1998 Lexus LS400 washer fluid

SWITCHES
26The time interval between sweeps is shortened when the vehicle
speed increases. When the vehicle speed reaches more than about
20 km/h (12 mph) with the interval adjuster in ”F” position, the time
interval becomes the shortest 1.5 seconds.
If you stop the vehicle with the wiper switch in the ”LO” position,
the wiper speed automatically changes from low speed to
intermittent operation speed.* This function does not work when the
interval adjuster is in the ”F” position.
NOTE: *This feature can be set inoperative. Ask your Lexus
dealer for details.
For mist wiper operation (a single wipe), pull the lever toward
you and release it.
To make the washer squirt, push the button on the end of the
lever.
If the wiper lever is in the ”OFF” position, the wipers will
automatically operate a couple of times and a few seconds later,
make a single wipe again to sweep the windshield completely.* The
last sweep does not happen if the vehicle speed exceeds about 170
km/h (106 mph).
NOTE: *The last single wipe can be set inoperative. Ask your
Lexus dealer for details.
The warning message ”LOW WASHER FLUID” is displayed in the
multi information display when the fluid level in the tank becomes
nearly empty. For information on adding washer fluid, see ”Adding
washer fluid” on page 261.
In cold weather, warm the windshield with the defroster before using
the washer. This will help prevent icing, which could block your
vision.
NOTICE
Do not operate the wipers if the windshield is dry. It may scratch
the glass.

SWITCHES
27
HEADLIGHT CLEANER SWITCH
(CANADA ONLY)
12L0072
To spray fluid on the headlights, push the switch with the
headlights on.
The ignition key must be in the ”ON” position.
The warning message ”LOW WASHER FLUID” is displayed in the
multi information display when the fluid level in the tank becomes
nearly empty. For information on adding washer fluid, see ”Adding
washer fluid” on page 261.
NOTICE
Do not turn the headlight cleaner on with the tank empty. It may
cause the cleaner motor to overheat.
REAR WINDOW AND OUTSIDE
REAR VIEW MIRROR DEFOGGER
SWITCH
12L008-4
To turn the electric rear window defogger on, push the switch.
The ignition key must be in the ”ON” position.
The thin heater wires on the inside of the rear window and the heater
panels in the outside rear view mirrors will quickly clear the surface.
Keep your hands off the mirror faces when the switch is on. An
indicator light is on when the defogger is operating.
The system will automatically shut off when the defogger has
operated about 15 minutes.

DRIVING TIPS
183 Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto parts
stores. 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 ”P” and block the front
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 passengercarrying 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 scales found at a highway weighing station, building
supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.

MAINTENANCE
216Parking 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 ”Park” mechanism
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with the
selector lever in ”P” 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 261 for
additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the Upper and Lower lines
on the seethrough reservoir when the engine is cold. See page 233
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 253
for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 239 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 230 for additional
information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in the ”HOT”
or ”COLD” range depending on the fluid temperature. See page 240
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 31.)

61L005-5
INTRODUCTION
220
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
1 Brake fluid reservoir
2 Fuse box
3 Battery
4 Washer fluid tank
5 Engine oil level dipstick
6 Engine oil filler cap
7 Power steering fluid
reservoir
8 Engine coolant reservoir

INTRODUCTION
223
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
Nonmaintenance batteries
Tools:
Warm water
Baking soda
Grease
Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Maintenance type batteries
Parts (if level is low):
Distilled waterTools:
Warm water
Baking soda
Grease
Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Coin (for vent plugs)
Funnel (only for adding distilled water)
Checking and replacing the blade type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):
Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Checking the cartridge type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):
Genuine Lexus fuse or equivalent with same amperage rating as
original
Adding washer fluid
Parts:
Water
Washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
Tools:
Funnel

SECTION 6 4
248
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical components
Specifications 249. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking battery condition 253. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery recharging precautions 257. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing the blade type fuses 258. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the cartridge type fuses 260. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding washer fluid 261. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the headlight aim 261. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing light bulbs 264. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
261
ADDING WASHER FLUID
64L017
If the washer tank becomes nearly empty, add washer fluid.
You may use plain water as washer fluid. However, in cold areas
where temperatures range below the freezing point, use washer fluid
containing antifreeze. This product is available at your Lexus dealer
and most auto parts stores. 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.
CHECKING THE HEADLIGHT AIM
(Vehicles with discharge headlight only)
64L0732
1
Adjusting bolt (vertical movement)
2
Beam angle gauge and adjusting bolt
(horizontal movement)
Before checking the headlight aim:
1. Be sure that the body around the headlight is not deformed.
2. Park the vehicle on a level spot.
3. The driver gets into the driver’s seat and puts the vehicle in a state
readying for a driving (with a full tank).
4. Bounce the vehicle several times.