1999 LEXUS SC300 low

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
390
2. Make sure the inoperative component is turned off.
Pull the suspected fuse straight out with the pull±out tool
and check it. If it has blown, push a new fuse into the clips.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
391
a. Look carefully at the fuse. If the thin wire is broken, the
fuse has blown. If you are not sure or if it is too dark to see,
try replacing the suspected fuse with one of the same value
that you know is good.
b. Only install a fuse with the amperage rating designated on
the fuse box lid.
If you do not have a spare fuse, in an emergency you can pull
out the ºCIGº, ºRADIO NO.1º, ºDOMEº or ºHTRº fuse,\
which may be dispensable for normal driving, and use it if its
amperage rating is the same.
If you cannot use one of the same amperage, use one lower
than, but as close as possible to, the amperage. If the
amperage is lower than that specified, the fuse might blow out
again but this does not indicate anything wrong. Be sure to
get the correct fuse as soon as possible and return the
substitute to its original clips. It is a good idea to purchase a set of spare fuses and keep them
in your vehicle for emergencies.
If the new fuse immediately blows out, there is a problem with
the electrical system. Have your Lexus dealer correct it as
soon as possible.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
394If the headlights or other electrical components do not
work and the blade type fuses are O.K., check the
cartridge type fuses. If any of the cartridge type fuses are
blown, they must be replaced.
If there is an overload in the circuits from the battery, the fuses
are designed to blow before the entire wiring harness is
damaged.
NOTICE
Before replacing the fuses, have the cause of electrical
overload determined and repaired by your Lexus dealer.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
396
ADDING WASHER FLUID
If the washer tank becomes nearly empty, add washer
fluid.
You may use plain water as washer fluid. However, in cold
areas where temperatures range below the freezing point, use
washer fluid containing antifreeze. This product is available
at your Lexus dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow the
manufacturer 's directions for how much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute
because it may damage your vehicle's paint.
CHECKING THE HEADLIGHTAIM
(For low beam only)

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
399
2. Look at the beam angle gauge (horizontal movement).
The blue mark should not deviate by more than one mark on
either side of the gauge.
If the error is over the value specified above, take the vehicle
to your Lexus dealer to adjust the headlight aim.REPLACING LIGHT BULBS
The illustration on the following pages show the locations of
light bulbs. If it is necessary to replace a bulb, take your
vehicle to your Lexus dealer as soon as possible. Use bulbs
with the bulb numbers and wattage ratings given in the table.
CAUTION
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and r equire 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 BulbsBulb
No.WType
Headlights (low beam)900655A
Headlights (high beam)900565B
Fog lights±±±±55C

BODY
406
PROTECTING YOUR VEHICLEFROM CORROSION
Proper care of your Lexus can help ensure long±term
corrosion prevention.
The most common causes of corrosion to your vehicle are:

The accumulation of road salt, dirt and moisture in
hard±to±reach areas under the vehicle.

Chipping of paint or undercoating caused by minor
accidents or by stones and gravel.
The following conditions will cause or accelerate
corrosion of your vehicle, so it is important to keep your
vehicle, particularly the underside, as clean as possible
and to repair any damage to paint or protective coatings
as soon as possible.

The presence of road salt or dust control chemicals, salt in
the air near the sea coast, industrial air pollution.

High humidity, especially at temperatures just above
freezing point.

Certain parts of your vehicle are wet or damp for an
extended period of time, even though other parts of the
vehicle are dry.

Components of the vehicle which are prevented from
quick±drying due to lack of proper ventilation are exposed
to high temperature. To help prevent corrosion on your Lexus, follow these
guidelines:
Keep your vehicle clean by regular washing.
In addition,
observe the following points.

If you drive on salted roads in the winter or if you live near
the ocean, you should hose off the undercarriage at least
once a month to minimize corrosion.

High pressure water or steam is effective for cleaning the
vehicle's underside and wheel housings. Pay particular
attention to these areas as it is difficult to see all the mud
and dirt. It will do more harm than good to simply wet the
mud and debris without removing them. The lower edge
of doors, rocker panels and frame members have drain
holes which should not be allowed to clog with dirt as
trapped water in these areas can cause corrosion.

