1998 Lexus ES300 engine

MAINTENANCE181
Your copy of the repair order is proof that all required maintenance has bee\
n
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 perfor\
med 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 207 for additional
information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive wear. See page 208
for additional information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for looseness. Tighten\
them if necessary.

MAINTENANCE
182
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires every 12000 km (7500 miles). See page 208 for additional
information.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid after the vehicl\
e
has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes or notice any leak, h\
ave
the cause found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check
that all doors, including trunk lid, operate smoothly and all latches lo\
ck
securely. Make sure the engine hood secondary latch secures the hood when
the primary latch is released.
Vehicle interior
Items 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 o\
ther
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. 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 operat\
e
properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn
or damaged.

MAINTENANCE183
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 appl\
ied.
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 ºParkº 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 ºPº 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 227 for additional
information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the ºFULLº and ºLOWº line\
s on the
see±through reservoir when the engine is cold. See page 201 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 219 for additional
information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 205 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 198 for additional information.

MAINTENANCE
184
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in the ºHOTº or
ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid temperature. See page 206 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 performance and sounds, and visual tip±o\
ffs that
indicate 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
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your Lexus dealer a\
s soon
as possible. It probably needs adjustment or repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the vehicle unchecked. It could
result in serious vehicle damage and possibly personal injury.

SECTION 6 ± 1
185
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
Introduction
Vehicle identification186
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment overview 187
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Do±it±yourself service precautions 188
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . .
Parts and tools 189
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

INTRODUCTION
186
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
61E001
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the legal identifier for yo\
ur
vehicle. This number is on the left top of the instrument panel and can
be seen through the windshield from outside.
This is the primary identification number for your Lexus. It is used in
registering the ownership of your vehicle.
32E001±1
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is also on the Certification L\
abel.
61E003±1
The engine number is stamped on the engine block as shown.

61E004±6
INTRODUCTION187
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
1 Engine oil filler cap
2 Brake fluid reservoir
3 Fuse box (U.S.A. and Canada)
4 Battery
5 Fuse box (Canada and California only)
6 Engine oil level dipstick
7 Fuse box (U.S.A. and Canada)
8 Washer fluid tank
9 Engine coolant reservoir
10 Power steering fluid reservoir

INTRODUCTION
188
DO±IT±YOURSELF SERVICEPRECAUTIONS
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 eas\
y 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, se\
e ºParts
and toolsº.
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:
CAUTION

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 car eful not to touch them.
Oil and other fluids may also be hot.

Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames near 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.