1994 Lexus ES300 engine

MAINTENANCE
147 You can be confident that your Lexus dealer’s service
department performs the best job to meet the maintenance
requirements of your vehicle.
Your copy of the repair order is proof that all required
maintenance has been performed for warranty coverage. And
if any problems should arise with your vehicle while under
warranty, your Lexus dealer will promptly take care of it. Again,
be sure to keep a copy of the repair order for any service
performed on your Lexus.
What about do-it-yourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself, if you
have a little mechanical ability and a few basic automotive
tools. Simple instructions for how to perform them are
presented in Section 6.
If you are a skilled do-it-yourself mechanic, the Lexus service
manuals are recommended. Please be aware that
do-it-yourself maintenance can affect your warranty coverage.
See your Owner’s Guide or Warranty Booklet for the details.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified. It is recommended that
any problem you notice be brought to the attention of your
Lexus dealer or qualified service shop for their advice.
CAUTION:
Make these checks only where adequate ventilation can
be obtained if you run the engine.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to time,
unless otherwise specified.
Tires
Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks, or at least
once a month and adjust as shown on the tire pressure label.
Check carefully for cuts, damage or excessive wear. See page
190 for additional information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary.

MAINTENANCE
148Tire rotation
Rotate the tires every 12000 km (7500 miles). See page 191
for additional information.
Windshield wiper blades
Check for wear or cracks whenever they do not wipe clean.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid after
the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes
or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected
immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors, including trunk lid, operate smoothly and
all latches lock securely. Make sure the engine hood
secondary latch still secures the hood when the primary latch
is released.
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal
lights, and other lights are all working. Check headlight aim.Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers function properly.
Horn
Make sure it works.
Windshield glass
Check that it is free from scratches, pits or abrasions.
Windshield wipers and washer
Check operation of the wipers and washer. Make sure the
wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster
Check that air comes out the defroster outlet when operating
the heater or the air conditioning.
Rear view mirror
Make sure it is mounted securely.
Sun visors
Make sure they move freely and are mounted securely.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified freeplay. See page 188 for
additional information. Be alert for changes in steering
condition, such as hard steering, excessive freeplay or strange
noise.

MAINTENANCE
149 Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters,
seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in any position. Check that the head restraints
move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold securely
in any latched position.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors
and anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the
belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal effort
or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and freeplay. Check the brake booster function. See
page 185 for additional information.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the lever has the proper travel and that, on an
incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the parking
brake applied. See page 186 for additional information.Automatic transmission “Park” mechanism
Check the lock release button of the selector lever for proper
and smooth operation. On a safe incline, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in “P” position
and all brakes released.
Engine compartment
Items listed below should be checked from time to time,
e.g. each time when refueling.
Windshield washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See page 210 for
additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the see-through reservoir. See page 178 for additional
information.
Radiator and hoses
Make sure the front of the radiator is clean and not blocked with
leaves, dirt or bugs. Check the hoses for cracks, kinks, rot and
loose connections.
Battery
Your Lexus has a maintenance free battery. You do not have
to add distilled water. For longer life of the battery, however,
see page 202 for additional information.

MAINTENANCE
150Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid levels is correct. See page 184 for
additional information.
Engine drive belts
Check the belts or fraying, cracks, wear or oiliness.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and
the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 176 for additional
information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in
the “HOT” or “COLD” range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 187 for additional information.
Automatic transmission fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine idling and the
selector lever in “P”. The level should be in the “HOT” or
“COOL” range according to the fluid temperature. See page
188 for additional information.
Exhaust system
Look for cracks, holes and loose supports. If you notice any
change in the sound of the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes,
have the cause located and corrected immediately. (See
engine exhaust cautions in Section 3-1.)
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEED
REPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and
visual tip-offs that indicate service is needed. Some important
clues are:

Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging

Appreciable loss of power

Strange engine noises

A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from
the air conditioning alter use is normal.)

Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous
carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked immediately.)

Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering;
uneven tire wear

Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level
road

Strange noises related to suspension movement

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal,
pedal almost touches floor, vehicle pulls to one side when
braking

Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal

MAINTENANCE
153 SCHEDULE A
Maintenance operations:
A = Check and adjust as necessary; I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary; R = Replace, change or lubricate.
Service interval
(Use odometer reading or
months, whichever comes first.)Maintenance services beyond 96,000 km (60,000 miles) should continue to be performed at the same intervals shown for each maintenance schedule.
Miles x 1,00013.757.511.251518.7522.526.253033.7537.541.254548.7552.556.2560MonthsMaintenance items km x 1,0001.66121824303642485460667278849096ENGINE COMPONENTS AND EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMSTiming beltSee note (1)Valve clearanceAA: Every 72 monthsDrive belt See note (2)II: See note (2)Engine oil and oil filterRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR: Every 6 monthsEngine coolant See note (3)RR: See note (3)Exhaust pipes and mountingIIIII: Every 24 months
Air filterSee note (4)IIIIIIIRIIIIIIIRI: Every 6 months
R: Every 36 months
Fuel lines and connections See note (5)III: Every 36 monthsFuel tank cap gasketRR: Every 72 monthsSpark plugsRR: Every 72 monthsCharcoal canister See note (6)II: Every 72 months
Maintenance services indicated by a star () are required under the terms of the Emission Control Systems Warranty. See Owner’s Guide or Warranty Booklet for complete
warranty information.
 For vehicles sold in California and New York only
NOTE:
(1) If you operate your vehicle under conditions of extensive idling and / or low speed driving for long distances such as police, taxi or door to door delivery use, replace
every 96,000 km (60,000 miles).
(2) After 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 72 months, inspect every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months.
(3) After 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 36 months, replace every 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months.
(4) Applicable when operating mainly on dusty roads. If not applicable, follow schedule B.
(5) Includes inspection of fuel tank band and vapor vent system.
(6) Non-maintenance item except for California and New York.

MAINTENANCE
155 SCHEDULE B
Maintenance operations:
A = Check and adjust as necessary; I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary; R = Replace, change or lubricate.
Service interval
(Use odometer reading or
months, whichever comes first.)Maintenance services beyond 96,000 km (60,000 miles) should continue to be performed at the same intervals shown for each maintenance schedule.
Miles x 1,00017.51522.53037.54552.560MonthsMaintenance items km x 1,0001.61224364860728496ENGINE COMPONENTS AND EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMSValve clearanceAA: Every 72 monthsDrive belt See note (1)II: See note (1)Engine oil and oil filterRRRRRRRRR: Every 12 monthsEngine coolant See note (2)RR: See note (2)Exhaust pipes and mountingIII: Every 36 monthsAir cleaner filterRRR: Every 36 monthsFuel lines and connections See note (3)III: Every 36 monthsFuel tank cap gasketRR: Every 72 monthsSpark plugsRR: Every 72 monthsCharcoal canister See note (4)II: Every 72 months
Maintenance services indicated by a star () are required under the terms of the Emission Control Systems Warranty. See Owner’s Guide or Warranty Booklet for complete
warranty information.
 For vehicles sold in California and New York only
NOTE:
(1) After 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 72 months, inspect every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months.
(2) After 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 36 months, replace every 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months.
(3) Includes inspection of fuel tank band and vapor vent system.
(4) Non-maintenance item except for California and New York.

MAINTENANCE
157
Explanation of scheduled maintenance items
ENGINE COMPONENTS AND EMISSION CONTROL
SYSTEMS
Timing belt
(Applicable to Schedule A only.) When scheduled, replace the
belt and inspect the ignition timing. A qualified technician must
perform these operations.
Valve clearance
Adjust the valve clearances to factory specifications. A
qualified technician should perform this operation.
Drive belts
Inspect the drive belts for cracks, excessive wear or oiliness.
Replace belt if damaged. Check the auto tensioner operation.
Engine oil and oil filter
Change the engine oil and oil filter when scheduled. Use API
SG or SH, Energy-Conserving II multigrade engine oil or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil. For recommended viscosity, see
page 177. A qualified technician should perform this operation.Engine coolant
Drain and flush the cooling system when scheduled. Refill only
with an ethylene-glycol type coolant. A qualified technician
should perform this operation.
Exhaust pipes and mountings
Visually inspect the exhaust pipes, muffler and hangers for
cracks, deterioration, or damage. Start the engine and listen
carefully for any exhaust gas leakage. Tighten connections or
replace parts as necessary.
Air cleaner filter
Replace the air cleaner filter when scheduled. Do-it-yourself
instructions are given on page 179. If you mainly operate your
vehicle on dusty roads, additionally inspect and clean the air
cleaner filter when scheduled. Visually check for dirt or
damage. It may be cleaned with compressed air.
Fuel lines and connections
Visually inspect the lines, connections and tank band for
corrosion, damage, cracks, and loose or leaking connections.
Tighten connections or replace parts as necessary.
Fuel tank cap gasket
Make sure the new gasket is correctly installed.

MAINTENANCE
159 Automatic transaxle
Inspect each component for signs of leakage. If you discover
any leakage, have it repaired by a qualified technician
immediately. Under severe driving conditions, change the fluid
and oil when scheduled.
SRS airbags
This should be periodically inspected by a qualified technician.
For details, see the maintenance schedule.
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body
Where necessary, retighten to specified torque.
Body inspection (paint, corrosion)
Visually check for corrosion, scratches and other damage.
Check body outer panels, underneath the vehicle, inner panels
of the hood and doors, etc. Apply touch-up paint to any chips
or scratches, or have them repaired by a qualified technician.
ROAD TEST
While driving the vehicle, check the proper operation of engine,
transmission, brakes and steering, and check for abnormal
noise or vibration from any part of the vehicle.