1991 LEXUS SC400 check oil

20. INSPECT BALL JOINTS AND DUST COVERS
(a) Inspect the ball joints for excessive looseness.wJack up the front of the vehicle and support it with
stands.
w Make sure the front wheels are in a straight±ahead
position, and depress the brake pedal.
w Jack up the lower suspension arm until there is about
half a load on the front coil spring.
w Move the front wheel up and down and check that the
ball joint has no excessive play.
Maximum lower ball joint vertical play.
0.3 mm (0.012 in.)
If the play is greater than maximum, replace the ball joint.
(b) Visually check the dust covers for damage
21. C H E C K A U TO M AT I C T RANSMISSION AND
DIFFERENTIAL OIL (FLUID)
A. Inspect automatic transmission fluid
(a) Visually check the differential for fluid and leakage.
If leakage is found, check for the cause and repair.
(b) Check the fluid level with the engine idling and shift lever at ªPº.
If the level is low, add fluid.
Transmission fluid:
See item 22 (A)
B. Inspect differential oil
(a) Visually check the transmission for oil and leakage.If leakage is found, check for the cause and repair.
(b) Remove the filler plug, and feel inside the hole with your finger. Check that the oil comes to within 5 mm (0.20 in) of the
bottom edge of the filler hole.
If the level is low, add oil until it begins to run out of the filler
hole.
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MAINTENANCE (1UZ ± FE)MA±15
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Differential oil:See item 22 (B)
(c) Reinstall the filler plug securely.
22. R E P L A C E A U TO M AT I C T RANSMISSION AND
DIFFERENTIAL OIL (FLUID)
A. Replace automatic transmission fluid
(a) Remove the drain plug, and drain the fluid.
(b) Clean the drain plug.
(c) Reinstall the drain plug securely.
(d) With the engine ªOFFº, add new fluid through the dipstick
tube.
Fluid type:
ATF Type T±II or equivalent
Drain and refill capacity: 1.9 liters (2.0 US qts. 1.7 lmp. qts)
(e) Start the engine and shift the selector into all positions fromªPº through ªLº, and then shift into ªPº position.
(f) With the engine idling, check the fluid level. Add fluid up the ªCOOLº level on the dipstick.
(g) Check that the fluid level is in the ªHOTº range at the normal
operating temperature (70 ± 80
C (158 ± 176
F)) and add
as necessary.
NOTICE: Do not overfill.
B. Replace differential oil
(a) Remove the filler and drain plugs, and drain the oil.
(b) Clean the drain plug.
(c) Reinstall the drain plug securely.
(d) Add new oil until it begins to run out of the filler hole.
Differential oil: Oil grade
API GL±5
MA±16
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MAINTENANCE (1UZ ± FE)
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GENERAL MAINTENANCE
MA00M±03
There are the maintenance and inspection
items which are considered to be the owner's
responsibility. They can be performed by the
owner or be can have them done at a service
shop. These items include those which should
be checked on a daily basis, those which, in
most cases, do not require (special) tools and
those which are considered to be reasonable
for the owner to perform. Items and procedures
for general maintanance are as follows:
MA00P±04
OUTSIDE VEHICLE
1. TIRES
(a) Check the pressure with a gauge. Adjust ifnecessary.
(b) Check for cuts, damage or excessive wear.
2. WHEEL NUTS Wheel checking the tires, check the nuts for
looseness or for missing nuts. If necessary,
tighten them.
3. TIRE ROTATION It is recommended that tires be rotated every
12,000 km (7,500 miles).
4. WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES Check for wear or cracks whenever they do not
wipe clean. Replace if necessary.
5. FLUID LEAKS
(a) Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or
other fluid.
(b) If you smell gasoline fumes or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected.
6. DOORS AND ENGINE HOOD
(a) Check that all doors including the trunk lid operate smoothly, and that all latches lock
securely.
(b) Check that the engine hood secondary latch secures the hood from opening when the
primary latch is released.
MA00R±05
INSIDE VEHICLE
7. LIGHTS
(a) C h e c k t h a t t h e h eadlights, stop lights,
tail±lights, turn signal lights, and other lights
are all working. (b) Check the headlight aiming.
8. WARNING LIGHT AND BUZZERS
Check that all warning lights and buzzers func-
tion properly.
9. HORN Check that it is working.
10. WINDSHIELD GLASS
Check for scratches, pits or abrasions.
11. WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER
(a) Check operation of the wipers and washer.
(b) Check that the wipers do not streak.
12. WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER Check that the air comes out from the defroster
outlet when operating the heater air condition-
er at defroster mode.
13. REAR VIEW MIRROR
Check that it is mounted securely.
14. SUN VISORS Check that they move freely and are mounted
securely.
15. STEERING WHEEL Check that it has the specified freeplay. Be
alert for changes in steering condition, such as
hard steering, excessive freeplay or strange
noise.
16. SEATS
(a) Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. operate
smoothly.
(b) Check that all latches lock securely in any position.
(c) Check that the locks hold securely in any latched position.
(d) Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and that the locks hold securely
in ay latches position.
(e) For folding±down rear seat backs, check that the latches lock securely.
17. SEAT BELTS
(a) Ch e ck th a t th e se a t be lt syste m su ch as buckles, retractors and anchors operate
properly and smoothly.
(b) Check that the belt webbing is not cut, frayed,
worn or damaged.
18. ACCELERATOR PEDAL Check the pedal for smooth operation and un-
even pedal effort or catching.
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MAINTENANCE (1UZ ± FE)MA±19
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19. BRAKE PEDAL
(a) Check that pedal for smooth operation.
(b) Check that the pedal has the proper reservedistance and freeplay.
(c) Check the brake booster function.
20. BRAKES At a safe place, check that the brakes do not
pull to one side when applied.
21. PARKING BRAKE
(a) Check that the pedal has the proper travel.
(b) On a safe incline, check that the vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake applied.
22. A U TO M AT I C T RANSMISSION PARK
MECHANISM
(a) Check the lock release button of the selector lever for proper and smooth operation.
(b) On a safe incline, check that the vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in the ªPº
position and all brakes released.
MA00T±0A
UNDER HOOD
23. WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUIDCheck that there is sufficient fluid in the tank.
24. ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
Check that the coolant level is between the
LEVEL lines on the see±through reservoir at
normal temperature (20 5C (68 5F)).
25. RADIATOR AND HOSES
(a) Check that the front of the radiator is clean and not blocked with leaves, dirt or bugs.
(b) Check the hoses for cracks, kinks, rot or loose connections.
26. BATTERY ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
Check the indicator.
When the indicator color is blue, the condition
is satisfactory. A red color indicates that dis-
tilled water must be added, and white indicates
that charging is necessary. 27. BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
Check that the brake fluid level is near the up-
per level line on the see±through reservoir.
28. ENGINE DRIVE BELT Check drive belt for fraying, cracks, wear or oili-
ness.
29. ENGINE OIL LEVEL
Check that level on the dipstick with the engine
turned off.
30. POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL Check the level on the dipstick.
The level should be in the ªHOTº or ªCOLDº
range depending on the fluid temperature.
31. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL
(a) Park the vehicle on a level surface.
(b) With the engine idling and the parking and foot brake applied, shift the selector into all
positions from ªPº to ªLº, and then shift into ªPº.
(c) Turn and pull out the dipstick and wipe off the fluid with a clean rag.
Re±insert the dipstick fully and check that the
fluid level is in the ªHOTº range.
(d) Perform this check with the fluid at normal driving temperature (70 ± 80
C (158 ± 176
F)).
If the level is at the low side, add fluid.
NOTICE: Do not overfill.
HINT: Wait about 30 minutes before checking
the fluid level after extended driving at high
speeds in hot weather, driving in heavy traffic
or with a trailer.
32. EXHAUST SYSTEM Visually inspect for cracks, holes or loose sup-
ports.
If any change in the sound of the exhaust or
smell of the exhaust fumes is noticed, have the
cause located and corrected.
MA±20
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MAINTENANCE (1UZ ± FE)
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ENGINE TUNE±UP
INSPECTION OF ENGINE COOLANT
1. INSPECT ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL AT RESERVOIRTANK
The coolant level should be above the ºCOLD LEVELº at
normal temperature (20 5C (68 5F)).
If low, check for leaks and add coolant up to the ºCOLD
LEVELº.
2. INSPECT ENGINE COOLANT QUALITY There should be any excessive deposits of rust or scales
around the radiator cap or reservoir tank filler hole, and the
coolant should be free from oil.
If excessively dirty, clean the coolant passages and replace
the coolant.
