change LEXUS SC300 1999 Owner's Manual

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
203
Your automatic changer cannot play special shaped compact
discs as shown. Do not use them as the changer could be
damaged.

STARTING AND DRIVING
211
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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
223
To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the
transmission in the way described below:
1
Shift into the º4º position. The transmission will
downshift to the fourth gear and engine braking will be
obtained.
When the cruise control is being used, even if you
downshift from ºDº to º4º, engine braking will not be
applied because the cruise control is not cancelled. If
you need to decrease the vehicle speed, see page 245.
2Shift into the º3º position. The transmission will
downshift to the third gear when the vehicle speed is or
becomes lower than 149 km/h (93 mph) and more
powerful engine braking will be obtained.
3Shift into the º2º position. The transmission will
downshift to the second gear when the vehicle speed is
or becomes lower than 97 km/h (61 mph) and more
powerful engine braking than that of º3º position will
be obtained.
4Shift into the ºLº position. The transmission will
downshift to the first gear when the vehicle speed is or
becomes lower than 18 km/h (11 mph) and maximum
engine braking will be applied.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed could cause the vehicle to spin
or skid.

STARTING AND DRIVING
235
To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the
transmission in the way described below:
1
Shift into the º3º position. The transmission will
downshift to the third gear and engine braking will be
obtained.
When the cruise control is being used, even if you
downshift from ºDº to º3º, engine braking will not be
applied because the cruise control is not cancelled. If
you need to decrease the vehicle speed, see page 245.
2Shift into the º2º position. The transmission will
downshift to the second gear when the vehicle speed is
or becomes lower than 119 km/h (74 mph) and more
powerful engine braking will be obtained.
3Shift into the ºLº position. The transmission will
downshift to the first gear when the vehicle speed is or
becomes lower than 56 km/h (35 mph) and maximum
engine braking will be applied.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed could cause the vehicle to spin
or skid.

STARTING AND DRIVING
242In the power mode, the ºECT PWRº light in the instrument
cluster is on and the transmission is shifted up at higher
vehicle speeds and shifted down more responsively than in
the normal mode.
To return to the normal mode, push the driving pattern
selector switch lightly on the ºSNOWº side.
Snow mode: For slippery road surfaces such as in snow. In
this mode, the spinning of the rear wheels is controlled
appropriately.
When you push the driving pattern selector switch on the
ºSNOWº side, the snow mode is turned on and the ºECT
SNOWº light in the instrument cluster comes on.
To return to the normal mode, push the driving pattern
selector switch on the ºSNOWº side again.
When you turn the ignition switch off in the snow mode, the
mode automatically changes to the normal mode.
CRUISE CONTROL
The cruise control allows you to cruise the vehicle at a
desired
speed over 40 km/h (25 mph) with your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
Your cruising speed can be maintained although a slight speed
change may occur when driving up or down a gradient, within
the limits of engine performance. On steeper hills, a great
speed change will occur so it is better to drive without the
cruise control.
When the cruise control is on, the driving pattern of the
automatic transmission is fixed in the normal position,
regardless of the position of the selector switch.
CAUTION
 To help maintain maximum control of your vehicle, do not
use the cruise control when driving in heavy or varying
traffic, or on slippery (rainy, icy or snow±covered) or
winding roads.
 Avoid vehicle speed increases when driving downhill. If the
vehicle speed is too fast in relation to the cruise control set
speed, cancel the cruise control then downshift the
transmission to use engine braking to slow down.

DRIVING TIPS
260

Do 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 234.

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 high±speed
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 high±speed
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 a proper freeze protection of engine
coolant.
Your coolant must contain ethylene±glycol type coolant for
a proper corrosion protection of aluminum components. Use
ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent. See ºChecking
the engine coolant levelº on page 347 for instructions.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
When it is extremely cold, we recommend to use 60%
solution for your Lexus, to provide protection down to about
±50 C (±58F). Do not use more than 70% solution for better
coolant performance.
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 380 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 346 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

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
283
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line.
Move cautiously off the road to a safe place ± well away from
the traffic. A void stopping on the center divider of a highway.
Park on a level spot with firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Firmly set the parking brake and put the transmission in
ºPº.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side away from
traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.
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.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
284

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
Do not continue driving with a deflated tire. Driving even
a short distance can damage a tire beyond repair.
Changing procedure
1. Get the tool, jack and spare tire.
To prepare yourself for an emergency, you should familiarize
yourself with the use of the jack and each tool, and their
storage locations.

MAINTENANCE
313
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlight, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal
lights, and other lights are working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified freeplay. Be alert for changes
in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive
freeplay or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters,
seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold
securely in any latched position.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system s uch as buckles, retractors and
anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt
webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged. Accelerator pedal
Check
the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal ef fort
or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and freeplay. Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the lever has the proper travel and that, on a safe
incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.
Automatic transmission ºParkº mechanism
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in ºPº position and all brakes released.

MAINTENANCE
314
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 396
for additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the Upper and Lower
lines on the see±through reservoir when the engine is cold.
See page 347 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 380 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 359 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 342 for additional
information.Power steering fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in the
ºHOTº or ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 361 for additional information.
Engine fan fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in
ºHOTº or ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 349 for additional information.
Exhaust system
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 3±1.)