1998 Lexus LS400 fluid

CHASSIS
238 STEERING
Freeplay
Power steering fluid
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III
TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire size
Tire inflation pressure
Recommended cold tire inflation pressure
Vehicle load up to four occupants
Vehicle loaded up to vehicle capacity weight
Wheel size
Wheel nut torque
P225/60R16 97V
Front 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm
2
or bar, 29 psi)
Rear 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm2 or bar, 29 psi)
Front 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
Rear 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi)
For sustained high speeds above 160 km/h (100 mph), in
countries where such speeds are permitted by law, add 80 kPa (0.9
kgf/cm
2, 0.8 bar, 12 psi) to the front tires and rear tires, but never
exceed the maximum cold tire pressure molded on the tire
sidewall.
16 x 7 JJ
103 N·m (10.5 kgf·m, 76 ft·lbf.)

CHASSIS
239
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
63L0012
To check the fluid level, simply look at the seethrough reservoir.
The level should be between the ”MAX” and ”MIN” lines on the
tank.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake
pads wear. So be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious
mechanical problem.
If the level is low, add FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake
fluid to the brake reservoir.
Remove and replace the reservoir cover by hand. Add brake fluid
up to the ”MAX” line.
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once opened, brake fluid
absorbs moisture from the air, and excess moisture can cause a
dangerous loss of braking efficiency.
CAUTION
Take care when filling the reservoir because brake fluid can
harm your eyes and damage painted surfaces. If fluid gets in
your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water.

CHASSIS
240
CHECKING POWER STEERING
FLUID
63L0021
Check the fluid level on the dipstick. 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 (60C
8 0C or 140F 175F). You may also check the level when the
fluid is cold (about room temperature, 10C 30C or 50F 85F)
if the engine has not been run for about five hours.
63L0031
1
If cold O.K. 2
If hot O.K. 3
Add fluid
1. Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
2. Remove the filler cap by turning it counterclockwise and wipe the
dipstick clean.
3. Reinstall the filler cap.
4. Remove the filler cap again and look at the fluid level. If the fluid
is cold, the level should be in the ”COLD” range on the dipstick.
Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level should be in the ”HOT” range.
If the level is at the low side of either range, add automatic
transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III to bring the level within the
range.
5. After replacing the filler cap, visually check the steering box case,
vane pump and hose connections for leaks or damage.

CHASSIS
241
CAUTION
The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be damaged.
When adding the power steering fluid, avoid spilling it. The
generator under the power steering reservoir could be
damaged if fluid is spilled on it.
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE
63L004-1
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire size and the vehicle
capacity weight are given on the label inside the glovebox lid.
You should check the tire pressures every two weeks, or at least once
a month. And don’t forget the spare! The 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.

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
255
Checking battery fluid
There are 2 types of batteries: maintenance type and
nonmaintenance type.
A nonmaintenance battery has ”MAINTENANCE FREE
BATTERY” on its top. A maintenance type battery does not have
such indication.
Maintenance type battery
Check the fluid condition by the fluid level lines on the side of the
battery. Or if the battery has a hydrometer on its top, you can also
check the hydrometer.
Nonmaintenance battery
Check the battery condition by the hydrometer on the top of the
battery.(a) Checking by the fluid level lines (Maintenance type battery
only)
64L063
1
Upper line 2
Lower line
The fluid (electrolyte) level must be between the upper and lower
lines.
When checking the fluid level, look at all six cells, not just one or
two.
If the level is lower than the lower line, add distilled water. (See
”Adding distilled water” on page 257.)

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
257
Adding distilled water
(Maintenance type battery only)
64L062
1
Low 2
O.K.
1. Remove the vent plugs.
2. Add distilled water to cells needing fluid.
If the side of your battery is covered, check the water level by looking
down directly above the cell as illustrated above.
3. Retighten the vent plugs securely.
NOTICE
Do not overfill the cells. Excess electrolyte could squirt out
of the battery during heavy charging, causing corrosion or
damage.
Use a cover on the battery for longer life.
BATTERY RECHARGING
PRECAUTIONS
During recharging, the battery is producing hydrogen gas.
Therefore, before recharging:
1. Maintenance type batteries Remove the vent plugs.
2. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to
disconnect the ground cable.
3. Make sure the power switch on the recharger is off when
connecting the charger cables to the battery and when disconnecting
them.
CAUTION
Always charge the battery in an unconfined area. Do not
charge the battery in a garage or closed room where there
is not sufficient ventilation.
Nonmaintenance batteries: Only do a slow charge (5 A or
less). Charging at a quicker rate is dangerous. The battery
may explode causing personal injuries.
Maintenance type batteries: Be sure to remove the vent
plugs before recharging.
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also,
make sure all accessories are turned off.

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.