check engine LEXUS LS430 2005 Owners Manual

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
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HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
The contents of this manual are explained briefly on this
page to help you make the best use of the manual. Please
read this page and the rest of the Owner’s Manual
carefully to make sure you fully understand the operation
of your vehicle.
This will help you enjoy safe and comfortable driving.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The table of contents and the pictorial index provide easy
reference to the appropriate pages.
BASIC OPERATION QUICK REFERENCE
Operation of basic equipment is briefly explained in an easily
understandable way for quick reference.
SECTION 1 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
The vehicle’s equipment is divided into the 7 groups listed
below. Use of the equipment is explained, including any points
you should pay particular attention to.
1. Keys and doors
2. Switches
3. Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators
4. Interior equipment
5. Exterior equipment
6. Occupant restraint systems
7. Steering wheel and mirrors
SECTION 2 AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
The features of the vehicle’s air conditioning and audio are
explained in detail. Be sure to read this section so that you can
make full use of them.
SECTION 3 STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting the engine, driving, stopping, operation of features
affecting vehicle handling, hints on vehicle safety and safe
driving techniques are all explained. Please read everything
in this section, and remember − drive safely!
SECTION 4 IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
This section explains what to do in the event of an urgent
situation such as the engine not starting or getting a flat tire,
etc. If such a problem occu rs, check the contents of this
Owner’s Manual and follow the instructions given.
SECTION 5 MAINTENANCE
This section explains the importance of regular maintenance.
Regular and periodic inspection and maintenance of your
Lexus will help to keep your vehicle in its best condition.
SECTION 6 SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Simple maintenance procedure and service data are provided
here for your reference should you wish to perform inspection
and maintenance yourself.
INDEX
The page number is listed for each item in the Owner ’s Manual
so that you can rapidly find the item and page you are
searching for.

KEYS AND DOORS
17
11L358
Do not bend the key grip or flat key.
 Do not cover the key grip or flat key with any material
that cuts off electromagnetic waves.
 Do not knock the key or flat key hard against other
objects.
 Do not leave the key or flat key exposed to high
temperatures for a long period, such as on the
dashboard or hood under direct sunlight.
 Do not put the key or flat key in water or wash it in an
ultrasonic washer.
 Do not use the key or flat key with electromagnetic
materials.
ENGINE IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
Deactivation using the smart key system
11L222a
The engine immobilizer system is a theft prevention
system. When you enter the vehicle carrying a smart key
and push the ignition switch, the electronic code in the
key is automatically checked to determine whether it
corresponds to the registered ID code for the vehicle. If
the key indicator light comes on after the ID code
verification, you can start the engine.
This system is automatically set when the ignition switch is
turned to the “LOCK” position. At this time, the security
indicator light flashes. When you push the ignition switch, the
security indicator light goes out and the system is cancelled
automatically, which enables the engine to start.
The engine immobilizer system cannot be cancelled if the
cancel switch of the smart key system is turned on. For details,
see “Deactivating the smart key system” on page 34.

