Warning Lights and Indicators: 2021 Lexus ES250 User Manual
The 2021 Lexus ES250 has a sophisticated set of warning lights and indicators that have been carefully merged into its cluster. These give drivers a complete set of instructions for managing their vehicles in the best way possible. These lights are meant to make driving safer and smoother. They communicate important information about different parts of the vehicle’s working in a way that is easy to understand. The cluster is a source of real-time feedback that gives drivers the power to stay informed and take action on the road. It does this by sending alerts about things like engine performance and possible system malfunctions. The 2021 Lexus ES250’s warning lights and indicators give drivers the confidence and assurance they need to handle different driving situations with ease and accuracy. They do this by using clear visual cues and easy-to-understand symbols.
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Warning lights and indicators
The warning lights and indicators on the instrument cluster, center panel, and outside rear-view mirrors inform the driver of the status of the vehicle’s various systems.
Warning lights and indicators displayed on the instrument cluster
- Except for F SPORT, models
The image may differ from the actual condition. - F SPORT models
The image may differ from the actual condition.
Warning lights
Warning lights inform the driver of malfunctions in the indicated vehicle’s systems.
The brake system warning light (U.S.A.)
Indicates that:
- The brake fluid level is low; or
- The brake system is malfunctioning
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
The brake system warning light (red) (Canada)
Indicates that:
- The brake fluid level is low; or
- The brake system is malfunctioning
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
The brake system warning light (yellow)Indicates a malfunction in:
- The electronically controlled brake system (if equipped); or
- The parking brake system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
High coolant temperature warning light
Indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too high
- Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place. Handling method
Charging system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system
- Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
Low engine oil pressure warning light
Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low
- Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
Malfunction indicator lamp (U.S.A.)
Indicates a malfunction in:
- The electronic engine control system; or
- The electronic throttle control system;
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
Malfunction indicator lamp (Canada)
Indicates a malfunction in:
- The electronic engine control system; or
- The electronic throttle control system;
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
- The SRS airbag system;
- The front passenger occupant classification system; or
- The seat belt pretensioner system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
ABS warning light (U.S.A.)
Indicates a malfunction in:
- The ABS; or
- The brake assist system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
ABS warning light (Canada)
Indicates a malfunction in:
- The ABS; or
- The brake assist system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Brake Override System warning light/Drive-Start Control warning light
When a buzzer sounds:
- The Brake Override System is malfunctioning
- Drive-Start Control is malfunctioning
- Drive-Start Control is operating
- PKSB (Parking Support Brake) (if equipped) is operating
- Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
When a buzzer does not sound:
The Brake Override System is operating
- Release the accelerator pedal and depress the brake pedal.
Electric power steering system warning light (red)
Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering) system
- Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Electric power steering system warning light (yellow)Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering) system
- Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Low fuel level warning light
2WD models: Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 2.4 gal. (9 L, 2.0 Imp.gal.) or less AWD models: Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 2.1 gal. (8 L, 1.8 Imp.gal.) or less
- Refuel the vehicle.
Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder light
Warns the driver and/or front passenger to fasten their seat belts
- Fasten the seat belt.
If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front passenger’s seat belt also needs to be fastened to make the warning light (warning buzzer) turn off.
Rear passengers’ seat belt reminder lights
Warns the rear passengers to fasten their seat belts
- Fasten the seat belt.
Tire pressure warning light
When the light comes on after blinking for approximately 1 minute: Malfunction in the tire pressure warning system
- Have the system checked by your Lexus dealer.
When the light comes on:
Low tire inflation pressure such as
- Natural causes
- Flat tire
- Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place. Handling method
LTA indicator (orange)
Indicates a malfunction in the LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)
- Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Intuitive parking assist OFF indicator (flashes)
When a buzzer sounds:
Indicates a malfunction in the intuitive parking assist function
- Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
When a buzzer does not sound:
This indicates that the system is temporarily unavailable, possibly due to a sensor being dirty or covered with ice, etc.
- Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
RCTA OFF indicator (if equipped) (flashes)
When a buzzer sounds:
Indicates a malfunction in the RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert) function
- Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
When a buzzer does not sound:
Indicates that the rear bumper around the radar sensor is covered with dirt, etc.
- Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
RCD OFF indicator (if equipped) (flashes)
When a buzzer sounds:
Indicates a malfunction in the RCD (Rear Camera Detection) function
- Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
When a buzzer does not sound:
Indicates that the function temporarily cannot be used due to the camera being dirty, etc.
- Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
PKSB OFF indicator (if equipped) (flashes)
When a buzzer sounds:
Indicates a malfunction in the PKSB (Parking Support Brake) system
- Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
When a buzzer does not sound:
This indicates that the system is temporarily unavailable, possibly due to a sensor being dirty or covered with ice, etc.
- Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
PCS warning light (flashes or illuminates)
When a buzzer sounds simultaneously:
Indicates a malfunction has occurred in the PCS (Pre-Collision System)
- Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
When a buzzer does not sound:
The PCS (Pre-Collision System) has become temporarily unavailable, corrective action may be necessary.
- Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
If the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system is disabled, the PCS warning light will illuminate.
Slip indicator
Indicates a malfunction in:
- The VSC system;
- The TRAC system; or
- The hill-start assist control system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Parking brake indicator (flashes) (U.S.A.)
Indicates a malfunction in the parking brake system
- Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Parking brake indicator (flashes) (Canada)
Indicates a malfunction in the parking brake system
- Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Brake hold operated indicator (flashes)
Indicates a malfunction in the brake hold system
- Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Master warning light
A buzzer sounds and the warning light comes on and flashes to indicate that the master warning system has detected a malfunction.
- These lights come on when the engine switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode to indicate that a system check is being performed. They will turn off after the engine is started, or after a few seconds. There may be a malfunction in a system if the lights do not come on, or turn off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
- This light illuminates the multi-infor-mation display.
WARNING
If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as the ABS and SRS warning light not come on when you start the engine, this could mean that these systems are not available to help protect you in an accident, which could result in death or serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately if this occurs.
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Indicators
The indicators inform the driver of the operating state of the vehicle’s various systems.
Turn signal indicator
- Right turn
- Lane change to the right (move the lever partway and release it)
The right-hand signals will flash 3 times. 3 - Lane change to the left (move the lever partway and release it)
The left-hand signals will flash 3 times. - Left turn
Headlight indicator (U.S.A.)
The headlights can be operated manually or automatically.
- U.S.A.
- Canada
- The side marker, parking, tail, license plate, instrument panel lights, and daytime running lights turn on.
- The headlights and all the lights listed above (except daytime running lights) turn on.
- The headlights, daytime running lights, and all the lights listed above turn on and off automatically.
Tail light indicator (Canada)
- The daytime running lights illuminate using the same lights as the parking lights and illuminate brighter than the parking lights.
- To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers during daytime driving, the daytime running lights turn on automatically when all of the following conditions are met. (The daytime running lights are not designed for use at night.)
- The engine is running
- The parking brake is released
- The headlight switch is in the
Headlight high beam indicator
- With the headlights on, push the lever away from you to turn on the high beams.
Pull the lever toward you to the center position to turn the high beams off. - Pull the lever toward you and release it to flash the high beams once.
You can flash the high beams with the headlights on or off.
Automatic High Beam indicator
The Automatic High Beam uses an in-vehicle camera sensor to assess the brightness of streetlights, the lights of vehicles ahead, etc., and automatically turn the high beam on or off as necessary.
PCS warning light
The pre-collision system uses a radar sensor and front camera to detect objects (P.175) in front of the vehicle. When the system determines that the possibility of a frontal collision with an object is high, a warning operates to urge the driver to take evasive action and the potential brake pressure is increased to help the driver avoid the collision. If the system determines that the possibility of a frontal collision with an object is extremely high, the brakes are automatically applied to help avoid the collision or help reduce the impact of the collision.
