Lexus SC300 1996, SC400 1996, SC430 1996 Owner Manual

SECTION 1 – 4

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS

Interior equipment

Vanity mirrors 34
Interior light 34
Personal lights 35
Ignition switch light 35
Clock and outside temperature display 36
Cigarette lighter and ashtray 37
Glovebox 38
Cup holders 38
Floor mat 39
Luggage stowage precautions 40

33

INTERIOR EQUIPMENT

VANITY MIRRORS

To use the vanity mirrors, swing the sun visor down and
open the cover.

The vanity light comes on when you open the cover.

INTERIOR LIGHT

To turn on the interior light, slide the switch.

With the switch in the “DOOR” position, the light comes on
when either of the side doors is opened. After both doors are
closed, the light remains on for about 15 seconds and then
goes out.

However, in the following cases, the light goes out
immediately:

1. Both doors are closed when the ignition key is in “ACC”
or “ON” position.

2. The ignition key is turned to “ACC” or “ON” when the light
is still on.

3. Both doors are locked when the light is still on.

4. One door is closed with the lock button pushed in while
the other door is locked.

34

INTERIOR EQUIPMENT

PERSONAL LIGHTS

To turn on the personal light, push the switch. To turn
it off, push the switch again

IGNITION SWITCH LIGHT

For easy access to the ignition switch, the ignition
switch light comes on when either of the side doors is
opened.

The light remains on for about 15 seconds and goes out after
both side doors are closed. However, the light goes out
immediately when both doors are locked or the ignition key
is in the “ACC” or “ON” position.

35

INTERIOR EQUIPMENT

CLOCK AND OUTSIDE

TEMPERATURE DISPLAY

Clock

The digital clock indicates the time with the ignition key
at the “ACC” or “ON” position. To reset the hour, press
the “H” button. To reset the minutes, press the “M”
button. To adjust the time to the nearest hour, press the
“:00” button.

For example, if the “:00” button is pressed when the time is
between 9:30 – 9:59 or between 10:01 – 10:29, the time will
change to 10:00.

With the tail lights on, the background brightness of the time
indication will be reduced.

Once the electrical power source has been disconnected
from the clock, the time is automatically set to 1:00.

Outside temperature display

Pressing the “OUT–TEMP” button with the ignition key
at the “ON” position changes the clock to the outside
temperature display. When you press the button again,
the clock display returns.

When you place the ignition key at the “ON” position, the
display always shows the clock.

The displayed temperature ranges from –30°C (–22°F) up
to 50°C (122°F). If the temperature does not appear on the
display or it shows “– – –”’, take your vehicle to your Lexus
dealer.

36

INTERIOR EQUIPMENT

CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND

ASHTRAY

Front cigarette lighter and ashtray

To use the cigarette lighter and ashtray, first pull the
button. Then when the ashtray opens out, press in the
cigarette lighter. When it becomes heated, it
automatically pops out ready for use.

Do not hold the cigarette lighter pressed in.
If the engine is not running, the ignition key must be in the

“ACC” position.
When finished with your cigarette, thoroughly extinguish it in

the ashtray to prevent other cigarette butts from catching
fire. After using the ashtray, push it back in completely.

To remove the ashtray, pull it out.

Use a Lexus genuine cigarette lighter or equivalent for
replacement.

Rear ashtray

To use the ashtray, pull on the lid.

When finished with your cigarette, thoroughly extinguish it in
the ashtray to prevent other cigarette butts from catching
fire. After using the ashtray, close the lid completely.

To remove the ashtray, pull it out while pressing on the
snuffer bridge to release the catch.

CAUTION

!

To reduce the chance of injury in case of an accident
or sudden stop while driving, always close the
ashtray completely after using.

37

INTERIOR EQUIPMENT

GLOVEBOX

To open the glovebox door, push the lock release
button. To lock the glovebox door, insert the master key
and turn it clockwise.

With the tail lights on, the glovebox light will come on when
the glovebox door is open.

CAUTION

!

To reduce the chance of injury in case of an accident
or a sudden stop, always keep the glovebox door
closed while driving.

CUP HOLDERS

To use the cup holder:

Push the end of the cup holder portion of the console
box.

Grasp the cup holder lever and pull it down completely.

38

INTERIOR EQUIPMENT

The cup holder is designed so that a cup or can fits snugly
in the hole.

