stop start LEXUS SC300 1999 Owners Manual

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
iv
SECTION 2 ± AIR CONDITIONING AND
AUDIO
The features of the vehicle's air conditioning and audio are
explained in detail. Be sure to read this section so that you can
make full use of them.
SECTION 3 ± STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting the engine, driving, stopping, operation of features
affecting vehicle handling, hints on vehicle safety and safe
driving techniques are all explained. Please read everything
in this section, and remember ± drive safely!
SECTION 4 ± IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
This section explains what to do in the event of an urgent
situation such as the engine not starting or getting a flat tire,
etc. If such a problem occurs, check the contents of this
Owner 's Manual and follow the instructions given.
SECTION 5 ± MAINTENANCE
This section explains the importance of regular maintenance.
Regular and periodic inspection and maintenance of your
Lexus will help to keep your vehicle in its best condition.
SECTION 6 ± SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Simple maintenance procedure and service data are provided
here for your reference should you wish to perform inspection
and maintenance yourself.
INDEX
The page number is listed for each item in the Owner's
Manual so that you can rapidly find the item and page you are
searching for.
GAS STATION INFORMATION
The information you need to know for appropriate servicing
at the gas station is provided here.
QUICK INDEX
This is designed so that you can quickly find the needed
information when an urgent situation arises.
Safety symbol

KEYS AND DOORS
14
When using a key containing a transponder chip, observe
the following precautions:

When sta rting the engine, do not use the key with a key
ring resting on the key grip and do not press the key
ring against the key grip. Otherwise the engine may
not start, or may stop soon after it starts.

KEYS AND DOORS
15


When starting the engine, do not use the key with
other transponder keys around (including keys of
other vehicles) and do not press other key plates
against the key grip. Otherwise the engine may not
start, or may stop soon after it starts. If this happens,
remove the key once and then insert it again after
taking off other transponder keys (including keys of
other vehicles) from the ring or while gripping or
covering them with your hand to start the engine.

SWITCHES
35
Daytime Running Light System
The headlights turn on at reduced intensity when the parking
brake is released with the engine started, even with the light
switch in the ºOFFº position. They will not go off until the
ignition switch is turned off.
To turn on the other exterior lights and instrument panel
lights, twist the knob to the first clickstop.
Twist the knob to the second clickstop to turn on the
headlights to full intensity for driving at night.
When setting the knob to the third clickstop (ºAUTOº), the
headlights will automatically adjust to full intensity and/or
turn on the other lights depending on the darkness of the
surroundings. Likewise, as the surroundings become
brighter, the headlights will turn to reduced intensity,
ultimately turning off the other lights.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not leave
the lights on longer than necessary when the engine is not
running.
HEADLIGHT DIMMER AND
TURN SIGNAL SWITCH

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.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
63
º± ±º, take your vehicle to your Lexus dealer.
(2) Driving time
(Figures with ºE/Tº)
The total time during the engine running is displayed.
When the engine is started again after the ignition is off, the
driving time is added to the previous value. Up to 99 hours
59 minutes can be displayed. When the driving time exceeds
99 hours 59 minutes, the display returns to 0 and recounting
starts.
To count from the beginning, push the ºMODE/RESETº
button for more than 1 second.
(3) Average vehicle speed(Figures with ºAVG MPHº)
The average vehicle speed is calculated and displayed
based on the total driving distance and the total driving
time with the engine running.
The displayed value is updated every 10 seconds.
To calculate from the beginning, push the ºMODE/RESETº
button for more than 1 second.
(4) Average fuel consumption(Figures with ºAVG MPGº)
The average fuel consumption is calculated and displayed
based on the total driving distance and the total fuel
consumption with the engine running.
The value is updated every 10 seconds.
To calculate from the beginning, push the ºMODE/RESETº
button for more than 1 second.
(5) Momentary fuel consumption(Figures with ºMPGº)
The momentary fuel consumption is calculated and
displayed based on the driving distance and the fuel
consumption for 3 seconds with the engine running.
The value is updated every 3 seconds.
If you are driving at low speeds just before stopping, the
accurate figure may not be shown.
For the display (1), (3), (4) or (5), º± ±º will appear\
in case
the data for calculation is not appropriate.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
171
CAUTION

Do not start the vehicle while the adjustments are being
made.

Take care not to select the wrong button, or the seat could
strike the rear passenger or hit your body against the
steering wheel. If this happens, you can stop the movement
by pressing another driving position memory switch, or
depressing the brake pedal.

THEFT DETERRENT
174To stop the alarm: Use either of the following methods.


Unlock the door or trunk using an ignition key or wireless
remote control.

Turn the ignition switch on.
Testing the system
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the system as described above.
The front doors should be locked with the ignition key or
wireless remote control. Be sure to wait until the indicator
light starts flashing.
3. Unlock one of the doors from the inside.
The system should activate the alarm.
4. Unlock any of the doors with a key or the wireless
remote control to cancel the system.
5. Repeat this operation for the other doors and hood.
When testing the hood, also check that the system is activated
when the battery terminal is disconnected and then
reconnected.
If the system does not work properly, have it checked by your
Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
Disconnecting the battery may result in the erasure of
information you have set in the computer memory. After
reconnecting the battery, check that the memorized data
has been retained. If it has been erased, input it into the
computer once more.

STARTING AND DRIVING
225
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the
selector lever to the ºRº position.
NOTICE
Never shift into reverse while the vehicle is moving.