INTRODUCTION
190
DO±IT±YOURSELF SERVICE
PRECAUTIONS
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow
the correct procedure given in this section.
You should be aware that improper or incomplete servicing
may result in operating problems.
Performing do±it±yourself maintenance during the warranty
period may affect your warranty coverage. Read the
separate Lexus Warranty statement for details and
suggestions.
This Section gives instructions only for those items that are
relatively easy for an owner to perform. As explained in
Section 5, there are still a number of items that must be
performed by a qualified technician with special tools.
For information on tools and parts for do±it±yourself
maintenance, see ªParts and tools.º
Utmost care should be taken when working on your vehicle
to prevent accidental injury. Here are a few precautions that
you should be especially careful to observe: When the engine is running, keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and
engine drive belt. (Removing rings, watches, and
ties is advisable.)
Right after driving, the engine compartment ± the
engine, radiator, exhaust manifold and power
steering fluid reservoir, etc. ± will be hot. So be
careful not to touch them. Oil and other fluids may
also be hot.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames
around fuel or the battery. Their fumes are
flammable.
Be extremely cautious when working on the
battery. It contains poisonous and corrosive
sulfuric acid.
Do not get under your vehicle with just the body
jack supporting it. Always use automotive jack
stands or other solid supports.
Use eye protection whenever you work on or
under your vehicle where you may be exposed to
flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
CAUTION!
INTRODUCTION
192
Checking braking fluid
Part (if level is low)
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Tools:
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking power steering fluid
Parts (if level is low):
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking battery condition
Non±maintenance batteries
Tools:
Warm water
Baking soda
Grease
Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Maintenance type batteries
Parts (if level is low):
Distilled water
Tools:
Warm water
Baking soda
Grease
Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Coin (for vent plugs)
Funnel (only for adding distilled water)
