1999 Lexus LS400 lexus LS400 1999 Electrical Components / LEXUS 1999 LS400 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM50514U)

MAINTENANCE
385
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs
adjustment or repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the vehicle unchecked. It
could result in serious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.

SECTION 6 ± 1
386
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Introduction
Vehicle identification386
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment overview 389
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Do±it±yourself service precautions 390
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts and tools 392
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
61L002

INTRODUCTION
387
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the legal
identifier
for your vehicle. This number is on the left
top of the instrument panel and can be seen through
the windshield from outside.
This is the primary identification number for your Lexus.
It is used in registering the ownership of your vehicle.
61L003
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is also on the
Certification Label.

INTRODUCTION
388
61L004b
The engine number is stamped on the engine block
as shown.

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
390
DO±IT±YOURSELF SERVICEPRECAUTIONS
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:

INTRODUCTION
391
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
around 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.

Be sure the ignition is off if you work near the electric
cooling fan or radiator grille. With the ignition on, the
electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if
the air conditioning is on and/or if the coolant
temperature is high.

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
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)