Having just bought a 2002 IS300 yesterday I was disappointed to not get an owners manual and whilst I can manage to work out most of the controls, the SHIFT LOCK button on the auto transmission is foxing me. When I press it there is not any light displaying in the instrument panel to say if its on or not so WHAT DOES IT DO????.

Also does anyone know where I can get a photocopy or original of the Owners Manual ??

[quote name='Richard2508' post='327974' date='Feb 5 2006, 02:31 PM']Having just bought a 2002 IS300 yesterday I was disappointed to not get an owners manual and whilst I can manage to work out most of the controls, the SHIFT LOCK button on the auto transmission is foxing me. When I press it there is not any light displaying in the instrument panel to say if its on or not so WHAT DOES IT DO????.

Also does anyone know where I can get a photocopy or original of the Owners Manual ??[/quote]

It lets you move the transmission out of park without the engine running or the break pressed. Useful only if you want to change out of park without the engine running or your foot on the break. iirc

[quote name='Jiberjaber' post='327979' date='Feb 5 2006, 03:14 PM'][quote name='Richard2508' post='327974' date='Feb 5 2006, 02:31 PM']
Having just bought a 2002 IS300 yesterday I was disappointed to not get an owners manual and whilst I can manage to work out most of the controls, the SHIFT LOCK button on the auto transmission is foxing me. When I press it there is not any light displaying in the instrument panel to say if its on or not so WHAT DOES IT DO????.

Also does anyone know where I can get a photocopy or original of the Owners Manual ??[/quote]

It lets you move the transmission out of park without the engine running or the break pressed. Useful only if you want to change out of park without the engine running or your foot on the break. iirc
[/quote]

I was told by salesman that this was for towing? Allows the transmission to be disengaged he said. Although if you cannot tell that it is on or off this could be quite a concern.

Nope, try it... press the button down and you can move the shift out of park without your foot on the break and the engine started.

I will try and take a look in the manual tomorrow if I get chance and find the definative answer But as far as I can see it defeats the (safety?) interlocks to alow the car to be put in to gear.

[quote name='Jiberjaber' post='329390' date='Feb 10 2006, 11:06 PM']Nope, try it... press the button down and you can move the shift out of park without your foot on the break and the engine started.

I will try and take a look in the manual tomorrow if I get chance and find the definative answer But as far as I can see it defeats the (safety?) interlocks to alow the car to be put in to gear.[/quote]

You are right, see page 357 of the manual "steps in case of emergency". I cannot upload the manual I have - do I need to be a gold member to be able to do that?