1999 LEXUS SC300 check

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.

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
359
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
To check the fluid level, simply look at the see±through
reservoir. The level should be between the ºMAXº and
ºMINº lines on the tank.

CHASSIS
361
CHECKING POWER STEERINGFLUID
Check the fluid level on the dipstick. If necessary, add
automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III.

CHASSIS
362If the vehicle has been driven around 80 km/h (50 mph) for
20 minutes (a little more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is
hot (60C ± 80C or 140F ± 175F). You may also check
the level when the fluid is cold (about room temperature,
10 C ± 30C or 50F ± 85 F) if the engine has not been run
for about five hours.
1. Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
2. Remove the filler cap by turning it counterclockwise and
wipe the dipstick clean.
3. Reinstall the filler cap.
4. Remove the filler cap again and look at the fluid level. If
the fluid is cold, the level should be in the ºCOLDº range on
the dipstick. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level should be in
the ºHOTº range. If the level is at the low side of either range,
add automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III to bring
the level within the range. 5. After replacing the filler cap, visually check the steering
box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or
damage.

CHASSIS
363
CAUTION
The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be
damaged.
 When adding the power steering fluid, avoid spilling
it. The generator under the power steering reservoir
could be damaged if fluid is spilled on it.
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE

CHASSIS
364The recommended cold tire pressures, tire size and the
vehicle capacity weight are given on the label.
You should check the tire pressures every two weeks, or at
least
once a month. And don't forget the spare! The pressure
for the spare tire should be same with that for the standard tire.
(See page 356 or 358.) Incorrect tire pressure can reduce tire
life and make your vehicle less safe to drive.
Low tire pressure results in excessive wear, poor handling,
reduced fuel economy, and the possibility of blowouts from
overheated tires. Also, low tire pressure can cause poor
sealing of the tire bead. If the tire pressure is excessively low,
there is the possibility of wheel deformation and/or tire
separation. So keep your tire pressures at the proper level. If
a tire needs frequent refilling, have it checked by your Lexus
dealer. High tire pressure produces a harsh ride, handling problems,
excessive wear at the center of the tire tread, and a greater
possibility of tire damage from road hazards.
The following instructions for checking tire pressure should
be observed:

The pressure should be checked only when the tires are
cold. If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours
and has not been driven for more than 1.5 km or 1 mile
since, you will get an accurate cold tire pressure reading.
 Always use a tire pr essure gauge. The appearance of the
tire can be misleading. Besides, tire pressures that are even
just a few pounds off can degrade handling and ride.
 Do not bleed or reduce tire pressure after driving. It is
normal for the tire pressure to be higher after driving.
 Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight. The
passengers and luggage weight should be located so that
the vehicle is balanced.
 Be sure to reinstall the tire valve caps. Without the valve
caps, dirt or moisture could get into the valve core and
cause air leakage. If the caps have been lost, have new
ones put on as soon as possible.

CHASSIS
365
ROTATING TIRES
To equalize tire wear and help extend tire life, Lexus
recommends that you rotate your tires approximately
every 12000 km (7500 miles). However, the most
appropriate timing for tire rotation may vary according
to your driving habits and road surface conditions.
The wheel assemblies must be rotated as illustrated above.
When rotating tires, check for uneven wear and damage.
Abnormal wear is usually caused by incorrect tire pressure,
improper wheel alignment, out±of balance wheels, or severe
braking.
Before storing radial, snow or studded tires, mark the
direction of rotation and be sure to install them in the same
direction when using them again. Tires should be stored in a
cool dry place.CHECKING AND REPLACINGTIRES
When to replace your tires