service indicator LEXUS SC300 1999 Owners Manual

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
iii
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. Comfort adjustment 7. Theft deterrent

SECTION 1 ± 3
48
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder
indicators
Fuel gauge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
49
Engine coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
50
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . .
51
Odometer and trip meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
52
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers . . . . . . . . .
53
Cruise information display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
60
Instrument panel light control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
64

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
49
FUEL GAUGE
The gauge is displayed when the ignition switch is on and
indicates the approximate quantity of fuel remaining in
the tank.
It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4 full.
This fuel gauge has a non±return type needle which remains
at the last indicated position when the ignition switch is turned
off.
If the fuel level approaches ºEº or the low fuel level warning
light comes on, fill the fuel tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the tank,
the fuel gauge needle may fluctuate or the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than usual.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the malfunction indicator
lamp comes on. Fill the fuel tank immediately.The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times. If the
indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible.
See the inner back cover for fuel capacity and recommended
fuel selection.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
50
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
51
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature when
the ignition switch is on. The engine operating
temperature
will vary with changes in weather and engine
load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your vehicle
and allow the engine to cool.
Your vehicle may overheat during severe operating
conditions, such as:

Driving up a long hill on a hot day.

Reducing speed or stopping after high speed driving.

Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in
stop±and±go traffic.

Towing a trailer.
NOTICE

Do not remove the thermostat in the engine cooling
system as this may cause the engine to overheat. The
thermostat is designed to control the flow of coolant to
keep the temperature of the engine within the specified
operating range.

Do not continue driving with an overheated engine.
See ºIf your vehicle overheatsº on page 280.
TACHOMETER

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
52The tachometer indicates engine speed in thousands of
rpm (revolutions per minute). Use it while driving to
prevent engine overrevving.
Driving with the engine running too fast causes excessive
engine wear and poor fuel economy. Remember, in most
cases the slower the engine speed, the greater the fuel
economy.
NOTICE
Do not let the indicator needle get into the red zone. This
may cause severe engine damage.
ODOMETER AND TRIP METER

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
53
This m
eter displays the odometer and two trip meters. To
change the mode indication, push the ºODO/TRIPº
button. E ach time you push the button, the mode changes
in order from the odometer to trip meter A to trip meter
B, then back to the odometer, etc.
The odometer records the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. The twin trip meter records two different
distances independently.
For example, you can use one meter to calculate the fuel
economy and the other to measure the distance on each trip.
To set the A trip meter to zero, display the A meter
reading, then push the ºRESETº button. The same
applies for the B trip meter.
The data of trip meters will be cancelled if the electrical power
source is disconnected.
SERVICE REMINDER
INDICATORS AND WARNING BUZZERS
IF THIS INDICATOR
OR BUZZER COMES
ON ... DO THIS.

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
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.

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.