Cruise control indicator
In vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, the vehicle automatically accelerates, decelerates, and stops to match the speed changes of the preceding vehicle even if the accelerator pedal is not depressed. In constant speed control mode, the vehicle runs at a fixed speed.
Use the dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range on free-ways and highways.
Dynamic radar cruise control indicator
In vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, the vehicle automatically accelerates, decelerates, and stops to match the speed changes of the preceding vehicle even if the accelerator pedal is not depressed. In constant speed control mode, the vehicle runs at a fixed speed.
Use the dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range on free-ways and highways.
Cruise control “SET” indicator
Operation switches
- Vehicle-to-vehicle distance switch
- +RES switch
- Cruise control main switch
- Cancel switch
- -SET switch
LTA indicator (white)
Press the LTA switch to turn the LTA system on.
The LTA indicator illuminates and a message is displayed on the multi-information display.
Press the LTA switch again to turn the LTA system off.
When the LTA system is turned on or off, the operation of the LTA system continues in the same condition the next time the engine is started.
LTA indicator (green)Press the LTA switch to turn the LTA system on.
The LTA indicator illuminates and a message is displayed on the multi-information display.
Press the LTA switch again to turn the LTA system off.
When the LTA system is turned on or off, the operation of the LTA system continues in the same condition the next time the engine is started.
LTA indicator (orange) (flashes)Press the LTA switch to turn the LTA system on.
The LTA indicator illuminates and a message is displayed on the multi-information display.
Press the LTA switch again to turn the LTA system off.
When the LTA system is turned on or off, the operation of the LTA system continues in the same condition the next time the engine is started.
BSM outside rearview mirror indicators (if equipped)
The Blind Spot Monitor is a system that uses rear-side radar sensors installed on the inner side of the rear bumper on the left and right side to assist the driver in confirming safety when changing lanes.
The RCTA function uses the BSM rear-side radar sensors installed on the inner side of the rear bumper. This function is intended to assist the driver in checking areas that are not easily visible when backing up.
BSM indicator (if equipped)
- Meter control switches Turn the Blind Spot Monitor on/off.
- Outside rearview mirror indicators When a vehicle is detected in a blind spot of the outside rearview mirrors or approaching rapidly from behind into a blind spot, the outside rearview mirror indicator on the detected side will illuminate. If the turn signal lever is operated toward the detected side, the outside rear-view mirror indicator will flash.
- BSM indicator
When the Blind Spot Monitor is turned on, the indicator comes on.
Intuitive parking assist OFF indicator (if equipped)
The distance from your vehicle to objects, such as a wall, when parallel parking or maneuvering into a garage is measured by the sensors and communicated via the multi-information display, head-up display (if equipped), Center Display, and a buzzer. Always check the surrounding area when using this system.
RCTA OFF indicator (if equipped)
The RCTA function uses the BSM rear-side radar sensors installed on the inner side of the rear bumper. This function is intended to assist the driver in checking areas that are not easily visible when backing up.
RCD OFF indicator (if equipped)
Use the meter control switches to enable/disable the RCD function.
- Press the arrows or select the setting
- Press up down buttons or select “PKSA” and then press “OK”.
- Press or select “RCD” and then press “OK”.
When the RCD function is disabled, the RCD OFF indicator (P.68) illuminates the multi-information display.
PKSB OFF indicator (if equipped)
The Parking Support Brake can be enabled/disabled on the multi-informa-tion display. All of the Parking Support Brake functions (static objects, rear-crossing vehicles, and rear pedestrians) are enabled/disabled simultaneously.
Use the meter control switches to enable/disable the parking support brake.
Slip indicator (flashes)
To keep driving safety and performance, the following systems operate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.
VSC OFF indicator
Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off,
press and hold the switch for more than 3 seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will come on and the “Traction Control Turned Off” will
be shown on the multi-information display.* Press the switch again to turn the system
back on.