KEYS AND DOORS
21
INFORMATION
Be sure to take the smart key with you.
 In the following cases, the smart key system or
wireless remote control feature may not operate
properly. (If this happens, use a mechanical key to
lock or unlock the doors and trunk lid and a smart key
to start the engine.)
When facilities issuing strong electromagnetic
waves such as TV towers, electric power stations,
broadcasting stations are nearby.
When you are carrying a smart key together with a
mobile communications system such as a
twoway radio or cellular phone.
When the smart key is in contact with or covered
by a metallic object.
When another person is operating a wireless
remote control function on another vehicle near
your vehicle.
 If you do not drive your vehicle, store the smart key,
keeping it at least 5 m (15 ft.) away from the vehicle.
Alarms and warning messages
Your Lexus is equipped with alarms inside and outside, as
well as warning messages in the multiinformation
display, that remind you if there is a problem involving the
smart key system.
Cases which are expected to happen frequently are
shown in the illustrations and the other cases are
described in the table. If an alarm or warning message
comes on, check to see what the problem is referring to
the illustrations and table, and take the appropriate
measure.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
84
(a) Brake System Warning Light
This light comes on in the following cases when the ignition
switch is in the “ON” position.
When the parking brake is applied ...
This light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition switch
is turned to the “ON” position even after the parking brake is
released.
 When the brake fluid level is low ...
CAUTION
It is dangerous to continue driving normally when the
brake fluid level is low.
Have your vehicle checked at your Lexus dealer in the
following case:
The light does not come on even if the parking brake is
applied when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
 The light does not come on even if the ignition switch is
turned on with the parking brake released.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not
indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If either of the following conditions occurs, immediately
stop your vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer.
 The light does not turn off even after the parking
brake is released while the engine is running.
In this case, the brakes may not work properly and
your stopping distance will become longer. Depress
the brake pedal firmly and bring the vehicle to an
immediate stop.
 The brake system warning light remains on together
with the “ABS” warning light.
In this case, not only the antilock brake system will
fail but also the vehicle will become extremely
unstable during braking.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
86
(e) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, stop the vehicle, turn off the
engine, and check for the cause. Look first at the engine drive
belt.
 If it is loose or broken, the generator will not charge the
battery properly.
 If the belt is O.K., there is a problem somewhere in the
charging system.
The engine ignition will continue to operate, however, until the
battery is discharged. Turn off the air conditioning, blower,
radio, etc., and drive directly to the nearest Lexus dealer or
repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive belt is broken
or loose.
(f) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on when the ignition switch is turned to
the “ON” position and goes off after the engine starts.
This means that the warning light system is operating
properly.
If the lamp remains on, or the lamp comes on while
driving, first check the following:
 Empty fuel tank
If the fuel tank is empty, refuel immediately.
 Loose fuel tank cap
If the fuel tank cap is loose, securely tighten it.
These cases are temporary malfunctions. The malfunction
indicator lamp will go off after taking several driving trips.
If the lamp does not go off even after several trips, contact your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
If the fuel tank is not empty or the fuel tank cap is not
loose...
 There is a problem somewhere in the engine, emission
control system, electronic throttle control system, automatic
transmission electrical system or warning light system itself.
Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible to service the
vehicle.
If this lamp comes on and engine speed does not increase
when the accelerator pedal is depressed, there may be a
problem somewhere in the electronic throttle control system.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
87
At this time, vibration may occur. However, if you depress the
accelerator pedal more firmly and slowly, you can drive your
vehicle at low speeds. Have your Lexus checked by your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Even if the abnormality of the electronic throttle control system
is corrected during low speed driving, the system may not be
recovered
until the engine is stopped and the ignition switch is
turned to “ACC” or “LOCK” position.
Emissions inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs
Your vehicle may not pass a state emission inspection if the
malfunction indicator lamp remains on. Contact your Lexus
dealer to check your vehicle’s emission control system and
OBD (On −Board Diagnostics) system before taking your
vehicle for the inspection.
For details, see “Emissions inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs” on page 431.
(g) Master Warning Light
If any system malfunctions, this warning light comes on or
flashes together with a warning tone, and a warning message
appears in the multi−information display. When the cause of
the problem is eliminated, the warning tone and message on
the display will turn off.
(h) “ABS” Warning Light
The light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position. If the anti−lock brake system and the brake
assist system work properly, the light turns off after a few
seconds. Thereafter, if either of the systems malfunctions, the
light comes on again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti −lock brake system, the brake
assist system, the traction control system and/or the vehicle
stability control system do/does not operate, but the brake
system still operates conventionally.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti− lock brake system does not
operate so that the wheels could lock up during a sudden
braking or braking on slippery road surfaces.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
94
(c) Warning messages
13L148
W40W253
When the engine oil pressure becomes too low, the
master warning light comes on, a warning tone sounds
and the above message appears.
If this message appears while you are driving, pull off the road
to a safe place and stop the engine immediately. Call a Lexus
dealer or qualified repair shop for assistance.
The message may appear when the oil level is extremely low.
It is not designed to indicate low oil level, and the oil level must
be checked using the oil level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle while this warning message is
displayed even for one block. It may ruin the engine.
W41W254
When your brake pads have worn down enough to require
replacement, the master warning light flashes and a
warning tone sounds and the above message appears.
If this message appears while you are driving, have the brake
pads checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
W50W255
When the engine oil level is too low, the master warning
light flashes, a warning tone sounds, and the above
message appears.
Add oil as soon as possible. (For instructions, see “Checking
the engine oil level” on page 452.)
While driving on steep inclines or rough roads which causes
the vehicle to substantially sway or on curves, this message
may appear due to the movement of engine oil in the engine.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
96
w283
If the driving range exceeds 4,500 miles after the engine
oil maintenance data is reset, the master warning light
comes on, a warning tone sounds and the above message
appears for about 15 seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to “ON”. (U.S.A. only)
This message indicates that the engine oil should be replaced
soon. If the message appears, it is recommended to inspect
the engine oil with the ignition off. For details about inspection,
see “Checking the engine oil level” on page 452.
If the engine oil level is low, engine oil should be replaced.
Have it replaced at your Lexus dealer.
After the engine oil replacement, reset the engine oil
maintenance data and make sure the “Mileage Reset” appears
in the display.
NOTICE
The warning message in the display is based on the
driving range after the engine oil maintenance data
reset. This is not based on the monitoring of dirty
condition of the engine oil.
w284
If the driving range exceeds 5,000 miles after the engine
oil maintenance data is reset, the master warning light
comes on, a warning tone sounds and the above message
appears. (U.S.A. only)
This message indicates that the engine oil should be replaced
as soon as possible. If the message appears, it is
recommended to inspect the engine oil with the ignition off. For
details about inspection, see “Checking the engine oil level” on
page 452.
If the engine oil level is low, engine oil should be replaced.
Have it replaced at your Lexus dealer.
After the engine oil replacement, reset the engine oil
maintenance data and make sure the “Mileage Reset” appears
in the display.
NOTICE
The warning message in the display is based on the
driving range after the engine oil maintenance data
reset. This is not based on the monitoring of dirty
condition of the engine oil.

STARTING AND DRIVING
296
THREEWAY CATALYTICCONVERTERS
31L353a
Threeway catalytic converters are emission control
devices installed in the exhaust system.
The 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.
NOTICE
A large amount of unburned gases flowing into the
threeway catalytic converter may cause it to overheat
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 to misfire, creating
an excessive load on the threeway catalytic
converter.
 Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed for more
than 20 minutes.
 Avoid racing the engine.
 Do not pushstart or pullstart your vehicle.
 Do not turn off the ignition while the vehicle is
moving.
 Keep your engine in good running order.
Malfunctions in the engine electrical system,
electronic ignition system or fuel system could cause
an extremely high threeway catalytic converter
temperature.
 If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, take your vehicle in for a checkup as
soon as possible. Remember, your Lexus dealer
knows your vehicle and its threeway catalytic
converter system best.

STARTING AND DRIVING
297

To 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
“Owner’s Manual Supplement / Scheduled
Maintenance”.
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.
 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.