconds
later, the reminder light comes on and the ºCHECK VSCº
warning message appears in the multi information
display.
4. The warning message and the ºVSC OFFº indicator
light go out about 15 seconds after the ignition switch is
turned on. If the vehicle is shaken after the ignition
switch is t urned to ºONº, 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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
318This light comes on when the ignition key is turned
to the ºONº 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
ºABSº 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.

DRIVING TIPS
325
See page 408 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.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most
auto parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions
for how much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other
substitute because it may damage your vehicle'spaint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a
possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ºPº and block
the front wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow
or water accumulated in and around the parking brake
mechanism may freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the
fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make
steering difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and
check under the fenders occasionally.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
350from traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.
NOTICE
For vehicles equipped with the height control
switch, be sure to turn the ignition switch offbefore jacking. If this is not done, the vehicleheight adjustment function will operate, whichmay cause body damage.
CAUTION
When jacking, be sure to observe the following to
reduce the possibility of personal injury:
 Follow jacking instructions.
 Do not put any part of your body under a
vehicle supported by a jack. Personal injury
may occur.
Do not start or run the engine while your
vehicle is supported by the jack.
 Stop the vehicle on a level firm ground, firmly
set the parking brake and put the transmission
in ºPº. Block the wheel diagonally opposite to
the one being changed if necessary.
 Make sure to set the jack properly in the jack
point. Raising the vehicle with jack improperly
positioned will damage the vehicle or may
allow the vehicle to fall off the jack and cause
personal injury.
 Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is
supported by the jack alone.
 Use the jack only for lifting your vehicle during
wheel changing.
 Do not raise the vehicle with someone in the
vehicle.
 When raising the vehicle, do not put an object
on or under the jack.
 Raise the vehicle only high enough to remove
and change the tire.
NOTICE

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
368
40L022±1
Place the ignition key in the ºACCº position.
NOTICE
Do not tow with the key removed or in theºLOCKº position, as the steering lockmechanism is not strong enough to hold thefront wheels straight.
When lifting wheels, take care to ensureadequate ground clearance for towing at theopposite end of the raised vehicle. Otherwise,the bumper and/or underbody of the towedvehicle will be damaged during towing.
(b) Using a flat bed truck

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
374
CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. Avoid
sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would
place excessive stress on the emergency towing eyelet
and towing cable or chain. The eyelet and towing cable
or chain may break and cause serious injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cableor chain to the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake and put the
transmission in ºNº. The ignition key must be in ºACCº
(engine off) or ºONº (engine running).
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.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
375
IF YOU CANNOT SHIFT
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER
40L025-3
If you cannot shift the selector lever, use the shift
lock override button as follows:
1Turn the ignition key to ºLOCKº or ºACCº. Make
sure the parking brake is applied. Pry up the cover
with a flat±bladed screwdriver or equivalent.

INTRODUCTION
391
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.