1998 Lexus ES300 fuel

SECTION 6 ± 2
192
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications193
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Fuel 195
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Facts about engine oil consumption 196
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Used engine oil 198
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Checking the engine oil level 198
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Checking the engine coolant level 201
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ENGINE
194
Capacity
Coolant type
9.2 L (9.7 qt., 8.2 lmp.qt.)
Ethylene ± glycol coolant (Do not use alcohol type.)
± FUEL
Fuel type
Octane Rating
Only UNLEADED
87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher
± IGNITION SYSTEMSpark plug ± Make DENSO NGK
± Gap
PK20TR11
BKR6EKPB11
1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
± ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery ± Maintenance type battery Specific gravity reading at 20 C (68F):
Charging rates Quick charge Slow charge
± Non±maintenance battery Open voltage at 20C (68F):
Charging rates
1.260 Fully charged
1.160 Half charged
1.060 Discharged
15A max.
5A max.
12.7V Fully charged
12.3V Half charged
11.9V Discharged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after the key is removed with all the
lights turned off]
5A max.

ENGINE195
FUEL
Fuel type
Your vehicle must use only unleaded gasoline.
To help prevent gas station mixups, your Lexus has a smaller fuel tank
opening. The special nozzle on pumps with unleaded fuel will fit it, but the
larger nozzle on pumps with leaded gas will not.
At a minimum, the gasoline you use should meet the specifications of ASTM
D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB 3.5±M93 in Canada.
NOTICE
Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of leaded gasoline will cause the
three±way catalytic converter/warm up three±way catalytic converter to
lose its effectiveness and the emission control system to function
improperly. Also, this can increase maintenance costs.
Octane rating
Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher. For
improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gasoline
with an Octane Rating of 91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher is
recommended.
Use of unleaded fuel with an Octane Rating or Research Octane Number
lower than stated above will cause persistent heavy knocking. If it is sever\
e,
this will lead to engine damage. If your engine knocks ...
If you detect heavy knocking even when using the recommended fuel, or if\
you hear steady knocking while holding a steady speed on level roads, consu\
lt
your Lexus dealer.
However, now and then, you may notice light knocking for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no cause for concern.
Gasolines containing detergent additives
Lexus recommends use of gasolines that contain detergent additives to
avoid build±up of engine deposits.
For further details, ask your Lexus dealer or a local gasoline retailer.
Improved gasolines
The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has
developed a specification of improved gasolines. The AAMA
specification offers optimal fuel information for better vehicle
performance and better protection of your engine.
Lexus recommends the use of gasolines that meet the AAMA specification,
if available, for improved drivability and emission control system.

ENGINE
196
Gasolines containing MTBE
Gasolines that contain MTBE (Methyl Tertiary±Butyl Ether) are
available in the market. If you use a gasoline mixed with MTBE, make
certain that it does not contain more than 15% of MTBE.
If the use of gasolines containing MTBE causes poor drivability and/or p\
oor
fuel economy, you should stop using them.
Gasolines containing MMT
Some gasolines contain an octane±enhancing additive called MMT
(methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl).
Lexus does not recommend the use of gasolines that contain MMT. If fuels
containing MMT are used, your emission control system may be adversely
affected. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp on the instrument cluster may
come on. If this happens, contact your Lexus dealer for service.
Gasolines containing alcohol
Gasohol is a mixture of gasoline and ethanol. If you use gasohol in your
Lexus, be sure that it is unleaded, has an octane rating no lower than 87
and does not contain more than 10% ethanol. Lexus does not recommend
the use of gasolines containing methanol.
If you use gasoline containing methanol, use only gasoline meeting the
requirements above and also containing less than 5% methanol with
cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for methanol.
NOTICE
 Do not use gasohol other than stated above. It will cause fuel system
damage or vehicle performance problems.
 If drivability problems are encountered (poor hot starting, vaporizing,
engine knock, etc.), discontinue its use.
 Take care not to spill gasohol during refueling. Gasohol may cause
paint damage.
Fuel tank capacity
70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 lmp.gal.)
FACTS ABOUT ENGINE OIL
CONSUMPTION
Functions of engine oil
Engine oil has the primary function of lubricating and cooling the inside of th\
e
engine, and plays a major role in maintaining the engine in proper working
order.

ENGINE197
Engine oil consumption
It is normal that an engine should consume some engine oil during normal
engine operation. The causes of oil consumption in a normal engine are
as follows.
Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston rings and cylinders. A thin film of
oil is left on the cylinder wall when a piston moves downwards in the
cylinder. High negative pressure generated when the vehicle is
decelerating sucks some of this oil into the combustion chamber. This oil
as well as some part of the oil film left on the cylinder wall is burned b\
y the
high temperature combustion gases during the combustion process.
 Oil is also used to lubricate the stems of the intake valves. Some of this\
oil
is sucked into the combustion chamber together with the intake air and i\
s
burned along with the fuel. High temperature exhaust gases also burn the
oil used to lubricate the exhaust valve stems. The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the viscosity of the oil, the
quality of the oil and the way the vehicle is driven.
More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high speeds and
frequent acceleration and deceleration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since its pistons, piston rings and cyli\
nder
walls have not become conditioned.
When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in mind that the oil
may have become diluted, making it difficult to judge the true level
accurately.
For example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips and consumes \
a
normal amount of oil, the dipstick may not show any drop in the oil level at
all, even after 1000 km (600 miles) or more. This is because the oil \
is
gradually becoming diluted with fuel or moisture, making it appear that the
oil level has not changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle is then driven at high
speeds, as on an expressway, making it appear that oil is excessively
consumed after driving at high speeds.
Importance of engine oil level check
One of the most important points in proper vehicle maintenance is to keep t\
he
engine oil at the optimum level so that oil function will not be impaired.
Therefore, it is essential that the oil level be checked regularly. Lexus
recommends that the oil level be checked every time you refuel the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly could lead to serious engine
trouble due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check, see ºChecking the engine\
oil
levelº on page 198.

ENGINE
200
Engine oil selection
Use API SH, ºEnergy±Conserving IIº or SJ, ºEnergy±Conservingº
multigrade engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
62L005±1
Temperature range anticipated before next oil change
SAE 5W±30 is the best choice for your vehicle, for good fuel economy, and
good starting in cold weather.
If you use SAE 10W±30 engine oil in extremely low temperatures, the
engine may become difficult to start, so SAE 5W±30 engine oil is
recommended.
Oil identification marks
62L006±1

API Service Symbol
ILSAC Certification Mark
Either or both API registered marks are added to some oil containers to help
you select the oil you should use.
 The API Service Symbol is located anywhere on the outside of the
container.
The top portion of the label shows the oil quality by API (American
Petroleum Institute) designation such as SJ. The center portion of the label
shows the SAE viscosity grade such as SAE 5W±30.
ºEnergy±Conservingº, shown in the lower portion, indicates that the oil
has fuel±saving capabilities.
 The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval
Committee) Certification Mark is displayed on the front of the container.

CHASSIS207
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be damaged.
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE
63E004±1
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire size and the vehicle capacity
weight are given on the label.
You should check the tire pressures every two weeks, or at least once a mon\
th.
And don't forget the spare! The air pressure for the spare tire should be 220
kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi). Incorrect tire pressure can reduce tire life and
make your vehicle less safe to drive. Low tire pressure results in excessive wear, poor handling, reduced fuel
economy,
and the possibility of blowouts from overheated tires. Also, low tire
pressure can cause poor sealing of the tire bead. If the tire pressure is
excessively low, there is the possibility of wheel deformation and/or tire
separation. So keep your tire pressures at the proper level. If a tire needs
frequent refilling, have it checked by your Lexus dealer.
High tire pressure produces a harsh ride, handling problems, excessive wear
at the center of the tire tread, and a greater possibility of tire damage \
from road
hazards.
The following instructions for checking tire pressure should be observed:
 The pressure should be checked only when the tires are cold. If your
vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours and has not been driven for
more than 1.5 km or 1 mile since, you will get an accurate cold tire pressure
reading.
 Always use a tire pressure gauge. The appearance of the tire can be
misleading. Besides, tire pressures that are even just a few pounds off can
degrade handling and ride.
 Do not bleed or reduce tire pressure after driving. It is normal for the
tire pressure to be higher after driving.
 Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight. The passengers and luggage
weight should be located so that the vehicle is balanced.
 Be sure to reinstall the tire valve caps. Without the valve caps, dirt or
moisture could get into the valve core and cause air leakage. If the ca\
ps
have been lost, have new ones put on as soon as possible.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS217
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
1 ABS60Anti±lock brake system
2 DRL NO.25Vehicles sold in Canada
Daytime Running Light System
3 H±LP
LH (LO)10Vehicles sold in Canada
Left±hand headlight (low beam)
4
H±LP
RH(LO)10Vehicles sold in Canada
Right±hand headlight (low beam)
4
A/F HTR25Vehicles sold in California
Air fuel ratio sensor
5 ALT100Charging system
6 CDS NO.230No circuit
7 HTR50Air conditioning system, Seat
heater
8 MAIN40Headlight, Starting system
9 DOME7.5
Theft deterrent system, Clock,
Door courtesy light, Interior light,
Ignition switch light, Vanity light,
Wireless remote control system
10 ECU±B10Cruise control system, Air
conditioning system, Power seat
system
11 RAD NO.120Audio system
12 HAZ10Emergency flashers, Turn signal
lights
13 AM230Starting system
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
14 TEL5Telephone
15
H±LP LH15Vehicles sold in the U.S.A.
Left±hand headlight (high beam)
15 H±LP
LH HI15Vehicles sold in Canada
Left±hand headlight (high beam)
16 ALT±S5Charging system
17
H±LP RH15Vehicles sold in the U.S.A.
Right±hand headlight (high beam)
17 H±LP RH HI15Vehicles sold in Canada
Right±hand headlight (high beam)
18 EFI15Multiport fuel injection
19 HORN10Theft deterrent system
20 RDI FAN30Electronic cooling fan system
21 CDS30Air conditioning system
22 A/C10No circuit
23 S±HTR20Seat heater system
24 HTR10Air conditioning system
25 GAUGE10
Gauges and meters, service reminder
indicators and warning buzzers, Back±up
light, Door courtesy light, Seat heater, Power
window system
26 WIP20Windshield wipers and washer