traction control 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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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
246
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically helps control
the spinning of the rear wheels which may occur when
accelerating on slippery road surfaces, thus assisting
driver to control the driving power of the rear wheels.
When you turn the ignition switch on, this system always
turns on. Leave the system on during ordinary driving so
that it can operate when needed. When traction control
is applied, the slip indicator blinks.

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.

CHASSIS
360It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the
brake pads wear. So be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a
serious mechanical problem.
If the level is low, add FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid to the brake reservoir.
Remove and replace the reservoir cover by hand. Add brake
fluid up to the ºMAXº line.
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once opened, brake fluid
absorbs moisture from the air, and excess moisture can cause
a dangerous loss of braking efficiency.
CAUTION
Take care when filling the reservoir because brake fluid can
harm your hands or eyes and damage painted surfaces. If
fluid gets in your hands or eyes, flush them with clean water.
NOTICE

If you spill some of the fluid, be sure to wipe it off to
prevent it from damaging the parts or paintwork.
 For vehicles with traction control system only:Idle
the engine while pouring brake fluid into the reservoir.

CHASSIS
367
Uniform tire quality grading
This information has been prepared in accordance with
regulations issued by the National Highway T raffic Safety
Administration of the U.S. Department of
Transportation. It provides the purchasers and/or
prospective purchasers of Lexus vehicles with
information on uniform tire quality grading.
Your Lexus dealer will help answer any questions you may
have as you read this information.
DOT quality grades ± All passenger vehicle tires must
conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to
these grades. These quality grades are molded on the
sidewall. Treadwear
± The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1 ± 1/2)
times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of th eir use, however, and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B, C ± The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B and C, and they represent the tire's
ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
braking (straight ahead) traction tests and does not include
cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature A, B, C ± The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum