1998 Lexus LS400 SECTION 2

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.)

SECTION 6 1
218
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Introduction
Vehicle identification 219. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment overview 220. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doityourself service precautions 221. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts and tools 222. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

INTRODUCTION
221
DOITYOURSELF SERVICE
PRECAUTIONS
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 doityourself 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 easy 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 doityourself maintenance,
see ”Parts and tools”.
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 careful not to touch them.
Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames around
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.
Be sure the ignition is off if you work near the electric
cooling fan or radiator grille. With the ignition on, the
electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if the air
conditioning is on and/or if the coolant temperature is high.
Use eye protection whenever you work on or under your
vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or falling
material, fluid spray, etc.
NOTICE

SECTION 6 2
224
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications 225. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 227. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption 229. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil 230. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 230. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 234. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 6 3
236
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications 237. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 239. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid 240. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 241. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 242. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 243. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 245. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 247. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 247. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 247. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 6 5
268
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Body
Specifications 269. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting your vehicle from corrosion 270. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washing and waxing 271. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the interior 273. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BODY
272Aluminum wheels: Use only a mild soap or neutral detergent.
Urethane bumpers and side moldings: Wash carefully. Do not
scrub with abrasive cleaners. The bumper and side molding faces are
soft.
Road tar: Remove with turpentine or cleaners that are marked safe
for painted surfaces.
NOTICE
Do not use gasoline or strong solvents, which may be toxic or
cause damage.
3. Rinse thoroughly dried soap can cause streaking. In hot weather
you may need to rinse each section right after you wash it.
4. To prevent water spots, dry the vehicle using a clean soft cotton
towel. Do not rub or press hard you might scratch the paint.
Automatic car wash
Your vehicle may be washed in an automatic car wash, but remember
that the paint can be scratched by some type of brushes, unfiltered
washing water, or the washing process itself. Scratching reduces
paint durability and gloss, especially on darker colors. The manager
of the car wash should be able to advise you whether the process is
safe for the paint on your vehicle.
Waxing your Lexus
Polishing and waxing is recommended to maintain the original
beauty of your Lexus’ finish.
Once a month or if the vehicle does not repel water well, apply wax.
1. Always wash and dry the vehicle before you begin waxing, even
if you are using a combined cleaner and wax.
2. Use a good quality polish and wax. If the finish has become
extremely weathered, use a carcleaning polish, followed by a
separate wax. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and
precautions. Be sure to polish and wax the chrome trim as well as
the paint.
3. Wax the vehicle again when water does not bead but remains on
the surface in large patches.