1999 Lexus ES300 power steering

DRIVING TIPS
310Improper alignment not only causes faster tire wear
but also puts an extra load on the engine, which, in
turn, wastes fuel.
 Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud,
etc. This not only lessens weight but also helps
prevent corrosion. 
Keep your vehicle tuned±up and in top shape. A
dirty air cleaner, improper valve clearance, dirty
plugs, dirty oil and grease, brakes not adjusted, etc.
all lower engine performance and contribute to poor
fuel economy. For longer life of all parts and lower
operating costs, keep all maintenance work on
schedule, and if you often drive under severe
conditions, see that your vehicle receives more
frequent maintenance. (For scheduled maintenance
information, please refer to the separate ºOwner's
Manual Supplement/Maintenance Scheduleº.)
CAUTION
Never turn off the engine to coast down hills. Your
power steering and brake booster will not function
without the engine running. Also, the emission control
system operates properly only when the engine is
running.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
313
IF YOUR ENGINE STALLSWHILE DRIVING
If your engine stalls while driving . . . .
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line.
Move cautiously off the road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Try starting the engine again.
If the engine will not start, see ºIf your vehicle will not
startº.
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the
brakes and steering will not work, so steering and
braking will be much harder than usual.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
345
CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. Avoid
sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would
place excessive stress on the emergency towing eyelet
and towing cable or chain. The eyelet and towing cable
or chain may break and cause serious injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cableor chain to the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake and put the
transmission in ºNº. The ignition key must be in ºACCº
(engine off) or ºONº (engine running).
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the
brakes and steering will not work so steering and
braking will be much harder than usual.

MAINTENANCE
355
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
432 for additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the ºFULLº and
ºLOWº lines on the see±through reservoir when the
engine is cold. See page 383 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 415 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 391
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 378 for
additional information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should
be in the ºHOTº or ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid temperature. See page 393 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
3±1.)

INTRODUCTION
364
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
near 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.

Use eye protection whenever you work on or under
your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc.

INTRODUCTION
366
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)

SECTION 6 ± 3
388
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications389
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 391
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid 393
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 397
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 398
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 399
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 403
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 406
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 406
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 407
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHASSIS
390± STEERING
Wheel freeplay
Power steering fluid type
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III
± TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire size
Recommended cold tire inflation pressure Vehicle load up to 4 occupants
Vehicle loaded up to vehicle capacity weight
Spare tire
Trailer towing (conventional and snow tires)
Wheel size
Wheel nut torque
P205/65 R15 92V
180 kPa (1.8 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 26 psi) (Both front and
rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and
rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and
rear)
15 x 6 JJ
103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.)