SECTION

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS

Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators

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38 38 39 40 40 48 50

Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Odometer and trip meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cruise information display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Instrument panel light control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS

FUEL GAUGE

See the inner back cover for fuel capacity and recommended fuel selection.

ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE

13R001b 13R002
"Low fuel level warning light 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. If the fuel level approaches E 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. 38

"Normal range 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: D Driving up a long hill on a hot day. D Reducing speed or stopping after high speed driving.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS

D Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in stopandgo traffic. D Towing a trailer.

TACHOMETER

NOTICE
D 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. D Do not continue driving with an overheated engine. See If your vehicle overheats on page 226.

13R071

The 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.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS

ODOMETER AND TRIP METER

SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS AND WARNING BUZZERS

IF THIS INDICATOR OR BUZZER COMES ON ... DO THIS.

13R004a
(a) or "ODO/TRIP knob This meter displays the odometer and two trip meters. To change the mode indication, push the ODO/TRIP knob briefly. Each time you push the knob, 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, push the knob and hold it. The same applies for the B trip meter. The data of trip meters will be cancelled if the electrical power source is disconnected. 40
2001 MY RX300_U (OM48431U)

If parking brake is off, stop immediately and contact Lexus dealer. Fasten drivers seat belt.

(b)

(Indicator and buzzer) (c) w061 (On the center console) (d) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer immediately. Stop and check. Fasten front passengers seat belt.

(e)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS

(f) Stop and check. (m) Stop and check.

(g) or (h) or (i) w16

Take vehicle to Lexus dealer. Take vehicle to Lexus dealer. Close all doors.

(n)

Add washer fluid.

(o) w59 (p) w59

Fill up tank.

Take vehicle to Lexus dealer. Remove key.

(j)

Replace bulb.

(q)

Key reminder buzzer

(k) and w16

Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.

(Twowheel drive models) (l) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer. (Fourwheel drive models)

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS

(a) Brake System Warning Light

This light comes on in the following cases when the ignition key is in the ON position. D When the parking brake is applied ... D When the brake fluid level is low ...

(b) Drivers Seat Belt Reminder Light and Buzzer

This light and buzzer remind you to buckle up the drivers seat belt. Once the ignition key is turned to the ON position, the reminder light flashes and buzzer sounds if the drivers seat belt is not fastened. Unless the driver fastens the belt, the light keeps flashing and the buzzer stops after about 4 to 8 seconds.

CAUTION
It is dangerous to continue driving normally when the brake fluid level is low. Have your vehicle checked at your Lexus dealer in the following case: D The light does not come on even if the parking brake is applied when the ignition key is in the ON position.

(c) Front Passengers Seat Belt Reminder Light

This light reminds you to buckle up the front passengers seat belt. Once the ignition key is turned to the ON position, the reminder light flashes if a front passenger sits in the front passenger seat and does not fasten the seat belt. Unless the front passenger fastens the belt, the light keeps flashing. If luggage load is placed on the front passenger seat, depending on its weight and how it is placed on the seat, builtin sensors in the seat cushion may detect the pressure, causing the reminder light to come on.

CAUTION
If the light does not turn off even after the parking brake is released while the engine is running, immediately stop your vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer. In this case, the brakes may not work properly and your stopping distance will become longer. Depress the brake pedal firmly and bring the vehicle to an immediate stop.

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(d) SRS Warning Light

The indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned to the ON position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This means the SRS airbags and front seat belt pretensioners are operating properly. The SRS warning light system monitors the airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sensors, side airbag sensors, front seat belt pretensioner assemblies, 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. D When the ignition key is turned to the ON position, the light does not come on, remains or flashes. D The light comes on or starts flashing while driving. If the light stays on, it indicates that the driver and front passenger airbags fail. If the light flashes, the side airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners fail.

(e) 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. D If it is loose or broken, the generator will not charge the battery properly. D 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.

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(f) Low Engine 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. 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.

(g) Malfunction Indicator Lamp

This lamp comes on in the following cases. a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See Fuel gauge on page 38 for instructions.) b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely. (See Fuel tank cap on page 73 for instructions.) c. There is a problem somewhere in your engine or automatic transmission electrical system. If it comes on while you are driving in case c., have your vehicle checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.

NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the warning light on even for one block. It may ruin the engine.

