oil LEXUS SC300 1999 Owners Manual

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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

KEYS AND DOORS
27
NOTICE

Make sure the positive side and negative side of the
battery should be faced correctly.

Be careful not to bend the electrode of the battery
insertion and that dust or oils do not adhere to the
inside of the module.

Take care not to lose the screws and O±ring.
5. Install the lid with the O±ring and 2 screws.
NOTICE
Take care not to damage or bend the O±ring when
installing.
6. Install the module into the key frame and secure the cover
with the screw.
7. When pushing any switch on the wireless key, make sure
the indicator light comes on.
DOORS
Locking with key

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
54(a) If parking brake is
off, stop and
check.
(b) Fasten seat belts.
(Indicator and buzzer)
(c) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer
immediately.
(d) Stop and check.
(e) Stop and check. (f) Add engine oil.

(g) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
(h) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
(i) Close all doors.
(j) Replace bulb.
(k) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
(l) Add washer fluid.
(m) Low fuel level Fill up tank. warning light
(n) Key reminder buzzer Remove key.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
56If the brake fluid level is correct ...
Have the warning system checked by your Lexus dealer.
(b) Seat Belt Reminder Light and Buzzer
Once the ignition key is turned to ºONº or ºSTARTº, the
reminder
light flashes and buzzer comes on if the driver's seat
belt is not fastened. Unless the driver fastens the belt, the light
stays flashing and the buzzer stops after about 4 to 8 seconds.
(c) SRS Airbag Warning Light
This indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned to
the ºACCº or ºONº position. It goes off after about 6
seconds. This means the SRS airbag system is operating
properly.
The SRS airbag warning light system monitors the airbag
sensor assembly, inflators, warning light, interconnecting
wiring and power sources.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a
malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the
warning light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.

The light does not come on as described above or remains
on.

The light comes on while driving.
(d) 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.
(e) Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil pressure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on 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.

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.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
195
Cassette tape player operating tips
Use only cassette tapes of good quality, having no damage.
Avoid using tapes with a total playing time longer than 90
minutes.
Using damaged tapes may cause harm to the tape player.
Longer tapes are not recommended because of their thinness.
Be sure that the tape is not slack and that the label is firmly
stuck on the shell before insertion.
Wind the tape firmly by turning the hub with a pencil or the
like.
Be careful not to touch the tape surface.
When not in use, take the cassette out of the player, put it
back into its case and store it away from dust, magnets and
direct sunlight.
Leaving cassette on the dashboard in the sun could damage
your tapes.
Keep the interior mechanism of the cassette player clean.
Once or twice a month, use a wet type cleaning cassette to
clean off tape coating residue accumulated on the head,
capstan and pinch roller.
NOTICE
Do not oil any part of the player and do not insert
anything
other than cassette tapes into the slot, or the tape
player may be damaged.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
201
ºRANDOMº button: Use for automatic program selection
and play by the system.
When
the
(RANDOM) button is pushed on the right
side, ºRNDº appears on the display and the system selects a
program on the disc which is set and plays it. To cancel it,
push the button once again.
When a program is skipped or the system is inoperative, push
the
(CD) button to reset.
(f) If the player malfunctions
If ºWAITº appears on the display, audio signals of the disc
cannot be read or the system has trouble. Push the
(CD)
button once again.
If the player does not operate, check that the disc surface is not
soiled or damaged. If the disc is O.K., the following two
causes are possible.

Condensation may have occurred on the internal
mechanism of the player.
Open the trunk to let air circulate.

The temperature of the player's internal mechanism is
raised because of high external temperature.
Remove the magazine from the player to cool it.
If the player still does not operate, take it to your Lexus dealer. Compact disc player operating tips

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
202
Use only compact discs labeled as shown. The player is
intended for use with 12 cm (4.7 in.) discs only.
Never attempt to disassemble or oil any part of the player
unit. Do not insert any object other than a disc into the
magazine.
There are no user±serviceable parts inside the compact disc
player.

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