1998 Lexus ES300 tow

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
176
(d) Emergency towing
40E021
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by your Lexus
dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
If towing service is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be
temporarily towed by a cable or chain secured to the emergency towing
eyelet. Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done only on hard±surfaced roads for a sh\
ort
distance and at low speeds. Also, the wheels, axles, drive train, steering and
brakes must all be in good condition.
CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. Avoid sudden
starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would place
excessive stress on the emergency towing eyelet and towing
cable or chain. The eyelet and towing cable or chain may
break and cause serious injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing vehicles.\
Securely fasten the cable or chain to the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake and put the transmission in ºNº. The
ignition key must be in ºACCº (engine off) or ºONº (engine running).
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and
steering will not work so steering and braking will be much
harder than usual.

INTRODUCTION189
NOTICE

Remember that battery and ignition cables carry high currents or
voltages. Be careful of accidentally causing a short circuit.

Before closing the engine hood, check to see that you have not
forgotten any tools, rags, etc.

Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or excessive engine wear
could result. Also backfiring could cause a fire in the engine
compartment.

Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, or the transmission could
be damaged.

Be careful not to scratch the glass surface with the wiper frame.
PARTS AND TOOLS
Here is a list of parts and tools you will need to perform do±it±y\
ourself
maintenance. Remember all Lexus parts are designed in metric sizes, so your
tools must be metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):

Use API grade SH, ºEnergy±Conserving IIº or SJ, ºEnergy±Conservingº
multigrade engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil. For recommended
oil viscosity, see page 200.
Tools:

Rag or paper towel

Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):

Ethylene±glycol coolant

Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)

INTRODUCTION
190
Checking brake fluid
Parts (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)

CHASSIS
204
± STEERING
Wheel freeplay
Power steering fluid type
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III
± TIRES AND WHEELSTire size
Recommended cold tire inflation pressure Vehicle load up to 4 occupants
Vehicle loaded up to vehicle capacity weight
Spare tire
Trailer towing (conventional and snow tires)
Wheel size
Wheel nut torque
P205/65 R15 92V
180 kPa (1.8 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 26 psi) (Both front and rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and rear)
15 x 6 JJ
103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.)

BODY
236
2. Wash with a mild car±wash soap, mixed according to the manufacturer's
instructions. Use a soft cotton mitt and keep it wet by dipping it frequently
into the wash water. Do
not rub hard ± let the soap and water remove the dirt.
Aluminum wheels: Use only a mild soap or neutral detergent.
Urethane bumpers and side moldings: Wash carefully. Do not scrub with
abrasive cleaners. The bumper and side molding faces are soft.
Road tar: Remove with turpentine or cleaners that are marked safe for
painted surfaces.
NOTICE
Do not use gasoline or strong solvents, which may be toxic or cause
damage.
3. Rinse thor oughly ± dried soap can cause streaking. In hot weather you may
need to rinse each section right after you wash it.
4. To prevent water spots, dry the vehicle using a clean soft cotton towel. D\
o
not rub or press hard ± you might scratch the paint.
Automatic car wash
Your vehicle may be washed in an automatic car wash, but remember that the
paint can be scratched by some type of brushes, unfiltered washing water, or
the washing process itself. Scratching reduces paint durability and gloss,
especially on darker colors. The manager of the car wash should be able to
advise you whether the process is safe for the paint on your vehicle.
Waxing your Lexus
Polishing and waxing is recommended to maintain the original beauty of
your Lexus' finish.
Once a month or if the vehicle does not repel water well, apply wax.
1. Always wash and dry the vehicle before you begin waxing, even if you are
using a combined cleaner and wax.
2. Use a good quality polish and wax. If the finish has become extremely
weathered, use a car±cleaning polish, followed by a separate wax. Carefully
follow the manufacturer's instructions and precautions. Be sure to polish and
wax the chrome trim as well as the paint.
3. Wax the vehicle again when water does not bead but remains on the surface
in large patches.