1999 Lexus ES300 Section 5

MAINTENANCE
352
Where to go for service?
Lexus technicians are well±trained specialists and are
kept up to date with the latest service information
through technical bulletins, service tips, and
in±dealership training programs. They are well informed
about the operation of all the systems on your vehicle.
You can be confident that your Lexus dealer's service
department performs the best job to meet the
maintenance requirements of your vehicle.
Your copy of the repair order is proof that all required
maintenance has been performed for warranty
coverage. And if any problems should arise with your
vehicle while under warranty, your Lexus dealer will
promptly take care of it. Again, be sure to keep a copy
of the repair order for any service performed on your
Lexus.
What about do±it±yourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself,
if you have a little mechanical ability and a few basic
automotive tools. Simple instructions for how to perform
them are presented in Section 6.
If you are a skilled do±it±yourself mechanic, the Lexus
service manuals are recommended. Please be aware
that do±it±yourself maintenance can affect your
warranty coverage. See your Owner's Guide, Owner's
Manual Supplement or Warranty Booklet for the details.

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.)

SECTION 6 ± 1
359
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Introduction
Vehicle identification359
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine com
partment overview
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Do±it±yourself service precautions 363
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts and tools 365
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
61E001

INTRODUCTION
363
steeringfluidreservoir
DO±IT±YOURSELF 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 do±it±yourself 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 do±it±yourself
maintenance, see ºParts and toolsº.
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:

SECTION 6 ± 2
369
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications370
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 373
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption 375
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil 377
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 378
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 383
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 387
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

SECTION 6 ± 5
442
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Body
Specifications443
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting your vehicle from corrosion 444
. . . . . . . . . . .
Washing and waxing 446
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the interior 447
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .