brakes LEXUS SC300 1999 Owners Manual

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
55
(a) Brake System Warning Light
This light has the following two functions:
Parking brake reminder
If this light is on, make sure the parking brake is fully released.
The light should go off.
Low brake fluid level warning
If this light comes on and stays on while you are driving, slow
down and pull off the road. Then stop the vehicle carefully.
Remember that stopping distance and pedal effort may be
increased. There may be a problem somewhere in the brake
system. Check the fluid level of the see±through reservoir.
To make sure the parking brake has not caused the warning
light to come on, check to see that the parking brake is fully
released.
If the brake fluid level is low ...
At a safe place, test your brakes by starting and stopping.

If you judge that the brakes still work adequately, drive
cautiously to your nearest dealer or shop for repairs.

If the brakes are not working, have the vehicle towed in for
repairs. (For towing information, see page 297.)
CAUTION
It is dangerous to continue driving normally when the brake
fluid level is low.

STARTING AND DRIVING
247
You can turn off the traction control system by pushing
the ºTRAC OFFº switch. The ºTRAC OFFº indicator/
warning light will then come on. Pushing the ºTRAC
OFFº switch a second time turns the system back on and
extinguishes the ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning light.
You may hear a slight clicking noise in the engine
compartment when the engine 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
vibration 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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
248
Traction control failure warning
If the ºTRAC OFFº indicator/warning light flashes, contact
your Lexus dealer as soon as possible. There may be trouble
in the traction control system.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of the
vehicle and power to the rear wheels cannot be maintained,
even though the traction control system is in operation. Do not
drive the vehicle under any speed or maneuvering conditions
which will cause the vehicle to lose traction. In situations
where the road surface is covered with ice or snow, your
vehicle should be fitted with snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious pace.
BRAKE SYSTEM
The tandem master cylinder brake system is a hydraulic
system with two separate sub±systems. If either sub±system
should fail, the other will still work. However, the pedal will
be harder to press, and your stopping distance will be longer.
Also, the brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake system.
Have your brakes fixed immediately.

STARTING AND DRIVING
249
Brake booster
The brake booster uses engine vacuum to power±assist the
brakes. If the engine should quit while you are driving, you
can bring the vehicle to a stop with normal pedal pressure.
There is enough reserve vacuum for one or two stops but no
more!
CAUTION
Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls. Each push
on the pedal uses up your vacuum reserve.
 Even if the power assist is completely lost, the brakes will
still work. But you will have to push the pedal hard ± much
harder than normal. And your braking distance will be
longer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
254
BRAKE PAD WEAR LIMITINDICATORS
The brake pad wear limit indicators on your disc brakes
give a warning noise when the brake pads are worn to the
extent that replacement is required.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise while driving, have
the brake pads checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible. Expensive rotor damage can result if the
pads are not replaced when needed.

DRIVING TIPS
259
BREAK±IN PERIOD
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
You need not follow a break±in schedule with your new
Lexus. But following a few simple tips for the first 1600 km
(1000 miles) can add to the future economy and long life of
your vehicle:

Do not drive over 88 km/h (55 mph).

Avoid overrevving. Maintain engine speed between 2000
and 4000 rpm.

Avoid full±throttle starts.

Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles).

Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either fast
or slow.

Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500 miles).
OPERATION IN FOREIGN
COUNTRIES
If you plan to drive your Lexus in another country ...
First, comply with the vehicle registration laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the correct fuel (unleaded
and minimum octane rating).
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VARIOUS CONDITIONS

Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow
you much better control.

Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle.
Avoid driving onto high, sharp±edged objects and other
road hazards. Failure to do so can lead to severe tire
damage resulting in tire bursts.

When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they
touch the curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the
parking brake, and place the transmission in ºPº. If
necessary, block the wheels.

Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may
get the brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you and then press the pedal lightly.
If you do not feel a normal braking force, the brakes are
probably wet. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously
while lightly pressing the brake pedal with the parking
brake applied. If they still do not work safely, pull to the
side of the road and call a Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION

Before driving, make sure the parking brake is fully
released and that the parking brake reminder light is off.

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

DRIVING TIPS
265
Hitches

If you wish to install a trailer hitch, your Lexus dealer
should be consulted.

Use only a hitch which is recommended by Lexus dealer
and conforms to the total trailer weight requirement.

Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.

Lexus recommends removing the trailer hitch whenever
you are not towing a trailer to reduce the possibility of
additional damage caused by the hitch if your vehicle is
struck from behind. After removing the hitch, seal any
mounting holes in the vehicle body to prevent entry of
pollutants such as exhaust fumes, dirt, water, etc.

Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a
trailer so that the rear license plate can be seen clearly.
NOTICE

Install the trailer hitch using only the position
recommended by your Lexus dealer. Do not install the
trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body
damage.

Do not use axle±mounted hitches as they can cause
damage to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels or
tires.
Brakes and safety chains

Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform
to any applicable federal and state/provincial
regulations.

A safety chain must always be used between the towing
vehicle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the
chain for turns. The chain should cross under the
trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to
the ground in case it becomes damaged or separated.
For correct safety chain procedur es, follow the hitch or
trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
CAUTION

If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1000 lb.), trailer
brakes are required.

Never tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system as it will
lower its braking effectiveness.

Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely
attached to both the trailer and the vehicle. If damage
occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, there is possible
danger of the trailer wandering over into another lane.

DRIVING TIPS
267
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differ ently
than when not towing. The three main causes of
vehicle±trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed
and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when
towing:

Before starting out, check the operation of the lights and
all vehicle±trailer connections. After driving a short
distance, stop and recheck the lights and connections.
Practice turning, stopping and backing with a trailer in an
area away from traffic until you learn the feel.

Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice.
Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand
to the left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand
to the right to move the trailer to the right. (This procedure
is generally opposite to that when backing without a
trailer.) Also, just turn the steering wheel a little at a time,
avoiding sharp or prolonged turning. Have someone guide
you when backing to reduce the risk of an accident.

Because stopping distance may be increased,
vehicle±to±vehicle distance should be increased when
towing a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed,
allow at least one vehicle and trailer length between you
and the vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as you may
skid, resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This is
especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.

Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.

Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit
your vehicle in a tight turn. Slow down before making a
turn to avoid the need of sudden braking.

Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will
be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn.
Therefore, compensate for this by making a larger than
normal turning radius with your vehicle.

Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely aff ect handling
of your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention to
the rear from time to time to prepare yourself for being
passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your
vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying happens, firmly
grip the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately but
gradually. Never increase speed. If it is necessary to
reduce speed, brake slowly. Steer straight ahead. If you
make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes,
your vehicle and trailer will stabilize.

Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires
considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not
forget the length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty
of room before changing lanes.

In order to maintain efficient engine braking and electrical
charging performance, do not use overdrive.
Transmission must be in the º4º position (SC400) or in the
º3º position (SC300).

DRIVING TIPS
268

Because of the added load of the trailer, your vehicle's
engine may overheat on hot days (at temperatures over
30C [85 F]) when going up a long or steep grade with a
trailer. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if
in use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe
spot. See ºIf your vehicle overheatsº on page 280 of this
manual.

Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and
trailer wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake
firmly. Put the transmission in ºPº. Avoid parking on a
slope with a trailer, but if it cannot be avoided, do so only
after performing the following:
1. Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle
and trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release your brakes
slowly until the blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the parking brake firmly.
5. Shift into ºPº and turn off the engine.
When restarting out after parking on a slope:
1. With the transmission in ºPº position, start the engine. Be
sure to keep the brake pedal depressed. 2. Shift into the º3º, º2º, ºLº or ºRº position.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal and slowly pull
or back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply your
brakes.
4. Have someone retrieve the blocks.