automatic transmission LEXUS SC300 1999 Owners Manual

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viiiPage
1
Driving position memory switch 168
. . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Power rear view mirror control switch 111 . . . . . . . .
3 Door lock switch and power window
switches 30, 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Fuel filler door opener 85
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Trunk lid opener 84
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Hood lock release lever 81
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Headlight, turn signal and fog
light switch 32, 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Traction control system off switch 246
. . . . . . . . . . .
9 Windshield wiper and washer switch 38
. . . . . . . . .
10 Cruise control switch 242
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
11 Emergency flasher switch
44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Automatic air conditioning controls 177
. . . . . . . . .
13 Car audio 186
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Parking brake lever 215
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Driving pattern selector switch 220
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Seat heater switches 45
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Ashtray 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Automatic transmission selector lever 217 . . . . . . .
19 Cup holder 76
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Cup holder 76
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Glovebox 72
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xPage
1
Driving position memory switch 168
. . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Power rear view mirror control switch 111 . . . . . . . .
3 Door lock switch and power window
switches 30, 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Fuel filler door opener 85
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Trunk lid opener 84
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Hood lock release lever 81
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Headlight, turn signal and fog
light switch 32, 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Traction control system off switch 246
. . . . . . . . . .
9 Windshield wiper and washer switch 38
. . . . . . . . .
10 Cruise control switch 242
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
11 Emergency flasher switch
44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Automatic air conditioning controls 177
. . . . . . . . .
13 Car audio 186
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Parking brake lever 215
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Driving pattern selector switch 232
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Seat heater switches 45
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Ashtray 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Automatic transmission selector lever 229 . . . . . . .
19 Cup holder 76
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Cup holder 76
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Glovebox 72
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xiiPage
1
Turn signal indicator light 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Headlight high beam indicator light 35
. . . . . . . . . .
3 Headlight indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic transmission indicator lights 217 . . . . . .
5 Engine coolant temperature gauge 50
. . . . . . . . . . .
6 Tachometer 51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Clock 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Cruise information display 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Odometer and trip meter 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Fuel gauge 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low fuel level warning light 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Traction control system off indicator/warning
light 58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
13 Malfunction indicator lamp 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Slip indicator light 246
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Anti±lock brake system warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . Page
16 Snow mode indicator light
241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Power mode indicator light 220, 241
. . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Cruise control indicator light 242
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Low engine oil level warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Low washer fluid warning light 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Rear light failure warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Seat belt reminder light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Open door warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 SRS airbag warning light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Discharge warning light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Low oil pressure warning light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Instrument panel light control 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 Cruise information display mode
select button 60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30 ODO/TRIP, RESET button 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31 H.M : 00 button 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xivPage
1
Turn signal indicator light 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Headlight high beam indicator light 35
. . . . . . . . . .
3 Headlight indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic transmission indicator lights 229 . . . . . .
5 Engine coolant temperature gauge 50
. . . . . . . . . . .
6 Tachometer 51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Clock 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Cruise information display 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Odometer and trip meter 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Fuel gauge 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low fuel level warning light 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Traction control system off indicator/warning
light 58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
13 Malfunction indicator lamp 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Slip indicator light 246
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Anti±lock brake system warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . Page
16 Snow mode indicator light
241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Power mode indicator light 232, 241
. . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Cruise control indicator light 242
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Low engine oil level warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Low washer fluid warning light 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Rear light failure warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Seat belt reminder light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Open door warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 SRS airbag warning light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Discharge warning light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Low oil pressure warning light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Instrument panel light control 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 Cruise information display mode
select button 60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30 ODO/TRIP, RESET button 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31 H.M : 00 button 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BASIC OPERATION
1
QUICK REFERENCE
Driver's seat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
2
Steering wheel (Power type) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
Steering wheel (Manual type) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
Automatic transmission (SC400) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
Automatic transmission (SC300) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
Headlight and turn signal switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
Wiper switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
9

Shift while pressing the brake pedal. (Ignition
switch must be in the ºONº position.)
BASIC OPERATION ± QUICK REFERENCE
4
4. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (SC400)
OPERATION OF SELECTOR
LEVER
SELECTOR LEVER POSITION

Shift while pressing the brake pedal. (Ignition
switch must be in the ºONº position.)
BASIC OPERATION ± QUICK REFERENCE
6
5. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (SC300)
OPERATION OF SELECTOR
LEVER
SELECTOR LEVER POSITION

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
57
The light may occasionally flicker when the engine is idling
or it may come on briefly after a hard stop. There is no cause
for concern if it then goes out when the engine is accelerated
slightly.
The light may come on 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 with the warning light on ± even
for one block. It may ruin the engine.
(f) Low Engine Oil Level Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil level is too low. Add oil
as soon as possible. (For instructions, see ºChecking the
engine oil levelº on page 342.)
While driving on steep inclines or rough roads which causes
the vehicle to substantially sway or on curves, this light may
come on due to the movement of engine oil in the engine.
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oil will
damage the engine.
(g) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See ºFuel gaugeº on
page 49 for instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely (SC400 only).
(See ºFuel tank capº on page 85 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem
somewhere in your engine or automatic
transmission electrical system.
If it comes on while you are driving in case ºc.º, have your
vehicle checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
(h) ºABSº Warning Light
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in your
anti±lock brake system.
If the light comes on while you are driving, have your vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to
ºONº, and will go off after about a few seconds.
When the ºABSº warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the brake system operates
conventionally but 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.

SECTION 3 ± 1
207
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
208
Engine exhaust caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
211
Before starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
212
Ignition switch with steering lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
212
Parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
215
How to start the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
216
Automatic transmission (SC400) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
217
Automatic transmission (SC300) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
229
Electronic throttle control system 241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
242
Traction control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
246
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .

STARTING AND DRIVING
214
ºLOCKº ± Engine is off and the steering wheel is locked.
The ignition key can be removed only at this position.
To turn the key from ºACCº to the ºLOCKº position, you
must put the transmission selector lever in the ºPº position.
Once you remove the key, the engine immobiliser system is
automatically set. See ºEngine immobiliser systemº on page
16.
When starting the engine, the key may seem stuck at the
ºLOCKº position. To free it, first be sure the key is pushed
all the way in, and then rock the steering wheel slightly while
turning the key gently.If, in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the
vehicle is moving, turn the key only to ºACCº.