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(h) ABS Warning Light

The light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the ON position. If the antilock brake system and the brake assist system work properly, the light turns off after a few seconds. Thereafter, if either of the systems malfunctions, the light comes on again. When the ABS warning light is on (and the brake system warning light is off), the antilock brake system, the brake assist system, the traction control system and the vehicle skid control system do not operate, but the brake system still operates conventionally. When the ABS warning light is on (and the brake system warning light is off), the antilock brake system does not operate so that the wheels could lock up during a sudden braking or braking on slippery road surfaces. 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. D The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned to the ON position, or remains on. D The light comes on while you are driving. A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not indicate a problem.

(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.

(k) Vehicle Skid Control System and TRAC OFF Indicator/Warning Lights (Twowheel drive models)
These lights warn that there is a problem somewhere in the vehicle skid control system, traction control system or brake assist system. The lights will come on when the ignition key is turned to ON, and will go off after a few seconds. If the VSC warning light and TRAC OFF indicator/warning light come on, the vehicle skid control system, traction control system and brake assist system do not work. However, as conventional braking operates when applied, there is no problem to continue your driving.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS

If any 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: D The VSC warning light and TRAC OFF indicator/warning light do not come on after the ignition is turned to on. D The VSC warning light and TRAC OFF indicator/warning light remain on after the ignition is turned to on. D The VSC warning light and TRAC OFF indicator/warning light come on while driving without pushing TRAC OFF switch. If any 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: D The VSC warning light does not come on after the ignition is turned to on. D The VSC warning light remains on after the ignition is turned to on. D The VSC warning light comes on while driving.

(l) Vehicle Skid Control System Warning Light (Fourwheel drive models)
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in the vehicle skid control system, traction control system or brake assist system. The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to ON, and will go off after a few seconds. If the VSC warning light comes on, the vehicle skid control system, traction control system and brake assist system do not work. However, as conventional braking operates when applied, there is no problem to continue your driving.

(m) Automatic Transmission Fluid Temperature Warning Light

This light warns that the automatic transmission fluid temperature is too high. If this light comes on while you are driving, slow down and pull off the road. Stop the vehicle at a safe place and put the selector lever in P and leave the engine idling until the light goes off. If the light goes off, you can start the vehicle again. If the light does not go off, call a Lexus dealer or qualified repair shop for assistance.

NOTICE
Continued driving with the warning light on may damage the automatic transmission.

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(n) 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.

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.

(o) 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. On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the tank, the low fuel level warning light may come on earlier than usual.

(p) Automatic Headlight Leveling System Warning Light (Vehicles with discharge headlight only)
This light warns that when there is a problem somewhere in the automatic headlight leveling system. The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to ON, and will go off after a few seconds. If it comes on, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.

3. Turn the ignition key to ON. The following service reminder indicators should come on. or or

(q) Key Reminder Buzzer

This buzzer reminds you to remove the key when you open the drivers door with the ignition key in the ACC or LOCK position.

w16

or

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS

The following service reminder indicators go off after a few seconds. or

CRUISE INFORMATION DISPLAY

20R051
The following service reminder indicator should come on. It goes off after 6 seconds. The following information is shown with the ignition switched ON. The antilock brake system warning light, automatic headlight leveling system warning light, vehicle skid control system waring light and traction control system off indicator/warning light may stay on for about 60 seconds after the engine is started. It is normal if they go out after a while. If any service reminder indicator or warning buzzer does not function as described above, have it checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible. (1) Driving time (2) Average vehicle speed (3) Average fuel consumption (4) Momentary fuel consumption The displayed values in the cruise information display indicate the general driving condition, so those may not show precise and actual condition.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS

(1) Driving time (Figures with E/T)

The elapsed time after the engine started is displayed. When the engine is started again, the driving time is counted from 0. Up to 12 hours can be displayed. When the driving time exceeds 12 hours, recounting starts.

(2) Average vehicle speed (Figures with AVG MPH or AVG km/h)

13R050e

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 INFO button for more than 1 second.

(3) Average fuel consumption (Figures with AVG MPG or AVG L/100 km)
To change the mode, push the INFO button briefly on the audio control panel. When the ignition switch is turned to ON, the mode displayed just before the ignition switch is turned off will appear. 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 INFO button for more than 1 second.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS

(4) Momentary fuel consumption (Figures with MPG or L/100 km)

The momentary fuel consumption is calculated and displayed based on the driving distance and the fuel consumption for 2 seconds with the engine running. The value is updated every 2 seconds. If you are driving at low speeds just before stopping, the accurate figure may not be shown.

INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT CONTROL

13R005c

For the display (2), (3) or (4), will appear in case the data for calculation is not appropriate.

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

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