1999 LEXUS SC300 service

ENGINE
338
Gasolines containing MTBE
Gasolines that contain MTBE (Methyl Tertiary±Butyl
Ether) are available in the market. If you use a gasoline
mixed with MTBE, make certain that it does not contain
more than 15% of MTBE.
Gasolines containing MMT
Some gasolines contain an octane±enhancing additive
called MMT (methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl).
Lexus does not recommend the use of gasolines that contain
MMT. If fuels containing MMT are used, your emission
control system may be adversely affected. The Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on the instrument cluster may come on. If this
happens, contact your Lexus dealer for service.
Gasolines containing alcohol
Gasohol is a mixture of gasoline and ethanol. If you use
gasohol in your Lexus, be sure that it is unleaded, has an
octane rating no lower than 87 and does not contain more
than 10% ethanol. Lexus does not recommend the use of
gasolines containing methanol.
If you use gasoline containing methanol, use only gasoline
meeting the requirements above and also containing less than
5% methanol with cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for
methanol.

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
347
Oil identification marks
Either or both API registered marks are added to some oil
containers to help you select the oil you should use.

The API Service Symbol is located anywhere on the
outside of the container.
The top portion of the label shows the oil quality by API
(American Petroleum Institute) designation such as SJ.
The center portion of the label shows the SAE viscosity
grade such as SAE 5W±30. ºEner gy±Conservingº, shown
in the lower portion, indicates that the oil has fuel±saving
capabilities.

The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee) Certification Mark is displayed on
the front of the container.CHECKING THE ENGINE
COOLANT LEVEL

SECTION 6 ± 3
353
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications (SC400) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
355
Specifications (SC300) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
357
Checking brake fluid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
359
Checking power steering fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
361
Checking tire pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
363
Rotating tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
365
Checking and replacing tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
365
Installing snow tires and chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
369
Replacing wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
372
Aluminum wheel precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
372
Suspension and chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHASSIS
367
Uniform tire quality grading
This information has been prepared in accordance with
regulations issued by the National Highway T raffic Safety
Administration of the U.S. Department of
Transportation. It provides the purchasers and/or
prospective purchasers of Lexus vehicles with
information on uniform tire quality grading.
Your Lexus dealer will help answer any questions you may
have as you read this information.
DOT quality grades ± All passenger vehicle tires must
conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to
these grades. These quality grades are molded on the
sidewall. Treadwear
± The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1 ± 1/2)
times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of th eir use, however, and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B, C ± The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B and C, and they represent the tire's
ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
braking (straight ahead) traction tests and does not include
cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature A, B, C ± The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum

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
378
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
11RADIONO.27.5Radio, cassette tape player,
compact disc player, power
antenna, power rear view mirrors
12TAIL7.5Tail lights, parking lights, side
marker lights, license plate lights
13ECU±IG15
Cruise control system, power
steering control system, shift lock
system, anti±lock brake system,
SRS airbag system, power door
lock system, preset steering system,
traction control system,
electronically controlled
hydraulic±driven cooling system,
passenger 's seat control system
14GAUGE10
Gauges and meters, service
reminder indicators and warning
buzzers (except discharge and open
door warning lights), back±up
lights, electronically controlled
automatic transmission system,
automatic transmission overdrive
system, headlight
15ECU±B15SRS airbag system, power rear
view mirrors
16OBD7.5On±board diagnosis system
17FOG15Fog lights
18SEAT±HT R15Seat heater

SECTION 6 ± 5
404
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Body
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
405
Protecting your vehicle from corrosion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
406
Washing and waxing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
407
Cleaning the interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
409