1992 Lexus ES300 check engine

SECTION 6 – 2
161
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications162 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel165 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption166 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil167 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level168 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level169 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing the air cleaner element170 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ENGINE
167 The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the
viscosity of the oil, the quality of the oil and the way the
vehicle is driven.
More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high
speeds and frequent acceleration and deceleration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since its pistons, piston rings
and cylinder walls have not become conditioned.
When judging the amount of oil consumption, note that
the oil may become diluted, making it difficult to judge the
true level accurately.
For example, it a vehicle is used for repeated short trips and
consumes a normal amount of oil, the dipstick may not show
any drop in the oil level at all, even after 1000 km (600 miles)
or more. This is because the oil is gradually becoming diluted
with fuel or moisture, making it appear that the oil level has not
changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle is then
driven at high speeds, as on an expressway, making it appear
that oil is excessively consumed after driving at high speeds.
Importance of engine oil level check
One of the most important points in proper vehicle
maintenance is to keep the engine oil at the optimum level so
that oil function will not be impaired. Therefore, it is essential
that the oil level be checked regularly. Lexus recommends that
the oil level he checked every time you refuel the vehicle.
NOTICE:
Failure to check the oil level regularly could lead to
serious engine troubles due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check, see “Checking the
engine oil level” on page 168.
USED ENGINE OIL
CAUTION:
Used engine oil contains potentially harmful
contaminants which may cause skin disorders such as
inflammation or skin cancer, so care should be taken to
avoid prolonged and repeated contact with it. To
remove used engine oil from your skin, wash
thoroughly with soap and water.
Do not leave used oil within the reach of children.
Dispose of used oil and used oil filters only in a safe and
acceptable manner. Do not dispose of used oil and
used oil filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the
ground. Call your Lexus dealer or a service station for
information concerning recycling or disposal.

ENGINE
168
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL
LEVEL
Low line
Add oilO.K.Too full
Full line
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off,
check the oil level on the dipstick.
1. To get a true reading, the vehicle should be on a level spot.
After turning off the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to
drain back into the bottom of the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, and wipe it clean with a rag.
3. Reinsert the dipstick and push it in as far as it will go, or the
reading will not be correct.
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level on the end. If it
is between the full line and the low line, it is O.K
If the oil level is below or only slightly above the low line,
add engine oil of the same types as already in the engine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine oil a little at a time,
checking the dipstick. The appropriate quantity of oil needed
to fill between the low line and the full line on the dipstick is
indicated below for reference.
When the level reaches within the correct range, return the
filler cap and turn the cap clockwise until you hear a click.
Oil quantity. L (qt., Imp. qt.) 1.1 (1.2, 1.0)
NOTICE:
Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick once again after
adding the oil.

ENGINE
169
Engine oil selection
Use API grade SG, Energy-Conserving II multigrade engine
oil. Recommended viscosity is as follows.
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
CHECKING THE ENGINE
COOLANT LEVEL
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
Look at the see-through coolant reservoir tank. The
coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and
“LOW” lines on the tank. If the level is low, add
ethylene-glycol type coolant.
The coolant level in the reservoir tank will vary with engine
temperature. However, if the level is on or below the “LOW”
line, add coolant to bring the level up to the “FULL” line.
Use only ethylene-glycol type coolant. For information on
ethylene-glycol coolant, see also “Coolant type selection” on
page 170.
If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing,
there may be a leak in the system. Visually check the radiator,
hoses, radiator cap, drain cocks, and water pump.

ENGINE
170If no leak can be found, have the cap pressure tested at your
Lexus dealer.
CAUTION:
To prevent burning yourself, do not remove the radiator
cap when the engine is hot.
Coolant type selection
Your coolant must contain ethylene-glycol antifreeze. In
addition to preventing freezing and subsequent damage to the
engine, this will also prevent corrosion. Further supplemental
inhibitors or additives are neither needed nor recommended.
Read the antifreeze container for information on freeze
protection. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how much
to mix with water. The total capacity of the cooling system is
given on page 163. We recommend 50% solution be used for
your Lexus, or a sufficient quantity to provide protection to
about − 35
C (− 31
F).
NOTICE:
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
CHECKING AND REPLACING
THE AIR CLEANER ELEMENT
To inspect the element, follow the procedure below.
Cover
Clips
1. Release 4 clips.
Element