Lexus ES250 2023 Engine Ignition Switch User Manual
Introduction
Any car, including the Lexus ES250 2023, needs an ignition switch to start the engine. It acts as the engine’s main starting and stopping control. To improve the overall driving experience, Lexus created a dependable and practical ignition switch for the ES250 2023. Typically, the ignition switch is placed near the driver on the dashboard or steering wheel. The driver must turn the ignition switch to the “Start” position and insert the key into the ignition to start the engine. The engine starts up as a result of this action starting the combustion process. The ignition switch can be turned to the “On” position once the engine is running to turn on various electrical features like the lights, radio, and air conditioning. The ignition switch is simply turned to the “Off” or “Accessory” position, depending on the driver’s intentions, when they are ready to turn off the engine. It is crucial to keep in mind that some contemporary cars, like the ES250 2023, may come equipped with keyless ignition systems, which allow the engine to be started and stopped without the use of a traditional key. Convenience and usability are increased by this feature. Overall, the Lexus ES250 2023’s engine ignition switch is essential for starting and stopping the car’s engine and for providing a smooth and easy driving experience.
Engine (Ignition) Switch
Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic key on your person starts the engine or changes engine switch modes.
Starting the engine
- Press the parking brake switch to check that the parking brake is set.
Parking brake indicator will come on. - Check that the shift lever is in P.
- Firmly depress the brake pedal.
and a message will be displayed on the multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be started. - Press the engine switch shortly and firmly.
When operating the engine switch, one short, firm press is enough. It is not necessary to press and hold the switch.
The engine will crank until it starts or for up to 30 seconds, whichever is less.
Continue depressing the brake pedal until the engine is completely started.
The engine can be started from any engine switch mode.
Engine switch illumination
According to the situation, the engine switch illumination operates as follows.
- When a door is opened, or the engine switch mode is changed from ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode to off, the engine switch illumination slowly blinks.
When depressing the brake pedal with carrying the electronic key on your per-son, the engine switch illumination rapidly blinks. - When the engine switch is in ACCES-SORY or IGNITION ON mode, the engine switch illumination illuminates.
If the engine does not start
- The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P.59) Contact your Lexus dealer.
- If a message related to start-up is shown on the multi-information display, read the message and follow the instructions.
- If the door is unlocked with the mechanical key, the engine cannot be started using the smart access system with push-button start. Refer to P.374 to start the engine. However, if the electronic key is carried inside the vehicle and the doors are locked (P.96), the engine can be started.
If the battery is discharged
The engine cannot be started using the smart access system with push-button start. Refer to P.375 to restart the engine.
Electronic key battery depletion
P.90
Conditions affecting operation
P.107
Notes for the entry function
P.108
If there is a malfunction in the smart access system with push-button start
If “Access System with Elec. Key Malfunction See Owner’s Manual” is displayed on the multi-information display, the system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Electronic key battery
P.330
Operation of the engine switch
- If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the engine switch mode may not change or the engine may not start.
- If attempting to restart the engine immediately after turning the engine switch off, the engine may not start in some cases. After turning the engine switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting the engine.
Customization
If the smart access system with push-button start has been deactivated in a customized setting, refer to P.404.
WARNING
When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances. Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
When starting the engine
- Do not race a cold engine.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the engine switch
If the engine switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual, such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus dealer immediately.
Stopping the engine
- Stop the vehicle completely.
- Set the parking brake (P.151), and shift the shift lever to P P.147).
- Press the engine switch.
- Release the brake pedal and check that “ACCESSORY” or “IGNI-TION ON” is not shown on the meter.
Automatic engine shut off feature
- The vehicle is equipped with a feature that automatically shuts off the engine when the shift lever is in P with the engine running for an extended period.
The engine will automatically shut off after approximately 1 hour if it has been left running while the shift lever is in P.
The timer for the automatic engine shut off feature will reset if the brake pedal is depressed or if the shift lever is in a position other than P.
After the vehicle is parked, if the door is locked with the door lock switch
( P.96) from the inside or the mechanical key from the outside, the automatic engine shut off feature will be disabled. The timer for the automatic engine shut off feature will be re-enabled if the driver’s door is opened.
Locking the door from outside with the engine running
- With the driver’s door open, pull the driver’s door handle and insert the mechanical key.
- Turn the mechanical key counterclock-wise.
- Pull out the mechanical key and close the door.
WARNING
Stopping the engine in an emergency
- If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press and hold the engine switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or more in succession.
(P.340)
However, do not touch the engine switch while driving except in an emergency. Turning the engine off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. - If the engine switch is operated while the vehicle is running, a warning message will be shown on the multi-information display and a buzzer sounds.