CAUTION

!

 Do not place anything else on the cup holder, as

such items may be thrown about and possibly
injure people in the vehicle during sudden braking
or an accident.

 Keep the cup holders shut when not in use.

FLOOR MAT

Use a floor mat of the correct size.

If the floor mat has a hole, then it is designed for use with a
locking clip. Fix the floor mat and locking clip into the hole in
the floor carpet.

39

INTERIOR EQUIPMENT

LUGGAGE STOWAGE

PRECAUTIONS

When stowing luggage or cargo in the vehicle, observe
the following:

 Put luggage or cargo in the trunk when at all possible. Be

sure all items are secured in place.

 Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as

far forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.

 For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.

CAUTION

!

Make sure the floor mat is properly placed on the
floor carpet. If the floor mat slips and interferes with
the movement of the pedals during driving, it may
cause an accident.

40

CAUTION

!

 Do not place anything on the filler panel behind the

rear seatback. Such items may be thrown about
and possibly injure people in the vehicle during
sudden braking or an accident.

 Do not drive with objects left on top of the

instrument panel. They may interfere with the
driver’s field of view. Or they may move during
sharp vehicle acceleration or turning, and impair
the driver’s control of the vehicle. In an accident
they may injure the vehicle occupants.

NOTICE

Do not load the vehicle beyond the vehicle capacity
weight specified on the tire pressure label.

SECTION 1 – 3

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS

Gauges, meters and service reminder
indicators

Fuel gauge 24
Engine coolant temperature gauge 24
Tachometer 25
Odometer and trip meter 26
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 26
Instrument panel light control 31

23

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS

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 “E” or the low fuel level warning
light comes on, fill the fuel tank as soon as possible.

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.

ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE

GAUGE

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.

24

GAUGES, METERS, AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS

 Towing a trailer.
 Lugging the engine by driving slowly in a high gear.

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 “If your vehicle overheats” on page 149.

TACHOMETER

The tachometer indicates engine speed in thousands of
rpm (revolutions per minute). Use it while driving to
select correct shift points and 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.

25

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS

ODOMETER AND TRIP METER

This meter displays the odometer and two trip meters.
To change the mode indication, push the “ODO/TRIP”
button. Each 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 “RESET” 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...

(a) If parking brake is off,

(b) Fasten seat belts.

(indicator and buzzer)

(c) Take vehicle to Lexus

(d) Stop and check.

(e) Stop and check.

or

stop and check.

dealer immediately.

DO THIS.

26

GAUGES, METERS, AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS

(f) Add engine oil.

(g) Take vehicle to Lexus

dealer.

(h) Take vehicle to Lexus

(i) Close all doors.

(j) Replace bulb.

(k) Take vehicle to Lexus

(l) Take vehicle to Lexus

(m) Add washer fluid.

or

dealer.

dealer.

dealer.

(o) Key reminder buzzer Remove key.

(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 156.)

(n) Low fuel level Fill up tank.

warning light

27

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS

CAUTION

!

It is dangerous to continue driving normally when
the brake fluid level is low.

If 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 “ON” or “START”, the
reminder light and buzzer come on if the driver’s seat belt is
not fastened. Unless the driver fastens the belt, the light
stays on 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 “ACC” or “ON” 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.

28

GAUGES, METERS, AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS

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 “Checking the
engine oil level” on page 187.)

NOTICE

Continued engine operation with low engine oil will
damage the engine.

(g) Malfunction Indicator Lamp

This lamp warns that there is a problem somewhere in your
engine or automatic transmission electrical system.

If it comes on while you are driving, have your vehicle
checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.

(h) “ABS” 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 “ON”,
and will go off after about 3 seconds.

When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the brake system operates
conventionally but without anti–lock function.

(i) Open Door Warning Light

This light remains on until all the doors are completely
closed.

(j) Rear Light Failure Warning Light

If this light comes on when the headlight switch is turned on
(at the first or second clickstop), it indicates that one or more
of the tail lights are burned out.

If it comes on when the brake pedal is depressed, one or
more stop lights are burned out.

Have defective bulbs replaced as soon as possible.

29

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS

(k) “TRAC” Indicator/Warning Light

(Vehicles with automatic transmission
only)

This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to “ON”,
and will go off after 3 seconds. When the traction control
system operates during driving, the light blinks. If the light
remains on, this indicates a problem which should be
checked by your Lexus dealer.