- PCS (Pre-Collision System) will also be disabled (only Pre-Collision warning is available). The PCS warning light will come on and a message will be displayed on the multi-information display.
Smart access system with pushbutton start indicator
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.
The 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.
Parking brake indicator (U.S.A.)
The parking brake can be set or released automatically or manually.
In automatic mode, the parking brake can be set or released automatically according to shift lever operation. Also, even in automatic mode, the parking brake can be set or released manually.
Operating instructions
Using the manual mode: The parking brake can be set and released manually.
U.S.A.
Canada
- Push the switch to set the parking
brake
The parking brake indicator light will turn on. The parking brake indicator light will turn on. Press and hold the parking brake switch if an emergency occurs and it is necessary to operate the parking brake while driving. - Pull the switch to release the parking brake
- Operate the parking brake switch while depressing the brake pedal.
- Using the parking brake automatic release function, the parking brake can be released by depressing the accelerator pedal. When using this function, slowly depress the accelerator pedal.
Make sure that the parking brake indicator light turns off.
Turning the automatic mode on
While the vehicle is stopped, press and hold the parking brake switch until a message is shown on the multi-information display
Parking brake indicator (Canada)
The parking brake can be set or released automatically or manually.
In automatic mode, the parking brake can be set or released automatically according to shift lever operation. Also, even in automatic mode, the parking brake can be set or released manually.
Operating instructions
Using the manual mode: The parking brake can be set and released manually.
U.S.A.
Canada
- Push the switch to set the parking
brake
The parking brake indicator light will turn on. The parking brake indicator light will turn on. Press and hold the parking brake switch if an emergency occurs and it is necessary to operate the parking brake while driving. - Pull the switch to release the parking brake
- Operate the parking brake switch while depressing the brake pedal.
- Using the parking brake automatic release function, the parking brake can be released by depressing the accelerator pedal. When using this function, slowly depress the accelerator pedal.
Make sure that the parking brake indicator light turns off.
Turning the automatic mode on
While the vehicle is stopped, press and hold the parking brake switch until a message is shown on the multi-information display
Brake hold standby indicator
The brake hold system keeps the brake applied when the shift lever is in D, S, or N with the system on and the brake pedal has been depressed to stop the vehicle. The system releases the brake when the accelerator pedal is depressed with the shift lever in D or S to allow a smooth start off.
Brake hold operated indicator
Turns the brake hold system on The brake hold standby indicator (green) A comes on. While the system is holding the brake, the brake hold operated indicator (yellow) comes on.
Eco Driving Indicator Light
- Eco Driving Indicator Light During Eco-friendly acceleration (Eco driving), the Eco Driving Indicator Light will turn on. When the acceleration exceeds the Zone of Eco driving, or when the vehicle is stopped, the light turns off.
- Eco Driving Indicator Zone Display Suggests the Zone of Eco-driving with the current Eco-driving ratio based on acceleration.
- Eco-driving ratio based on acceleration
If the acceleration exceeds the Zone of Eco driving, the right side of the Eco Driving Indicator Zone Display will illuminate.
At this time, the Eco Driving Indicator Light will turn off. - Zone of eco-driving
Low outside temperature indicator
Displays the outside temperature within the range of -40°F (-40°C) to 122°F (50°C) Low outside temperature indicator comes on when the ambient temperature is 37°F (3°C) or lower
Drive mode indicators
- Except for F SPORT models
Eco-drive mode indicator
Helps the driver accelerate in an eco-friendly manner and improve fuel economy through moderate throttle characteristics and by controlling the operation of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling).
When not in Eco drive mode, if the Driving Mode Select switch is turned toward you, the “Eco” indicator comes on.
Sport mode indicator
Controls the transmission and engine to provide quick, powerful acceleration. This mode is suitable for when agile driving response is desired, such as when driving on roads with many curves.
When not in SPORT mode, if the Driving Mode Select switch is turned away from you, the “Sport” indicator comes on.
