1997 Lexus ES300 check engine

MAINTENANCE
181 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, Owner's Manual
Supplement 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.
Tire pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks, or at
least once a month and adjust as shown on the tire pressure
label. See page 210 for additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive wear.
See page 211 for additional information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary.

MAINTENANCE
182Tire rotation
Rotate the tires every 12000 km (7500 miles). See page 211
for additional information.
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 secures the hood when the primary latch is
released.
Vehicle interior
Items are listed below should be checked regularly, e.g.
while performing periodic services, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlight, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal
lights, and other lights are working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers function properly.
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.
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.

MAINTENANCE
183 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.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the pedal has the proper travel and that, on a safe
incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.
Automatic transmission ªParkº 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 ªPº position
and all brakes released.
Engine compartment
Items listed below should be checked from time to time,
e.g. each time when refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See page 230
for additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant is between the ªFULLº and ªLOWº
lines on the see±through reservior when the engine is cold.
See page 204 for additional information.
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 222 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 208 for
additional information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and
the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 201 for
additional information.

MAINTENANCE
184Power steering fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in the
ªHOTº or ªCOLDº range depending on the fluid temperature.
See page 209 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 performances and sounds,
and visual tip±offs that indicates 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 after 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 floors, vehicle pulls to one side when
braking

Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal