1999 Lexus ES300 gas type

ENGINE
370
SPECIFICATIONS
± GENERALModel
Type
Bore and stroke
Displacement
Valve clearance (engine cold) Intake
Exhaust
Drive belt tension (with Borroughs drive belt tension
gauge No. BT±33±73F)
1MZ ± FE
6 cylinder V type, 4 cycle, gasoline
87.5 X 83 mm (3.44 X 3.27 in.)
2995 cm
3 (182.7 cu.in.)
0.15 ± 0.25 mm (0.006 ± 0.010 in.)
0.25 ± 0.35 mm (0.010 ± 0.014 in.)
115
20 lb.
± LUBRICATION SYSTEM

ENGINE
373
FUEL
Fuel type
Your vehicle must use only unleaded gasoline.
To help prevent gas station mixups, your Lexus has a
smaller fuel tank opening. The special nozzle on pumps
with unleaded fuel will fit it, but the larger nozzle on
pumps with leaded gas will not.
At a minimum, the gasoline you use should meet the
specifications of ASTM D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB
3.5±M93 in Canada.
NOTICE
Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of leaded gasoline will cause the three±way catalyticconverter/warm up three±way catalytic converterto lose its effectiveness and the emission controlsystem to function improperly. Also, this canincrease maintenance costs.
Octane rating
Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number
91) or higher. For improved vehicle performance,
the use of premium unleaded gasoline with an
Octane Rating of 91 (Research Octane Number 96)
or higher is recommended. Use of unleaded fuel with an Octane Rating or Research
Octane Number lower than stated above will cause
persistent heavy knocking. If it is severe, this will lead
to engine damage.
If your engine knocks ...
If you detect heavy knocking even when using the
recommended
fuel, or if you hear steady knocking while
holding a steady speed on level roads, consult your
Lexus dealer.
However, now and then, you may notice light knocking
for a short time while accelerating or driving up hills. This
is no cause for concern.
Gasolines containing detergent additives
Lexus recommends use of gasolines that contain
detergent additives to avoid build±up of engine
deposits.
For further details, ask your Lexus dealer or a local
gasoline retailer.
Improved gasolines
The American Automobile Manufacturers
Association (AAMA) has developed a specification
of improved gasolines. The AAMA specification
offers optimal fuel information for better vehicle
performance and better protection of your engine.
Lexus recommends the use of gasolines that meet the

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
422

1Low 2O.K.
1. Remove the vent plugs.
2. Add distilled water to cells needing fluid.
If the side of your battery is covered, check the water
level by looking down directly above the cell as
illustrated above.
3. Retighten the vent plugs securely.
NOTICE
Do not overfill the cells. Excess electrolyte
could squirt out of the battery during heavycharging, causing corrosion or damage.
Use a cover on the battery for longer life.
BATTERY RECHARGING PRECAUTIONS
During recharging, the battery is producing
hydrogen gas.
Therefore, before recharging:
1. Maintenance type batteries ± Remove the vent plugs.
2. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle,
be sure to disconnect the ground cable.
3. Make sure the power switch on the recharger is off
when connecting the charger cables to the battery and
when disconnecting them.
CAUTION
 Always charge the battery in an unconfined area. Do
not charge the battery in a garage or closed room
where there is not sufficient ventilation.
 Non±maintenance batteries: Only do a slow charge
(5 A or less). Charging at a quicker rate is dangerous.
The battery may explode causing personal injuries.
Maintenance type batteries: Be sure to remove the
vent plugs before recharging.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
436
CAUTION
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and require
special handling. They can burst or shatter if scratched
or dropped. Hold a bulb only by its plastic or metal case.
Do not touch the glass part of a bulb with bare hands.
NOTICE
Only use a bulb of the listed type.
LIGHT LOCATION

BODY
450

Dirt or sand adhered to the leather may damage
the treated surface and cause it to wear earlier.Remove dirt or sand using a vacuum cleaner.

If a stain should fail to come out with a neutraldetergent, apply a cleaner that does notcontain an organic solvent.

Never use organic substances such asbenzine, alcohol or gasoline, or alkaline or acid
solutions for cleaning the leather as these could cause discoloring.

Use of a nylon brush or synthetic fiber cloth,etc. may scratch the fine grained surface of the
leather.

Mildew may develop on soiled leather upholstery. Be especially careful to avoid oil
spots. Try to keep your upholstery alwaysclean.

Long exposure to direct sunlight may causethe leather surface to harden and shrink. Keepyour vehicle in a shaded area, especially in thesummer.

The interior of your vehicle is apt to heat up onhot summer days, so avoid placing on theupholstery items made of vinyl or plastic orcontaining wax as these tend to stick to leather
when warm.

Improper cleaning of the leather upholstery could result in discoloration or staining.
Synthetic Leather Areas (Dash)
The synthetic leather areas may be easily cleaned
with a mild soap or detergent and water.
First vacuum over the upholstery to remove loose dirt.
Then, using a sponge or soft cloth, apply the soap
solution to the synthetic leather. After allowing it to soak
in for a few minutes to loosen the dirt, remove the dirt and
wipe off the soap with a clean damp cloth. If all the dirt
does not come off, repeat the procedure. Commercial
foaming±type cleaners are also available which work
well. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
NOTICE
Do not use solvent, thinner, gasoline or windowcleaner on the interior.
Carpets, Windows and Seat Belts
Begin by vacuuming thoroughly to remove as much dirt
as possible. Several types of foam cleaners are
available; some are in aerosol cans and others are
powders or liquids which you mix with water to produce
a foam. To shampoo the carpets, use a sponge or brush
to apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not
apply water ± the best results are obtained by keeping
the carpet as dry as possible. Read the shampoo
instructions and follow them closely.
The seat belts may be cleaned with mild soap and

BODY
451
water or with lukewarm water.
Use a cloth or sponge. As you are cleaning, check the
belts for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.
NOTICE

Use a good foam±type shampoo to clean the
carpets.

Do not use dye or bleach on the belts ± it mayweaken them.

Do not use the belts until they become dry.

The windows may be cleaned with anyhousehold window cleaner.

When cleaning the inside of the rear window, be
careful not to scratch or damage the heater
wires.
Air Conditioning Control Panel, Car
Audio, Instrument Panel, Console Panel,
and Switches
Use a soft damp cloth for cleaning.
Soak a clean soft cloth in water or lukewarm water then
lightly wipe off any dirt.
NOTICE

Do not use organic substances (solvents,kerosene, alcohol, gasoline, etc.) or alkaline oracidic solutions. These chemicals can causediscoloring, staining or peeling of the surface.

If you use cleaners or polishing agents, makesure their ingredients do not include thesubstances mentioned above.

If you use a liquid car freshener, do not spill theliquid onto the vehicle's interior surfaces. Itmay contain the ingredients mentioned above.Immediately clean any spill using the method
mentioned above.
If you have any questions about the cleaning of your
Lexus, your local Lexus dealer will be pleased to
answer them.