F SPORT models
Custom mode indicator
Normal mode/Custom mode
Normal mode and custom mode are selected by pressing the Driving Mode Select switch. Each time the switch is pressed, the driving mode changes between normal mode and custom mode. When custom mode is selected, the “Custom” indicator comes on.
Press the switch to change the driving mode to normal mode when not in normal mode.
- Normal mode: Provides an optimal balance of fuel economy, quietness, and dynamic performance. Suitable for city driving.
- Custom mode: Allows you to drive with the power train, chassis, and air conditioning system functions set to your preferred settings. Custom mode settings can only be changed on the drive mode customization display of the Center Display.
Eco-drive mode indicator
Helps the driver accelerate in an eco-friendly manner and improve fuel economy through moderate throttle characteristics and by controlling the operation of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling).
When not in Eco drive mode, if the Driving Mode Select switch is turned toward you, the “Eco” indicator comes on.
Sport mode indicator (if equipped)
Controls the transmission and engine to provide quick, powerful acceleration. This mode is suitable for when agile driving response is desired, such as when driving on roads with many curves.
When not in Sport S mode, if the Driving Mode Select switch is turned away from you, the Sport S mode indicator comes on.
Sport S mode indicator
Controls the transmission and engine to provide quick, powerful acceleration. This mode is suitable for when agile driving response is desired, such as when driving on roads with many curves.
When not in SPORT S mode, if the Driving Mode Select switch is turned away from you, the “Sport S” indicator comes on.
Sport S+ mode indicator
Helps to ensure steering performance and driving stability by simultaneously controlling the steering and suspension in addition to the transmission and engine.
Suitable for sportier driving.
When in SPORT S mode, if the Driving Mode Select switch is turned away from you, the “Sport S+” indicator comes on.
- These lights come on when the engine switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode to indicate that a system check is being performed. They will turn off after the engine is started, or after a few seconds. There may be a malfunction in a system if the lights do not come on, or turn off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
- This light comes on when the system is turned off.
- This light illuminates the multi-information
display. - This light illuminates the outside rear-view mirrors.
- Except for F SPORT models: This light illuminates the multi-information display.
- When the outside temperature is approximately 37°F (3°C) or lower, this indicator will flash for approximately 10 seconds, and then stay on.
- This light illuminates the center panel.
FAQs
This warning light typically indicates an issue with the brake system. It could mean low brake fluid or a malfunction with the braking system.
This light typically signifies low engine oil pressure. It’s crucial to stop the vehicle immediately and check the oil level.
This indicates a malfunction in the engine control system. It could be due to various issues ranging from a loose gas cap to serious engine problems.
This light indicates a problem with the charging system. It could be due to a faulty battery, alternator, or electrical issue.
This symbol typically indicates that the engine is overheating. It’s important to pull over and let the engine cool down to prevent damage.
This light indicates that the windshield washer fluid level is low and needs to be refilled.
It usually appears as an exclamation mark inside a tire shape. This light indicates that one or more tires have low pressure and need to be inflated.
This light indicates a problem with the power steering system. It could be due to a low-power steering fluid or a malfunction in the system.
This light indicates a problem with the anti-lock braking system. It could mean that the ABS is disabled or there’s a malfunction that needs attention.
It usually appears as an icon depicting a person seated with a large circle in front. This light indicates a problem with the airbag system and should be inspected immediately.
This light typically indicates a problem with the traction control system. It could mean that the system is disabled or there’s a malfunction that needs attention.
It typically appears as a symbol resembling a gas pump. This light indicates a problem with the fuel system, such as low fuel pressure or a malfunctioning fuel pump.
This light indicates that one or more doors are not properly closed. It’s a reminder to check and securely close all doors before driving.
It usually appears as a blue symbol depicting a headlight beam. This light indicates that the high beams are engaged.
This light typically indicates that the vehicle is drifting out of its lane without the turn signal being activated. It’s a warning to the driver to correct their steering.
Useful Link:
View full PDF: 2021 Lexus ES250 Owner’s Manual | Auto User Guide