1999 Lexus ES300 checking oil

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
62
(f) Low Engine Oil Level Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil level is too low. Add
oil as soon as possible. (For instructions, see ºChecking
the engine oil levelº on page 378.)
While driving on steep inclines or rough roads which
causes the vehicle to substantially sway or on curves,
this light may come on due to the movement of engine
oil in the engine.
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oilwill damage the engine.
(g) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See ºFuel gaugeº
on page 50 for instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely. (See
ºFuel tank capº on page 100 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your engine or
automatic transmission electrical system.
If it comes on while you are driving in case ºc.º, have your
vehicle checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon
as possible.
(h) ºABSº Warning Light
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in
your anti±lock brake system.
If the light comes on while you are driving, have your
vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to
ºONº, and will go off after about a few seconds.
When the ºABSº warning light is on (and the brake
system warning light is off), the brake system operates
conventionally but anti±lock brake system is not
assisting brake performance so that the wheels could
lock up during a sudden brake or braking on slippery
road surfaces.
(i) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the doors are completely
closed.
(j) Rear Light Failure Warning Light
If this light comes on when the headlight switch is turned
on (at the first or second clickstop), it indicates that one
or more of the tail lights are burned out.
If it comes on when the brake pedal is depressed, one
or more stop lights are burned out.
Have defective bulbs replaced as soon as possible.

DRIVING TIPS
297
Do not continue normal driving when the
brakes are wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will
require a longer stopping distance, and it may
pull to one side when the brakes are applied.
Also, the parking brake will not hold the vehicle
securely.WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have a proper freeze protection of
engine coolant.
Your coolant must contain ethylene±glycol type coolant
for a proper corrosion protection of aluminum
components. Use ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or
equivalent. See ºChecking the engine coolant levelº on
page 383 for instructions.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
When it is extremely cold, we recommend to use 60%
solution for your Lexus, to provide protection down to
about ±50 C (±58 F). Do not use more than 70%
solution for better coolant performance.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so
it must be in top shape to provide enough power for
winter starting. Page 415 tells you how to visually
inspect the battery. Your Lexus dealer and most service
stations will be pleased to check the battery charge
level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the
cold weather.

MAINTENANCE
353
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Listed below are the general maintenance items that
should be performed at the intervals specified. It is
recommended that any problem you notice be brought
to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service
shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only where adequate ventilation can
be obtained if you run the engine.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to
time, unless otherwise specified.
Tire pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks, or at
least once a month and adjust as shown on the tire
pressure label. See page 397 for additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive
wear. See page 399 for additional information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary. Tire rotation
Rotate
the tires every 12000 km (7500 miles). See page
398 for additional information.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other
fluid after the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you
smell fuel fumes or notice any leak, have the cause
found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors, including trunk lid, operate
smoothly and all latches lock securely. Make sure the
engine hood secondary latch secures the hood when the
primary latch is released.

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)

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

ENGINE
376The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the
viscosity of the oil, the quality of the oil and the way
the vehicle is driven.
More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as
high speeds and frequent acceleration and
deceleration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since its pistons,
piston rings and cylinder walls have not become
conditioned.
When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep
in mind that the oil may have become diluted,
making it difficult to judge the true level accurately.
For example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips
and consumes a normal amount of oil, the dipstick may
not show any drop in the oil level at all, even after 1000
km (600 miles) or more. This is because the oil is
gradually
becoming diluted with fuel or moisture, making
it appear that the oil level has not changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle
is then driven at high speeds, as on an expressway,
making it appear that oil is excessively consumed after
driving at high speeds.
Importance of engine oil level check
One of the most important points in proper vehicle
maintenance is to keep the engine oil at the optimum
level so that oil function will not be impaired. Therefore,
it is essential that the oil level be checked regularly.
Lexus recommends that the oil level be checked every
time you refuel the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly could lead to serious engine trouble due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check, see
ºChecking the engine oil levelº on page 378.

ENGINE
378
CHECKING THE ENGINE OILLEVEL
62E001a
With the engine at operating temperature and turned
off, check the oil level on the dipstick.
1. To get a true reading, the vehicle should be on a level
spot. After turning off the engine, wait a few minutes for
the oil to drain back into the bottom of the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, and wipe it clean with a rag.
3. Reinsert the dipstick and push it in as far as it will go,
or the reading will not be correct.

ENGINE
381
If the oil level is below or only slightly above the low
line,
add engine oil of the same type as already in the
engine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine oil a little at a
time, checking the dipstick. The approximate quantity of
oil needed to fill between the low line and the full line on
the dipstick is indicated below for reference.
When the level reaches within the correct range, return
the filler cap and turn the cap clockwise until you hear a
click.
Oil quantity. L (qt., lmp. qt.) 1.5 (1.6, 1.3)
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be
damaged. C heck the oil level on the dipstick once
again after adding the oil.