1998 Lexus ES300 check transmission fluid

DRIVING TIPS
154
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto parts store\
s.
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.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ºPº and block the rear wheels.\
Do
not use the parking brake, or snow or water accumulated in and around the
parking brake mechanism may freeze the parking brake, making it hard to
release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering difficult. During
bad winter driving, stop and check under the fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you carry some
emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains, window
scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel, jumper cables, etc.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger±carrying vehicle. Towing
a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, performance, braking,
durability and driving economy (fuel consumption, etc.). Your safety and
satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cautious
driving
habits. For your safety and the safety of others, you must not overload
your vehicle or trailer. Lexus warranties do not apply to damage or
malfunction caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes. Ask your
local Lexus dealer for further details before towing.
NOTICE
When towing a trailer, be sure to consult your Lexus dealer for further
information on additional requirements.
Weight limits
Before towing, make sure the total trailer weight, gross vehicle weight,
gross axle weight and trailer tongue load are all within the limits.
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with platform scal\
es
found at a highway weighing station, building supply company, trucking
company, junk yard, etc.
32E001±1

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
166
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, if you
experience a loss of power, or if you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise,
the engine has probably overheated.
When the engine overheats
Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your emergency flashers.
Put the transmission in ºPº and apply the parking brake.
A: If steam is coming from your engine:
Turn off the engine. Leave the hood closed until there is no sign of steam or
coolant. Your engine could have been seriously damaged already. Call your
Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until there
is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is sign of very high
pressure.
B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning. Check the
following.
Is the cooling fan operating?
 Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
 Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing away
from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
 Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the engine
and radiator are hot. Serious injury could result from
scalding hot fluid and steam blown out under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the acceptabl\
e range,
turn off the engine and call your Lexus dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant temperature has cooled
to normal, continue driving your vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your vehicle
overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible by your Lexus dealer.

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.

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
206
CHECKING POWER STEERING FLUID
63E002±1
Check the fluid level through the reservoir. If necessary, add automatic
transmission fluid DEXRONII or III.
If the vehicle has been driven around 80 km/h (50 mph) for 20 minutes (\
a little
more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is hot (60 C ± 80C or 140F ± 175F).
You may also check the level when the fluid is cold (about room temperatur\
e,
10 C ± 30C or 50F ± 85F) if the engine has not been run for about five
hours.
63E003±1

1 If hot O.K. 2If hot add 3If cold O.K.
4If cold add
Clean all dirt off the reservoir and look at the fluid level. If the fluid is cold,
the level should be in the ºCOLDº range. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level
should be in the ºHOTº range. If the level is at the low side of the appropria\
te
range, add automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III to bring the level
within the range.
To remove the filler cap, turn it counterclockwise and lift up. To reinstall it,
turn it clockwise. After replacing the filler cap, visually check the steering \
box
case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or damage.
CAUTION
The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn yourself.