1999 Lexus LS400 coolant level

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xi
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 59. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Turn signal indicator light 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Headlight indicator light 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Headlight high beam indicator light 38 . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 281 .
7 Fuel gauge 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Low fuel level warning light 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Cruise control indicator light 297
. . . . . . . . . . .
10 Height control indicator light 304
. . . . . . . . . . .
11 Power mode indicator light 295
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Snow mode indicator light 295
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 67 . . . . . Page
14 Vehicle skid control system off
indicator light 304 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Slip indicator light 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Multi information display 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Odometer and trip meter 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Brake system warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 SRS warning light 66
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Open door warning light 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Driver's seat belt reminder light 66
. . . . . . . . . .
23 Discharge warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Instrument panel light control 79
. . . . . . . . . . . .
25 ODO/TRIP RESET button 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xiii
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 59. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Turn signal indicator light 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Tail light indicator light 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Headlight high beam indicator light 38 . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 281 .
7 Fuel gauge 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Low fuel level warning light 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Cruise control indicator light 297
. . . . . . . . . . .
10 Power mode indicator light 295
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Snow mode indicator light 295
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Anti±lock brake system warning light 67 . . . . . Page
13 Vehicle skid control system
off indicator light 304 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Malfunction indicator lamp 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Slip indicator light 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Multi information display 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Odometer and trip meter 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Brake system warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 SRS warning light 66
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Open door warning light 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Driver's seat belt reminder light 66
. . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Instrument panel light control 79
. . . . . . . . . . . .
24 ODO/TRIP RESET button 79
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DRIVING TIPS
324
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. It can cause dangerous overheating,
needless wear, and poor fuel economy.
 To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your
speed and downshift. Remember, if you ride
the brakes excessively, they may overheat and
not work properly. See page 288.
 Be careful when accelerating, upshifting,
downshifting or braking on a slippery surface.
The abrupt change in engine speed, such as
sudden acceleration or engine braking, could
cause the vehicle to spin or skid.
 Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even
if the legal speed limit permits it, do not drive
over 140 km/h (85 mph) unless your vehicle has
high±speed capability tires. Driving over 140
km/h (85 mph) may result in tire failure, loss of
control and possible injury. Be sure to consult
a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on
your vehicle are high±speed capability tires or
not before driving at such speeds.
 Do not continue normal driving when the
brakes are w et. 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 409 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 443 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.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
349
B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air
conditioning. Check the following.

Is the cooling fan operating?
 Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
 Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
 Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the
engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out
under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in
the acceptable range, turn off the engine and call your
Lexus dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant
temperature has cooled to normal, continue driving your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or
your vehicle overheats again, have it checked as soon
as possible by your Lexus dealer.IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line.
Move cautiously off the road to a safe place ± well away
from the traffic. Avoid stopping on the center divider of
a highway. Park on a level spot with firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Firmly set the p arking brake and put the transmission
in ºPº.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side away

MAINTENANCE
383
Parking brake
Check that the pedal has the proper travel and that, on
a safe incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the
parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission ºParkº mechanism
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held
securely with the selector lever in ºPº position and all
brakes released.
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
459 for additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the Upper and
Lower lines on the see±through reservoir when the
engine is cold. See page 409
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 443 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 417
for additional information.

MAINTENANCE
384Engine oil level
Check
the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off
and the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 405 for
additional information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in
the ºHOTº or ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 419 for additional information.
Exhaust system
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.)
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEED REPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds,
and visual tip±offs that indicate service is needed. Some
important clues are:

Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging

Appreciable loss of power

Strange engine noises

A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water
dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)

Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a
dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the
windows open and have the exhaust system checked
immediately.)

Flat±looking tires, excessive tire squeal when
cornering, uneven tire wear

Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a
level road

Strange noises related to suspension movement

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake
pedal, pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to
one side when braking

Engine coolant temperature continually higher than
normal

61L005a
INTRODUCTION
389
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
1 Brake fluidreservoir
2 Fuse box
3 Battery
4 Washerfluid tank
5 Engine oilleveldipstick
6 Engine oil
filler cap
7 Power
steeringfluidreservoir
8 Engine
coolantreservoir

INTRODUCTION
392
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 408.
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 409
for instructions.

Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)