When restarting the engine after an emergency shutdown, shift the shift lever to N and press the engine switch shortly and firmly.
When parking
Exhaust gases include harmful carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless. Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may cause exhaust gases to enter the vehicle and may lead to an accident caused by light-headedness, or may lead to death or a serious health hazard.
- If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area or a closed area, such as a garage, stop the engine.
Do not leave the vehicle with the engine running for a long time. If such a situation cannot be avoided, park the vehicle in an open space and ensure that exhaust fumes do not enter the vehicle interior.
Do not leave the engine running in an area with snow build-up, or where it is snowing. If snowbanks build up around the vehicle while the engine is running, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle.
Changing engine switch modes
Modes can be changed by pressing the engine switch with the brake pedal released. (The mode changes each time the switch is pressed.)
- Off*
The emergency flashers can be used. - ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components such as the audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the meter. - IGNITION ON mode
All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the meter.
*: If the shift lever is in a position other than P when turning off the engine, the engine switch will be turned to ACCESSORY mode, not to off.
Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or IGNITION ON mode (the engine is not running) for more than an hour with the shift lever in P, the engine switch will automatically turn off. However, this function cannot entirely pre-vent the battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine switch in ACCES-SORY or IGNITION ON mode for long periods of time when the engine is not running.
When stopping the engine with the shift lever in a position other than P
If the engine is stopped with the shift lever in a position other than P, the engine switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. Perform the following procedure to turn the switch off:
- If the parking brake is in manual mode, set the parking brake. P.151)
- Shift the shift lever to P.
- Check that “Turn Power Off” is displayed on the multi-information dis-play and then press the engine switch once.
- Check that “Turn Power Off” on the multi-information display is turned off.
NOTICE
To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode for long periods of time without the engine running.
If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” is displayed on the meter, the engine switch is not off.
Exit the vehicle after turning the engine switch off.
NOTICE
- Do not stop the engine when the shift lever is in a position other than P. If the engine is stopped in another shift lever position, the engine switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode, battery discharge may occur.
FAQs
- How do I start the engine of the Lexus ES250 2023?
To start the engine, turn the ignition switch to the “Start” position after inserting the key. If your vehicle has keyless ignition, another option is to press the “Engine Start/Stop” button. - Can I start the engine without inserting the key?
If your ES250 2023 has keyless ignition, you can start the engine by pressing the “Engine Start/Stop” button while the key fob is in close proximity to the vehicle. - Can I remove the key from the ignition switch while the engine is running?
The answer is no, the engine cannot be started while the key is in the ignition switch. Only after the engine has been turned off can the key be removed. - What happens if I turn the ignition switch to the “On” position without starting the engine?
Without starting the engine, the electrical parts of the vehicle, such as the lights and accessories, are powered when the ignition switch is in the “On” position. - How do I turn off the engine in the ES250 2023?
To turn off the engine, turn the ignition switch to the “Off” or “Accessory” position. - Can I turn off the engine using the keyless ignition system?
Yes, you can stop the engine by pressing the “Engine Start/Stop” button if your ES250 2023 has keyless ignition. - What is the purpose of the “Accessory” position on the ignition switch?
Without starting the engine, the “Accessory” position provides power to a few electrical components, including the radio and air conditioner. - Can I remove the key from the ignition switch in the “Accessory” position?
When the ignition switch is set to the “Accessory” position, you can indeed remove the key from the ignition. - Can I leave the key in the ignition switch while the engine is off?
When the engine is off, you can leave the key in the ignition switch. - What should I do if the engine does not start when I turn the ignition switch?
Check to see if the key or key fob is properly inserted before turning the ignition switch again if the engine won’t start. If the issue still exists, it might be a different one, so you should speak with a Lexus dealership or a skilled mechanic. - Is there a backup method to start the engine in case the ignition switch malfunctions?
It is advised to seek assistance from a Lexus dealership or a licenced mechanic in the event of an ignition switch malfunction. - Can I start the engine remotely using the keyless ignition system?
Some ES250 2023 models might have remote engine start as an option. To find out if your vehicle is capable of using this feature, consult the manual or get in touch with a Lexus dealership. - Is there a maximum amount of time the engine can be left running?
There is no set period of time during which the engine must remain running. To save fuel and cut emissions, it is generally advised to avoid leaving the engine running for extended periods of time. - Can I start the engine with a dead key fob battery?
Using keyless ignition to start the engine might not be possible if the key fob battery is completely dead. To start the vehicle in such circumstances, use the physical key and place it in the ignition switch. - Is there a way to disable the engine start feature in the ES250 2023?
The engine-starting function
Useful Links
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