1999 LEXUS SC300 water

ENGINE
341
USED ENGINE OIL
CAUTION

Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants
which may cause skin disorders such as inflammation or
skin cancer, so care should be taken to avoid pr olonged and
repeated contact with it. To remove used engine oil from
your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.

Do not leave used oil within the reach of children.

Dispose of used oil and used oil filters only in a safe and
acceptable manner. Do not dispose of used oil and used oil
filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the ground.
Call your Lexus dealer or a service station for information
concerning recycling or disposal.

ENGINE
348
Look at the see±through coolant reservoir when the
engine is cold. The coolant level is satisfactory if it is
between theºFULLº and ºLOWº lines on the reservoir.
If the level is low, add ethylene±glycol type coolant for a
proper corrosion protection of aluminum components.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary with engine
temperature. However, if the level is on or below the ºLOWº
line, add coolant. Bring the level up to the ºFULLº line.
Always use ethylene±glycol type coolant for a proper
corrosion protection of aluminum components. See
information in the next column.If the coolant level drops within a short time after
replenishing, there may be a leak in the system. Visually
check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant filler cap, radiator
cap and drain cock and water pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Lexus dealer test the cap
pressure and check for leaks in the cooling system.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not remove the radiator cap
when the engine is hot.

ENGINE
349
Coolant type selection
Use of improper coolants may damage your engine cooling
system. Your coolant must contain ethylene±glycol type
coolant for a proper corrosion protection of your engine that
contains aluminum components. Use ºToyota Long Life
Coolantº or equivalent.
In addition to preventing freezing and subsequent damage to
the engine, this type of coolant will also prevent corrosion.
Further supplemental inhibitors or additives are neither
needed nor recommended.
Read the coolant container for information on freeze
protection. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how
much to mix with plain water (preferably demineralized
water or distilled water). The total capacity of the cooling
system is given on page 331.
We recommend to use 50% solution for your Lexus, to
provide protection down to about ±35C (±31F). When it is
extremely cold, to provide protection down to about ±50 C
(±58 F), 60% solution is recommended. Do not use more
than 70% solution for better coolant performance.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
CHECKING THE ENGINE FAN FLUID (SC400 ONLY)
Park the vehicle at a level spot and look at the see±thr ough
reservoir. If necessary, add automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON
 II or III.

CHASSIS
360It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the
brake pads wear. So be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a
serious mechanical problem.
If the level is low, add FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid to the brake reservoir.
Remove and replace the reservoir cover by hand. Add brake
fluid up to the ºMAXº line.
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once opened, brake fluid
absorbs moisture from the air, and excess moisture can cause
a dangerous loss of braking efficiency.
CAUTION
Take care when filling the reservoir because brake fluid can
harm your hands or eyes and damage painted surfaces. If
fluid gets in your hands or eyes, flush them with clean water.
NOTICE

If you spill some of the fluid, be sure to wipe it off to
prevent it from damaging the parts or paintwork.
 For vehicles with traction control system only:Idle
the engine while pouring brake fluid into the reservoir.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
380
CHECKING BATTERYCONDITION
Precautions
CAUTION
BATTERY PRECAUTIONS
The battery produces flammable and explosive hydrogen gas.

Do not cause a spark by contacting the battery terminals
with tools.

Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
The electrolyte contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.

Avoid contact with eyes, skin or clothes.

Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.

Wear protective safety glasses when working near the
battery.

Keep children away from the battery.
EMERGENCY MEASURES

If electrolyte gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean
water for at least 15 minutes and get immediate medical
attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge
or cloth while traveling to the medical office.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
381

If electrolyte gets on your skin, thoroughly wash the
contact area. If you feel a pain or burn, get medical
attention immediately.

If electrolyte gets on your clothes, there is a
possibility of its soaking through to your skin, so
immediately take off the exposed clothing and follow
the procedure above, if necessary.

If you happen to swallow electrolyte, drink a large
quantity of water or milk. Follow with milk of
magnesia, beaten raw egg or vegetable oil. Then go
immediately for emergency help.Checking battery exterior

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
382
Check the battery for corroded or loose connections,
cracks, or loose hold±down clamps.
1. If the battery is corroded, wash it off with a solution of
warm water and baking soda. Coat the terminals with grease
to prevent further corrosion.
2. If the connections are loose, tighten the clamp bolts ±but
do not overtighten.
3. Tighten the hold±down clamp only enough to keep the
battery firmly in place. Overtightening may damage the
battery case.NOTICE

Make sure the engine and all accessories are turned
off before performing maintenance.

When checking the battery, remove the ground cable
first and reinstall it last.

Be careful not to cause a short circuit with tools.

Take care no solution gets into the battery when
washing it.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
384The fluid (electrolyte) level must be between the upper
and lower lines.
When checking
the fluid level, look at all six cells, not just one
or two.
If the level is lower than the lower line, add distilled water.
(See ºAdding distilled waterº on page 386.) (b) Checking by the hydrometer