1999 Lexus ES300 Battery

61E004a
INTRODUCTION
362
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
1 Engine oilfiller cap
2 Brake fluidreservoir
3 Fuse box(U.S.A. andCanada)
4 Battery
5 Fuse box
6 Engine oil
leveldipstick
7 Fuse box
(U.S.A. andCanada)
8 Washer
fluid tank
9 Enginecoolantreservoir
10 Power

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
365
NOTICE

Remember that battery and ignition cablescarry high currents or voltages. Be careful ofaccidentally causing a short circuit.

Before closing the engine hood, check to seethat you have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc.

Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or
excessive engine wear could result. Alsobackfiring could cause a fire in the enginecompartment.

Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, orthe transmission could be damaged.

Be careful not to scratch the glass surface withthe wiper frame.
PARTS AND TOOLS
Here is a list of parts and tools you will need to perform
do±it±yourself maintenance. Remember all Lexus parts
are designed in metric sizes, so your tools must be
metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):

Use API grade SJ, ºEnergy±Conservingº multigrade
engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil. For
recommended oil viscosity, see page 382.
Tools:

Rag or paper towel

Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):

ªToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
See ºChecking the engine coolant levelº on page 383
for instructions.

Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)

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)

ENGINE
372± IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plug ± Make DENSO NGK
± Gap
SK20R11
IFR6A11
1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
± ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery ± Maintenance type battery Specific gravity reading at 20 C (68F):
Charging rates Quick charge Slow charge
± Non±maintenance battery Open voltage at 20C (68F):
Charging rates
1.260 Fully charged
1.160 Half charged
1.060 Discharged
15A max.
5A max.
12.7V Fully charged
12.3V Half charged
11.9V Discharged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after the key is
removed with all the lights turned off]
5A max.

SECTION 6 ± 4
408
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical components
Specifications409
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking battery condition 415
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery recharging precautions 422
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing the blade type fuses 423
. . . . .
Checking the cartridge type fuses 429
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding washer fluid 432
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the headlight aim 432
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing light bulbs 435
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
415
CHECKING BATTERYCONDITION
Precautions

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
416
CAUTION
BATTERY PRECAUTIONS
The battery produces flammable and explosive
hydrogen gas.
Do not cause a spark by contacting the battery
terminals with tools.
 Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
The electrolyte contains poisonous and corrosive
sulfuric acid.
 Avoid contact with eyes, skin or clothes.
 Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
 Wear protective safety glasses when working near
the battery.
 Keep children away from the battery.
EMERGENCY MEASURES
 If electrolyte gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with
clean water for at l east 15 minutes and get immediate
medical attention. If possible, continue to apply
water with a sponge or cloth while traveling to the
medical office.