Page 4 of 12
ENGINE
172− COOLING SYSTEM
Capacity
Coolant type
8.7 L (9.2 qt., 7.7 Imp.qt.)
Ethylene-glycol coolant (Do not use alcohol type.)
− FUEL
Fuel type
Research octane number.
Only UNLEADED
91 (Octane Rating 87) or higher
− IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plug− Make NIPPONDENSO
NGK
− Gap
PK20R11
BKR6EP-11
1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
− ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery− Specific gravity reading at 20C (68F):
− Charging rate
1.280 Fully charged
1.180 Half charged
1.080 Discharged
5 A max.
Page 5 of 12

ENGINE
173
FUEL
Fuel type
Your vehicle must use only unleaded gasoline.
To help prevent gas station mixups, your Lexus has a smaller
fuel tank opening. The special nozzle on pumps with unleaded
fuel will fit it, but the larger nozzle on pumps with leaded gas
will not.
NOTICE:
Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of leaded gasoline will
cause the three-way catalytic converter to lose its
effectiveness and the emission control system to
function improperly. Also, this can increase
maintenance costs.
Octane number
Premium unleaded gasoline with a Research Octane
Number of 96 (Octane Rating 91) or higher is
recommended for optimum engine performance.
Also you may use regular unleaded gasoline with a Research
Octane Number of 91 (Octane Rating 87) or higher without any
mechanical problem.
Use of unleaded fuel with an octane number or rating lower
than stated above will cause persistent heavy knocking. If
severe, this will lead to engine damage.If your engine knocks ...
If you detect heavy knocking even when using the
recommended fuel, or if you hear steady knocking while
holding a steady speed on level roads, consult your Lexus
dealer.
However, now and then, you may notice light knocking for a
short time while accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern,
Gasolines containing detergent additives
Lexus recommends use of gasolines that contain
detergent additives to avoid build-up of engine deposits.
For further details, ask your Lexus dealer or a local gasoline
retailer.
Gasolines containing MTBE
Gasolines that contain MTBE (Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether)
are available in the market. If you use a gasoline mixed
with MTBE, make certain that it does not contain more
than 15% MTBE.
If the use of gasolines containing MTBE causes poor drivability
and / or poor fuel economy, you should stop using them.
Page 10 of 12

ENGINE
API Service SymbolILSAC Certification Mark
”FULL” line
”LOW” line
178
Oil identification marks
Either or both API registered marks are added to some oil
containers to help you select the oil you should use.
The API Service Symbol is located anywhere on the outside
of the container.
The top portion of the label shows the oil quality by API
(American Petroleum Institute) designation such as SH.
The center portion of the label shows the SAE viscosity
grade such as SAE 5W-30. “Energy-Conserving II”, shown
in the lower portion, indicates that the oil has fuel-saving
capabilities. Oils marked “Energy-Conserving II” will have
higher fuel-saving capabilities than oils marked
“Energy-Conserving”.
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee) Certification Mark is displayed on the
front of the container.
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Look at the see-through coolant reservoir. 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 will vary with engine coolant
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 “Engine coolant selection” on
page 179.
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.