Lexus SC300 1999, SC400 1999, SC430 1999 Owner Manual

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

iii

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

SECTION 2 – AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO

The features of the vehicle’s air conditioning and audio are explained in det a il. 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

In this manual, you will also see a circle with a slash through it. This means ”Do not”, ”Do not do this”, or ”Do not let this happen”.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Safety and vehicle damage warnings

In this manual you will see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings. These are used in the following ways:

CAUTION

This is a warning against something which may cause injury to people if the warning is ignored. You are informed what you must or must not do in order to avoid or reduce the risk to yourself and other people.

NOTICE

This is a warning against something which may cause damage to the vehicle or its equipment if the warning is ignored. You are informed what you must or must not do in order to avoid or reduce the risk of damage to your Lexus and its equipment.

Your Lexus Owner’s Manual provides you with a considerable amount of information. To use this information most effectively, please take the time to familiarize yourself with the contents and use of the manual.

INTRODUCTION

New vehicle warranty

Your new vehicle is covered by the following Lexus limited warranties:

 New vehicle warranty  Emission control systems warranty  Others

For further information, please refer to the separate ”Owner’s Guide”, ”Owner’s Manual Supplement” or ”Warranty Booklet”.

Your responsibility for maintenance

It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure the specified maintenance is performed. Section 5 of this Owner’s Manual gives details of these maintenance requirements. Included in Section 6 is general maintenance. For scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the separate ”Owner’s Manual Supplement/Maintenance Schedule”.

Accessories, spare parts and modification of your Lexus

A wide variety of non–genuine spare parts and accessories for Lexus vehicles are currently available in the market. You should know that Toyota does not warrant these products and is not responsible either for their performance, repair or replacement, or for any damage they may cause to, or adverse effect they may have on, your Lexus vehicle.

This vehicle should not be modified with non–genuine Lexus products. Modification with non–genuine Lexus products could affect its performance, safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or performance problems resulting from the modification may not be covered under warranty.

Installation of a mobile two–way radio system

As the installation of a mobile two–way radio system in your vehicle could affect electronic systems such as the multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel injection system, cruise control system, anti–lock brake system and SRS airbag system, be sure to check with your Lexus dealer for precautionary measures or special instructions regarding installation.

Scrapping of your Lexus

The SRS airbag device in your Lexus contains explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped with the airbags left as they are, it may cause an accident such as a fire. Be sure to have the SRS airbag system removed and disposed of by a qualified service shop or by your Lexus dealer before you scrap your vehicle.

SECTION 7

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS FOR U.S. OWNERS

Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

414

413

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS

FOR U.S. OWNERS

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (Toll–free: 1–800–25–LEXUS).

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll–free at 1–800–424–9393 (or 366–0123 in Washington.D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington. D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

414

BASIC OPERATION

QUICK REFERENCE

Driver’s seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Steering wheel (Power type) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Steering wheel (Manual type) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Automatic transmission (SC400) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Automatic transmission (SC300) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Headlight and turn signal switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wiper switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BASIC OPERATION – QUICK REFERENCE

1. DRIVER’S SEAT 2. STEERING WHEEL (Power type)

 TILT STEERING WHEEL

To tilt the steering wheel up or down to the desired angle, push the control button in the required direction and release the button when the steering wheel reaches the desired angle.

 TELESCOPIC STEERING WHEEL

To move the steering wheel to the desired position, push the control button away from you or pull it toward you until

the steering wheel reaches the desired position.

BASIC OPERATION – QUICK REFERENCE

3. STEERING WHEEL (Manual type)

 TILT STEERING WHEEL

To tilt the steering wheel up or down to the desired angle:

1. Pull the lever up while holding the steering wheel.

2. Push or pull the steering wheel to the desired angle.

3. Release the lever.

 TELESCOPIC STEERING WHEEL

To move the steering wheel to the desired position:

1. Push the lever down.

2. Push or pull the steering wheel to the desired position.

3. Pull the lever up to lock the steering wheel in position.

BASIC OPERATION – QUICK REFERENCE

4. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (SC400)

SELECTOR LEVER POSITION

OPERATION OF SELECTOR LEVER

 Shift while pressing the brake pedal. (Ignition

switch must be in the ”ON” position.)

BASIC OPERATION – QUICK REFERENCE

P: Parking, engine starting and key removal

position

R: Reverse position N: Neutral position D: Normal driving position (Shifting into

overdrive possible)

4: Position for engine braking (Shifting into

overdrive not possible)*

3, 2: Position for more powerful engine braking

L: Position for maximum engine braking

*: When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift from ”D” to ”4”, engine braking will not be applied

because the cruise control is not cancelled. For the operation to decrease the vehicle speed, see page 245.

BASIC OPERATION – QUICK REFERENCE

5. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (SC300)

SELECTOR LEVER POSITION

OPERATION OF SELECTOR LEVER

 Shift while pressing the brake pedal. (Ignition

switch must be in the ”ON” position.)

BASIC OPERATION – QUICK REFERENCE

P: Parking, engine starting and key removal

position

R: Reverse position N: Neutral position D: Normal driving position (Shifting into

overdrive possible)

3: Position for engine braking (Shifting into

overdrive not possible)*

2: Position for more powerful engine braking L: Position for maximum engine braking

*: When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift from ”D” to ”3”, engine braking will not be applied

because the cruise control is not cancelled. For the operation to decrease the vehicle speed, see page 245.

BASIC OPERATION – QUICK REFERENCE

6. HEADLIGHT AND TURN

SIGNAL

SWITCH

 HEADLIGHT SWITCH

With the ignition OFF

With the engine started and parking brake released

 TURN SIGNAL SWITCH

7. WIPER SWITCH

BASIC OPERATION – QUICK REFERENCE

FOREWORD

Welcome to the growing group of value–conscious people who drive Lexus vehicles. We are proud of the advanced engineering and quality construction of each vehicle we build.

This Owner’s Manual explains the features of your new Lexus. Please read it and follow the instructions carefully so that you can enjoy many years of safe motoring.

When it comes to service, remember that your Lexus dealer knows your vehicle best and is interested in your complete satisfaction. Your Lexus dealer will provide quality maintenance and any other assistance you may require.

If there is not a Lexus dealer near you, or you need emergency assistance for any reason, please call the following number:

U.S. OWNERS

 When traveling in the U.S. mainland or Canada:

Lexus Roadside Assistance 1–800–25–LEXUS (Toll–Free)

 HAWAII:

Lexus Customer Service Assistance 1–800–25–LEXUS (Toll–Free)

Please leave this Owner’s Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next owner will need this information also.

All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time of printing. However, because of the Lexus policy of continual product improvement, we reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.

Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment, including options. Therefore, you may find some explanations for equipment not installed on your vehicle.

(1–800–255–3987)

INSTRUMENT PANEL (SC400)

PICTORIAL INDEX

65S009–3

vii

PICTORIAL INDEX

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

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.

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

viii

INSTRUMENT PANEL (SC300)

PICTORIAL INDEX

65S014–2

PICTORIAL INDEX

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

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.

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

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (SC400)

65S007–6

PICTORIAL INDEX

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

xii

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (SC300)

65S013–2

PICTORIAL INDEX

xiii

PICTORIAL INDEX

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