1998 Lexus LS400 maintenance

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.

INDEX (C E)
279
Consumer information
Uniform tire quality grading 244. . . . . . . . . . .
Controls, Instrument panel Pictorial index. . . . . .
Cooling system
Coolant level 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine overheating 196. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and reservoir 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator cap 196. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corrosion prevention 270
Cruise control 168. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise information 42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holder 56. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D
Defogger, Rear window 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimmer switch, Headlight 5, 24. . . . . . . . . . . .
Directional signals 5, 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discharge warning light 39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing? 217. . . . . . . .
Doityourself maintenance 221. . . . . . . . . . . .
Door locks 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver’s seat 2, 70. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
Automatic transmission 160. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips 180. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving position memory system 113. . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips
Driving tips in various conditions 181. . . . . . .
Driving with an automatic
transmission 160. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Economical driving 189. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good braking practice 176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 166
Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
During breakin 181. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E
Economical driving .
Saving money on both fuel and
repairs 189. . . . . . . . . .
Electrical system
Battery 253. 257. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 249. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 249, 258, 260. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 226. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic throttle control system 167. . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency, in case of
Blown fuse 259. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire 197. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you lose your keys 210
If your vehicle needs to be towed 205. . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 193. . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 194. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 196. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 205. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine
Antifreeze 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 157. . . . . . . . . . . . .

INDEX (M Q)
282
M
Maintenance
Doityourself maintenance 221. . . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing? 217. . . . . .
General maintenance 214
Maintenance requirements 213. . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts and tools 222. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to go for service? 213. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction indicator lamp 39. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi information display 41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maximum allowable speed 164. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors
Antiglare inside rear view 79. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Folding rear view 79. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside rear view 77. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power rear view 78. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vanity 48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Moon roof 66. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MTBE 228. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
N
New vehicle breakin 181
O
Odometer 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil
Checking the engine oil 230. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consumption 229. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 240. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Viscosity and grade 232. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Opener
Trunk lid 63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel filler door 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 181. . . . . . . . . . .
Outside rear view mirrors 77. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating, Engine 196 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview
Engine compartment 220
P
Parking brake
Operation 158. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reminder light 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts 222. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal lights 50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Polishing 271. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power door locks 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power outlet 53. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power rear view mirror control 78. . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering fluid level 240. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power window switches 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting your Lexus from corrosion 270. . . . .
Q
Quick index Back cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

INDEX (R S)
283
R
Radiator coolant, Engine 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio 137. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio, FM reception tips 149. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear door childprotector 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear vents 131. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirror, Antiglare inside 79. . . . . . . .
Rear view mirrors, Folding 79. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirrors, Outside 77. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirrors, Power 78. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window defogger switch 27. . . . . . . . . . . .
Reporting safety defects
for U.S. owners 276. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S
Safety
Reporting safety defects
for U.S. owners 276. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scrapping of your vehicle Introduction. . . . . . . .
Seats, Seat adjustments 70. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt extender 84. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt pretensioners 86. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt reminder light 38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts
Cleaning 274. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fastening 81. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt precautions 80
Seat heater switch 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service and maintenance 213. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shoulder belt anchor adjustment 83. . . . . . . . . .
Side vents 130. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Slip indicator light 173. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare tire 198. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 234. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications
Engine 225, 226. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chassis 237, 238. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical component 249, 250
Body 269. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS warning light 38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Starting
Cold weather 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 159. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 194. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering
Column lock 157. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telescopic steering column 76. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt steering wheel 76. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sun visors 48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) 86. . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 247. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch
Emergency flasher 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight 5, 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight cleaner 5, 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight dimmer and turn signal 24. . . . . . . .
Ignition 157. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window defogger 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper and washer 25. . . . . . . . . . .

You should know as much about the quality and
importance of proper maintenance of your new
vehicle as the people who built it.
The Lexus authorized Repair Manual tells you
how to maintain your vehicle and enables you to
correctly perform your own maintenance.
The best way to keep your new vehicle in top running
order is to maintain it properly from the moment you
drive it off the showroom floor.
The Lexus authorized Repair Manual is packed with
literally everything you need to know to perform your
own maintenance in virtually every area of your new
vehicle.

Maintenance procedures for the engine, chassis,
body, electrical system, and more, are clearly
explained and illustrated.
Periodic maintenance and tuneup
Periodic maintenance and tuneup helps to prevent small
problems from growing into larger ones later on. The repair
manual outlines exactly what maintenance is required,
provides a schedule for its performance, and clearly explains
how to do the work yourself stepbystep.
Areas covered include such things as spark plug replacement,
valve clearance adjustment and engine oil and filter
replacement.
Where to obtain the
Repair Manual
The repair manual for LS400, written in English, may be
purchased as applicable from any Lexus dealer.
Pub. Name: 1998 LS400 Repair Manual
Pub. No.: Vol.1 RM578U1
Vol.2 RM578U2

Quick index
If a service reminder indicator or warning buzzer comes on 36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle will not start 193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle overheats 196
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 If you have a flat tire 197
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle needs to be towed 205
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
 Tips for driving during breakin period 181
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . .
 How to start the engine 159
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 General maintenance 214
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Complete index 277
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 1997 TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or copied, in
whole or in part, without the written permission of Toyota Motor Corporation.Publication No. OM50498U
Part No. 0199950498
Printed in Japan 01970700 B
LS400 (U)