lexus LS400 2000 Engine / LEXUS 2000 LS400 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM50533U)

AUDIO
274Station
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 the best performance for 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.) Use high±quality cassettes:

Low±quality cassette tapes can cause many
problems, including poor sound, inconsistent playing
speed, and constant auto±reversing. They can also
get stuck or tangled in the cassette player.
 Do not use a cassette if it has been damaged or
tangled or if its label is peeling off.
 Do not leave a cassette in the player if you are not
listening to it, especially if it is hot outside.
 Store cassettes in their cases and out of direct
sunlight.
 Avoid using cassettes with a total playing time longer
than 100 minutes (50 minutes per side). The tape
used in these cassette is thin and could get stuck or
tangled in the cassette player.

AUDIO
275
Caring for your compact disc player and discs
20L037

Use only compact discs labeled as shown. The
player is intended for use with 12 cm (4.7 in.) discs
only.
 Extremely high temperature can keep your compact
disc player from working. On hot days, use air
conditioning to cool the vehicle interior before you
listen to a disc.
 Bumpy roads or other vibrations may make your
compact disc player skip.
 If moisture gets into your compact disc player, you
may not hear any sound even though your compact
disc player appears to be working. Remove the
magazine from the player and wait until it dries.

AUDIO
276
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AUDIO
277
Your automatic changer cannot play special shaped or
low±quality compact discs such as those shown here.
Do not use them as the changer could be damaged.
20L038

Correct
Wrong

Handle compact discs carefully, especially when you
set them into the magazine. Hold them on the edge
and do not bend them. Avoid getting fingerprints on
them, particularly on the shiny side.
 Dirt, scrapes, warping, pin holes, or other disc
damage could cause the player to skip or to repeat a
section of a track. (To see a pin hole, hold the disc up
to the light.)

AUDIO
278
20L039
To clean a compact disc: Wipe it with a soft, lint±free
cloth that has been dampened with water. Wipe in a
straight line from the center to the edge of the disc (not
in a circle). Do not use a conventional record cleaner or
anti±static device.
CAUTION
Compact disc players use an invisible laser beam which
could cause hazardous radiation exposure if directed
outside the unit. Be sure to operate the player correctly.

SECTION 3 ± 1
279
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converter279
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 282
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 283
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 286
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 288
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 289
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic throttle control system 303
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 305
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronically modulated air suspension 309
. . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system 312
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle skid control system 315
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 321
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 328
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THREE±WAY CATALYTIC
CONVERTER

STARTING AND DRIVING
280
31L002a
Three±way catalytic converters are emission
control devices installed in the exhaust system.
It looks somewhat like a muffler, but its purpose is to
reduce pollutants in the exhaust gas.
CAUTION
Keep people and combustible materials away from
the exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The
exhaust gas is very hot.
 Do not drive, idle or park your vehicle over anything
that might burn easily such as grass, leaves, paper or
rags.

STARTING AND DRIVING
281
NOTICEA large amount of unburned gases flowing intothe three±way catalytic converter may cause it tooverheat and create a fire hazard. To prevent this
and other damage, observe the following precautions:
Use only unleaded gasoline.
Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level;running out of fuel could cause the engine tomisfire, creating an excessive load on thethree±way catalytic converter.
Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed formore than 20 minutes.
Avoid racing the engine.
Do not push±start or pull±start your vehicle.
Do not turn off the ignition while the vehicle ismoving.
Keep your engine in good running order.Malfunctions in the engine electrical system,electronic ignition system or fuel system could
cause an extremely high three±way catalytic converter temperature.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stallsfrequently, take your vehicle in for a check±up
as soon as possible. Remember, your Lexusdealer knows your vehicle and its three±waycatalytic converter system best.

STARTING AND DRIVING
282
To ensure that the three±way catalytic
converter and the entire emission controlsystem operate properly, your vehicle mustreceive the periodic inspections required bythe Lexus Maintenance Schedule. Forscheduled maintenance information, refer tothe ªOwner's Manual Supplement /
Maintenance Scheduleº.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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
283
Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. An
open or unsealed trunk lid may cause exhaust
gases to be drawn into the vehicle.
 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.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 the 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 ºONº, and check the fuel
gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.