INSPECTION OF ENGINE OIL
1. INSPECT ENGINE OIL QUALITYCheck the oil for deterioration, entry of water, discoloring or
thinning.
If the quality is poor, replace the oil.
Oil grade: API grade SG, Energy±Conserving II multigrade.
Recommended viscosity is as shown, with SAE
5W±30 being the preferred engine oil.
Drain and refill oil capacity: w/ oil filter change4.8 liter (5.1 US qts, 4.2 lmp. qts)
w/o oil filter change 4.5 liter (4.8 US qts, 4.0 lmp. qts)
2. INSPECT ENGINE OIL LEVEL The oil level should be between the ºLº and ºFº marks on the
dipstick.
If low, check for leakage and add oil up to ºFº mark.
EM±8
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ENGINE MECHANICAL Engine Tune±Up
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INSPECTION OF BATTERY
1. INSPECT BATTERY SPECIFIC GRAVITY ANDELECTROLYTE LEVEL
(a) Check the specific gravity of each cell.
Standard specific gravity:
1.27±1.29 when fully charged at 20 5C(68 5F)
If not within specification, charge the battery.
(b) Check the electrolyte quantity of each cell.
If insufficient, refill with distilled (or purified) water.
2. CHECK BATTERY TERMINALS Check that the battery terminals are not loose or corroded.
INSPECTION AND CLEANING OF AIR
FILTER
1. REMOVE AIR FILTER(a) Open the air cleaner cap.
(b) Remove the air filter.
2. INSPECT AIR FILTER (a) Visually check that the air filter is not excessivelydamaged or oily.
(b) Clean the air filter with compressed air.
First blow from the inside thoroughly, then blow off the out-
side of the air filter.
3. REINSTALL AIR FILTER
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ENGINE MECHANICAL Engine Tune±UpEM±9
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COMPRESSION CHECK
HINT: If there is lack of power, excessive oil consumption or
poor fuel economy, measure the compression pressure.
1. WARM UP AND STOP ENGINE Allow the engine to warm up to normal operating tempera-
ture.
2. REMOVE NO.3 TIMING BELT COVERS (See steps 1, 5 to 10 and 14 on pages EM±11 to 13)
3. DISCONNECT COLD START INJECTOR CONNECTOR
4. DISCONNECT RH CAM POSITION SENSOR CONNECTOR
(a) Disconnect the connector from the ignition coil bracket.
(b) Disconnect the sensor connector.
5. DISCONNECT LH CAM POSITION SENSOR CONNECTOR
6. REMOVE SPARK PLUGS (a) Disconnect the eight high±tension cords from the sparkplugs.
Disconnect the high±tension cords at rubber boot. Do
not pull on the cords.
NOTICE: Pulling on or bending the cords may damage
the conductor inside.
EM±30
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ENGINE MECHANICAL Compression Check
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(b) Using a 16 mm spark plug wrench, remove the eightspark plugs.
7. CHECK CYLINDER COMPRESSION PRESSURE (a) Insert a compression tester into the spark plug hole.
(b) Fully open the throttle.
(c) While cranking the engine, measure the compressionpressure.
HINT: Always use a fully charged battery to obtain engine rev-
olution of 250 rpm or more.
(d) Repeat steps (a) through (c) for each cylinder.
NOTICE: This measurement must be done in as short
time as possible.
Compression pressure:
1,226 kPa (12.5 kgf/cm, 178 psi) or more
Minimum pressure: 981 kPa (10.0 kgf/cm, 142 psi)
Difference between each cylinder:
98 kPa (1.0 kgf/cm, 14 psi) or less
(e) If the cylinder compression in one or more cylinders islow, pour a small amount of engine oil into the cylinder
through the spark plug hole and repeat steps (a) through
(c) for the cylinder with low compression.
w If adding oil helps the compression the piston rings
and/or cylinder bore are probably worn or
damaged.
w If pressure stays low, a valve may be sticking or
seating improper, or there may be leakage past the
gasket.
8. REINSTALL SPARK PLUGS (a) Using a 16 mm plug wrench, install the eight sparkplugs.
Torque: 18 N Vm (180 kgf Vcm, 13 ft Vlbf)
(b) C onnect the eight high±tension cords to the spark
plugs.
(c) Fit the high±tension cords to the cord clamps.
(See page IG±16)
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ENGINE MECHANICAL Compression CheckEM±31
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