1997 Lexus ES300 engine

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218
SPECIFICATIONS
± FUSE LOCATIONS


Engine compartment
Engine compartment (Canada only)
Driver's side instrument panel
± FUSES

Engine compartment
Engine compartment (Canada only)

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
219
Engine compartment
Driver's side instrument panel

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
223
Checking battery exterior


Terminals Hold±down clamp
Check the battery for corroded or loose connections,
cracks, or loose hold±down clamps.
1. If the battery is corroded, wash it off with a solution of
warm water and baking soda. Coat the terminals with grease
to prevent further corrosion.
2. If the connections are loose, tighten the clamp bolts ±
but do not overtighten.
3. Tighten the hold±down clamp only enough to keep the
battery firmly in place. Overtightening may damage the
battery case.
NOTICE
Make sure the engine and all accessories are
turned off before performing maintenance.
When checking the battery, remove the ground
cable first and reinstall it last.
Be careful not to cause a short circuit with tools.
Take care no solution gets into the battery when
washing it.
Checking battery fluid
There are 2 types of batteries: maintenance type and
non±maintenance type.
A non±maintenance battery has ªMAINTENANCE FREE
BATTERYº on its top. A maintenance type battery does not
have such indication.
Maintenance type battery
Check the fluid condition by the fluid level lines on the side
of the battery. Or if the battery has a hydrometer on its top,
you can also check the hydrometer.
Non±maintenance battery
Check the battery condition by the hydrometer on top of the
battery.

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226
BATTERY RECHARGING
PRECAUTIONS
During recharging, the battery is producing hydrogen
gas.
Therefore, before recharging:
1. Maintenance type batteries ± Remove the vent plugs.
2. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be
sure to disconnect the ground cable.
3. Make sure the power switch on the recharger is off when
connecting the charger cables to the battery and when
disconnecting them.
CAUTION!
Always charge the battery in an unconfined area.
Do not charge the battery in a garage or closed
room where there is not sufficient ventilation.
Non±maintenance batteries: Only do a slow
charge (5A or less). Charging at a quicker rate is
dangerous. The battery may explode causing
personal injuries.
Maintenance type batteries: Be sure to remove
the vent plugs before recharging.
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the engine is
running. Also, be sure all accessories are turned
off.

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227
CHECKING AND REPLACING THE
BLADE TYPE FUSES

Engine compartment
Pull±out tool
Spare fuses

Driver's side instrument panel
1. Turn the ignition switch off and remove the
auxiliary box.
Determine which fuse may be causing the problem. The
auxiliary box shows the name of the circuit for each fuse.

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229
CHECKING THE CARTRIDGE TYPE
FUSES

Engine compartment

Driver's side instrument panel
If the headlights or other electrical components do not
work and the blade type fuses are O.K., check the
cartridge type fuses. If any of the cartridge type fuses
are blown, they must be replaced.

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230


Type A Type B GoodBlown
If there is an overload in the circuits from the battery, the
fuses are designed to blow before the entire wiring harness
is damaged.
NOTICE
Before replacing the fuses, have the cause of
electrical overload determined and repaired by your
Lexus dealer.
CAUTION!
Always use a genuine Lexus fuse or equivalent for
replacement. Never install an ordinary wire ± even
for a temporary fix. This may cause extensive
damage and possibly a fire.
ADDING WASHER FLUID
If the washer tank becomes nearly empty, add washer
fluid.
You may use plain water as washer fluid. However, in cold
areas where temperatures range below the freezing point,
use washer fluid containing antifreeze. This product is
available at your Lexus dealer and most auto parts stores.
Follow the manufacturer's directions for how much to mix
with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute
because it may damage your vehicle's paint.