(l) “TRAC OFF” Indicator/Warning Light

(Vehicles with automatic transmission
only)

This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to “ON”,
and will go off after 3 seconds. This means that the system
is operating properly.

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 remains on more than 3 seconds after the ignition

switch is turned on.

 The light comes on while driving even if the “TRAC–OFF–”

switch is not pushed.

(m) Low Washer Fluid Warning Light

This light comes on when the fluid level in the tank becomes
nearly empty. Fill the tank as soon as possible.

(n) Low Fuel Level Warning Light

This light comes on when the fuel level in the tank becomes
nearly empty. Fill the tank as soon as possible.

(o) Key Reminder Buzzer

This buzzer reminds you to remove the key when you open
the driver’s door with the ignition key in the “ACC” or “LOCK”
position.

How to check all the service reminder
indicators

(except the low fuel level warning light):

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. Open the door.
The following service reminder indicator should come on. It

goes off when you close the door completely.

3. Turn the ignition key to “ACC”.
The following service reminder indicator should come on. It

goes off after 6 seconds.

30

GAUGES, METERS, AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS

4. Turn the ignition key to “ON”.
The following service reminder indicators should come on.

The following service reminder indicators go off after 3
seconds.

5. Turn the ignition key to “START”.
The following service reminder indicators should come on.

If any service reminder indicator or warning buzzer does not
function, either the bulb is burned out or circuit is in need of
repair. Have it checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.

INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT

CONTROL

To adjust the brightness of the instrument panel lights,
turn the knob.

31

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS

32

SECTION 1 – 6

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS

Comfort adjustment

Front seats 48
Head restraints 52
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel 53
Outside rear view mirrors 56
Inside rear view mirror 57
Seat belts 58
SRS airbags 65
Child restraint 71
Driving position memory system 79

47

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT

FRONT SEATS

Seat adjustment precautions

Adjust the driver’s seat so that the foot pedals, steering
wheel and instrument panel controls are within easy reach
of the driver.

CAUTION

!

 Do not adjust the seat while the vehicle is moving

as the seat may unexpectedly move and cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle.

 Be careful not to hit the seat against a passenger,

luggage or the rear seat.

NOTICE

Do not operate the control switch in more than one
dimension at a time. It may cause electrical
overload.

Adjusting front seats

48

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT

Adjusting seat position

Move the control switch in the desired direction.

Releasing the switch will stop the seat in that position. Do not
place anything under the seat. It might interfere with the seat
movement.

Adjusting seatback angle

Move the control switch in the desired direction.

Releasing the switch will stop the seatback in that position.

CAUTION

!

To reduce the risk of sliding under the lap belt
during a collision, avoid reclining the seatback any
more than needed. The seat belts provide maximum
protection when the the driver and the passenger
are sitting up straight and well back in the seats. If
you are reclined, the lap belt may slide past your
hips and apply restraint forces directly to the
abdomen. Therefore, in the event of a frontal
collision, the risk of personal injury may increase
with increasing recline of the seatback.

49

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT

Adjusting seat cushion angle and height

Move the control switch in the desired direction.

Releasing the switch will stop the seat cushion in that
position.

Adjusting lumbar support

Push the control switch on either side.

The amount of lumbar support will change as long as the
switch is pushed.

50

Moving passenger’s seat for rear seat entry

Lift the seatback lock release lever or press the release
pedal. The seatback will incline and the seat will
automatically slide forward.

This allows passengers to get in or out of the rear seat easily.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT

Before entry, push the seat belt hanger down as far as it will
go if it is in the raised position.

CAUTION

!

This vehicle is equipped with two seat belts in the
rear seat. For the safety of passengers, do not let
three people ride in the rear seat.

51

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT

After passengers are in, return the seatback until it
locks. The seat will then automatically slide rearward.

The amount of seat movement varies with the original seat
position.

Do not place anything under the seat. It might interfere with
the seat movement.

In the following cases, automatic forward or rearward
movement will not be performed or will be cancelled partway:

1. The seat position control switch is operated.

2. The seatback is lifted up or inclined while the seat is
moving.

3. The passenger’s seat belt is used.

4. There is not enough room to move forward or rearward.

CAUTION

!

 After the seat returns, try pushing the seat forward

and rearward to make sure it is secured in place.

 Never allow anyone to rest their foot on the release

pedal while the vehicle is moving.

HEAD RESTRAINTS

To raise the head restraint, pull it up. To lower it, press
the lock release button and push the head restraint
down. To move the head restraint forward, pull on the
top.

Pulling the top of the head restraint forward as far as it can
go will return it to the upright position.

52

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT

The head restraint is most effective when it is close to your
head. Therefore, using a cushion on the seatback is not
recommended.

CAUTION

!

 Adjust the top of the head restraint so that it is

closest to the top of your ears.

 After adjusting the head restraint, make sure it is

locked in position.

 Do not drive with the head restraints removed.

TILT AND TELESCOPIC STEERING

WHEEL

Power tilt and telescopic type

ADJUSTMENT OF STEERING WHEEL TILT

To adjust the tilt of the steering wheel, push the control
switch upward or downward to set it to the desired
position.

CAUTION

!

Do not adjust the steering wheel while the vehicle is
moving.

53

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
ADJUSTMENT OF TELESCOPIC STEERING COLUMN

To adjust the steering column length, push the control
switch forward or backward to set the steering wheel to
the desired position.

CAUTION

!

Do not adjust the steering column while the vehicle
is moving.

Auto mode

When the tilt and telescopic steering wheel auto mode
button on the steering column is set to the “ON” position, the
current position of the steering column becomes the
memorized position.

When the ignition key is removed with the auto mode button
set to the “ON” position, the steering column moves forward
away from the driver and also tilts up for easy exit and entry .

When the key is inserted in the ignition, the steering column
returns to the previously set position. This occurs regardless
of whether the auto mode button is ON or OFF.

54

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT

Manual tilt and telescopic type

ADJUSTMENT OF STEERING WHEEL TILT

To change the steering wheel angle, hold the steering
wheel, pull up the lock release lever, tilt the steering
wheel to the desired angle and release the lever.

When the steering wheel is in a low position, it will spring up
as you release the lock release lever.

CAUTION

!

 Do not adjust the steering wheel while the vehicle

is moving.

 After adjusting the steering wheel, try moving it up

and down to make sure it is locked in position.

ADJUSTMENT OF TELESCOPIC STEERING COLUMN

To adjust the steering column length, push the lock
release lever down, push or pull the steering wheel to
the desired position, and pull the lever fully up until a
click is heard.

CAUTION

!

 Do not adjust the steering column while the

vehicle is moving.

 After adjusting the steering wheel, try moving it up

and down to make sure it is locked in position.

55

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT

OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRRORS

Adjust the mirror so you can just see the side of your
vehicle in the mirror.

Be careful when judging the size or distance of any object
seen in the outside rear view mirror on the passenger’s side.
It is a convex mirror with a curved surface. Any object seen
in a convex mirror will look smaller and farther away than if
seen in a normal flat mirror.

When the inside rear view mirror darkens in “AUTO” mode,
the outside rear view mirrors also darken to reduce the
reflection of the headlights of the following vehicle. For
details, see “Inside rear view mirror” on page 57.

Power rear view mirror control

To adjust the power rear view mirror, first place the
master switch at “L” (left) or “R” (right), and move the
control switch on the desired side.

If the engine is not running, the key must be in the “ACC”
position for the operation of the power rear view mirror.

NOTICE

If ice should jam the mirror, do not operate the
control or scrape the mirror face. Use a spray
de–icer to free the mirror.

56

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT

Folding rear view mirrors

To fold the rear view mirror, push backward.

The rear view mirrors can be folded backward for parking in
restricted areas.

INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR

Pushing the switch changes the mode between
“AUTO” and “DAY”.

The indicator comes on when the “AUTO” mode is selected.

“DAY” mode: The mirror surface is normal.
“AUTO” mode: If the mirror detects light from the

headlights of the vehicle behind you, the mirror surface
darkens slightly to reduce the reflected light.

When the inside rear view mirror surface changes, the
outside rear view mirror surfaces will also become darker.

When the ignition key is inserted and turned on, the inside
rear view mirror always turns on in the “AUTO” mode.

Adjust it before driving so that the rear view is the best.
When the outside air temperature is low, it may take a little

longer for the mirror to darken in response to the detection
of headlights.

57

SECTION 1 – 5

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS

Exterior equipment

Hood 42
Trunk lid 42
Fuel tank cap 44
Moon roof 45

41