2000 Lexus ES300 TRANSMISSION FLUID

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
x
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 56. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 282 .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ODO/TRIP knob 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Low fuel level warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low washer fluid warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . .
12 SRS warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 65 . . . . . Page
14 Vehicle skid control system off
indicator light 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Low engine oil level warning light 64 . . . . . . . .
17 Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 35 . . . . . .
19 Headlight indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Slip indicator light 299, 302
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low oil pressure warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Seat belt reminder light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . .
26 Cruise control indicator light 295
. . . . . . . . . . .
27 Vehicle skid control system warning light 65 .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xii
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 56. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 282 .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ODO/TRIP knob 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Low fuel level warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low washer fluid warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . .
12 SRS warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 65 . . . . . Page
14 Vehicle skid control system off
indicator light 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Low engine oil level warning light 64 . . . . . . . .
17 Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 35 . . . . . .
19 Tail light indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Slip indicator light 299, 302
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low oil pressure warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Seat belt reminder light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . .
26 Cruise control indicator light 295
. . . . . . . . . . .
27 Vehicle skid control system warning light 65 .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xiv
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 56. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 282 .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ODO/TRIP knob 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Low fuel level warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low washer fluid warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . .
12 SRS warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 65 . . . . . Page
14 Traction control system off
indicator/warning light 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Low engine oil level warning light 64 . . . . . . . .
17 Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 35 . . . . . .
19 Headlight indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Slip indicator light 299, 302
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low oil pressure warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Seat belt reminder light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . .
26 Cruise control indicator light 295
. . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xvi
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 56. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 282 .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ODO/TRIP knob 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Low fuel level warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low washer fluid warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . .
12 SRS warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 65 . . . . . Page
14 Traction control system off
indicator/warning light 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Low engine oil level warning light 64 . . . . . . . .
17 Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 35 . . . . . .
19 Tail light indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Slip indicator light 299, 302
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low oil pressure warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Seat belt reminder light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . .
26 Cruise control indicator light 295
. . . . . . . . . . .

DRIVING TIPS
320See page 406 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a
heavy summer oil in your vehicle during winter months
may cause harder starting. If you are not sure about
which oil to use, call your Lexus dealer ± they will be
pleased to help.
Check the electronic ignition system for loose
connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de±icer or glycerine into the locks to keep
them from freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
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'spaint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a
possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ªPº and block
the rear wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow
or water accumulated in and around the parking brake
mechanism may freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the
fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make
steering difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and
check under the fenders occasionally.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
344
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
 Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the
engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out
under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in
the acceptable range, turn off the engine and call your
Lexus dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant
temperature has cooled to normal, continue driving your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or
your vehicle overheats again, have it checked as soon
as possible by your Lexus dealer.IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line.
Move cautiously off the road to a safe place ± well away
from the traffic. Avoid stopping on the center divider of
a highway. Park on a level spot with firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Firmly set the pa rking brake and put the transmission
in ªPº.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side away
from traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.

INTRODUCTION
388
NOTICE

Remember that battery and ignition cablescarry high currents or voltages. Be careful ofaccidentally causing a short circuit.

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

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

Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, orthe transmission could be damaged.

Be careful not to scratch the glass surface withthe 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, ªEnergy±Conservingº multigrade
engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil. For
recommended oil viscosity, see page 406.
Tools:

Rag or paper towel

Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):

ªTOYOTA Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
See ªChecking the engine coolant levelº on page 407
for instructions.

Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)

INTRODUCTION
389
Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):

FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking power steering fluid
Parts (if level is low):

Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III
Tools:

Rag or paper towel

Funnel (only for adding fluid)
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)