1999 LEXUS SC300 battery

MAINTENANCE
314
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 396
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 347 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 380 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 359 for
additional information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and
the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 342 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 361 for additional information.
Engine fan fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in
ºHOTº or ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 349 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.)

INTRODUCTION
325

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
near fuel or the battery. Their fumes are fl ammable.

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. Al ways use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.

Use eye protection whenever you work on or under
your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc.
NOTICE

Remember that battery and ignition cables carry high
currents or voltages. Be careful of accidentally
causing a short circuit.

Before closing the engine hood, check to see that you
have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc.

Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or excessive
engine wear could result. Also backfiring could cause
a fire in the engine compartment.

Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, or the
transmission could be damaged.

Be careful not to scratch the glass surface with the
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 346.
Tools:

INTRODUCTION
327
Checking battery condition
Non±maintenance batteries
Tools:

Warm water

Baking soda

Grease

Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Maintenance type batteries
Parts (if level is low):

Distilled water
Tools:

Warm water

Baking soda

Grease

Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)

Coin (for vent plugs)

Funnel (only for adding distilled water)
Checking and replacing the blade type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):

Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Checking the cartridge type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):

Genuine Lexus fuse or equivalent with same amperage
rating as original
Adding washer fluid
Parts:

Water

Washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
Tools:

Funnel

ENGINE
333
± ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery ± Maintenance type battery Specific gravity reading at 20 C (68F):
Charging rates Quick charge Slow charge
± Non±maintenance battery Open voltage at 20C (68F):
Charging rates
1.260 Fully charged
1.160 Half charged
1.060 Discharged
15A max.
5A max.
12.7V Fully charged
12.3V Half charged
11.9V Discharged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after the key is
removed with all the lights turned off]
5A max.

ENGINE
336± IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plug ± Make DENSO NGK
± Gap
PK16TR11
BKR5EKPB11
1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
± ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery ± Maintenance type battery Specific gravity reading at 20 C (68F):
Charging rates Quick charge Slow charge
± Non±maintenance battery Open voltage at 20C (68F):
Charging rates
1.260 Fully charged
1.160 Half charged
1.060 Discharged
15A max.
5A max.
12.7V Fully charged
12.3V Half charged
11.9V Discharged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after the key is
removed with all the lights turned off]
5A max.

SECTION 6 ± 4
374
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical components
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
374
Checking battery condition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
380
Battery recharging precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
386
Checking and replacing the blade type fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . .
388
Checking the cartridge type fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
393
Adding washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
396
Checking the headlight aim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
396
Replacing light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
399
SPECIFICATIONS
±LOCATION OF FUSES

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