Wash the underside of the vehicle thoroughly when winter
is over.
See ºWashing and waxingº for more tips.
Check the condition of your vehicle's paint and trim. If
you find any chips or scratches in the paint, touch them up
immediately to prevent corrosion from starting. If the chips
or scratches have gone through the bare metal, have a
qualified body shop make the repair.

BODY
407
Check the interior of your vehicle.
Water and dirt can
accumulate under the floor mats and could cause corrosion.
Occasionally check under the mats to make sure the area is
dry. Be particularly careful when transporting chemicals,
cleansers, fertilizers, salt, etc. These should be transported in
proper containers. If a spill or leak should occur, immediately
clean and dry the area.
Use mud shields on your wheels. If you drive on salted or
gravel roads, mud shields help protect your vehicle. Full size
shields, which come near to the ground as possible, are the
best. We recommend that the fittings and the area where the
shields are installed be treated to resist corrosion. Your Lexus
dealer will be happy to assist in supplying and installing the
shields if they are recommended for your area.
Keep your vehicle in a well ventilated garage or a roofed
place. Do not park your vehicle in a damp, poorly
ventilated garage. If you wash your vehicle in the garage,
or if you drive it in covered with water or snow, your garage
may be so damp it will cause corrosion. Even if your garage
is heated, a wet vehicle can corrode if the ventilation is poor.
WASHING AND WAXING
Washing your Lexus
Keep your vehicle clean by regular washing.
The following cases may cause weakness to the paint or
corrosion to the body and parts. Wash your vehicle as soon
as possible.

When driving in a coastal area

When driving on a road sprinkled with antifreeze

When having stuck of coal tar, tree sap, bird droppings and
carcass of an insect

When driving in the areas where there is a lot of smoke,
soot, dust, iron dust and chemical substance

When the vehicle becomes remarkably dirty with dust and
mud
Hand±washing your Lexus
Work in the shade and wait until the vehicle body is not hot
to the touch.
1. Rinse off loose dirt with a hose. Remove any mud or road
salt from the underside of the vehicle or in the wheel wells.
2. Wash with a mild car±wash soap, mixed according to the
manufacturer 's instructions. Use a soft cotton mitt and keep
it wet by dipping it frequently into the wash water. Do not rub
hard ± let the soap and water remove the dirt.

BODY
408Aluminum wheels:
Use only a mild soap or neutral
detergent.
Urethane bumpers and side moldings: Wash carefully. Do
not scrub with abrasive cleaners. The bumper and side
molding faces are soft.
Road tar: Remove with turpentine or cleaners that are
marked safe for painted surfaces.
NOTICE
Do not use gasoline or strong solvents, which may be
toxic or cause damage.
3. Rinse thoroughly ± dried soap can cause streaking. In hot
weather you may need to rinse each section right after you
wash it.
4. To prevent water spots, dry the vehicle using a clean soft
cotton towel. Do not rub or press hard ± you might scratch the
paint.
Automatic car wash
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the antenna, make sure it is
retracted before driving your vehicle through an
automatic car wash.
Your vehicle may be washed in an automatic car wash, but
remember that the paint can be scratched by some type of
brushes, unfiltered washing water, or the washing process
itself. Scratching reduces paint durability and gloss,
especially on darker colors. The manager of the car wash
should be able to advise you whether the process is safe for
the paint on your vehicle.
Waxing your Lexus
Polishing and waxing is recommended to maintain the
original beauty of your Lexus' finish.
Once a month or if the vehicle does not repel water well, apply
wax.
1. Always wash and dry the vehicle before you begin waxing,
even if you are using a combined cleaner and wax.
2. Use a good quality polish and wax. If the finish has
become extremely weathered, use a car±cleaning polish,
followed by a separate wax. Carefully follow the
manufacturer's instructions and precautions. Be sure to
polish and wax the chrome trim as well as the paint.
3. Wax the vehicle again when water does not bead but
remains on the surface in large patches.