2000 LEXUS GS400 maintenance

CH043±01
B01372
Except Maintenance±Free Battery
B01888
Maintenance±Free BatteryVoltmeter
± CHARGING (2JZ±GE)CHARGING SYSTEM
CH±1
1603 Author: Date:
2000 LEXUS GS300/GS400 (RM718U)
CHARGING SYSTEM
ON±VEHICLE INSPECTION
CAUTION:

Check that the battery cables are connected to the
correct terminals.

Disconnect the battery cables when the battery is giv-
en a quick charge.

Do not do tests with a high voltage insulation resis-
tance tester.

Never disconnect the battery while the engine is run-
ning.
1. CHECK BATTERY ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
Check the electrolyte quantity of each cell.
Maintenance±Free Battery:
If under the lower level, replace the battery (or add distilled wa-
ter if possible). Check the charging system.
Except Maintenance±Free Battery:
If under the lower level, add distilled water.
2. Except Maintenance±Free Battery:
CHECK BATTERY SPECIFIC GRAVITY
Check the specific gravity of each cell.
Standard specific gravity: 1.25 ± 1.29 at 20°C (68°F)
If the specific gravity is less than specification, charge the bat-
tery.
3. Maintenance±Free Battery:
CHECK BATTERY POSITIVE VOLTAGE
(a) After having driven the vehicle and in the case that 20
minutes have not passed after having stopped the en-
gine, turn the ignition switch ON and turn on the electrical
system (headlight, blower motor, rear defogger etc.) for
60 seconds to remove the surface charge.
(b) Turn the ignition switch OFF and turn off the electrical sys-
tems.
(c) Measure the battery positive voltage between the nega-
tive (±) and positive (+) terminals of the battery.
Standard voltage: 12.5 ± 12.9 V at 20°C (68°F)
If the voltage is less than specification, charge the battery.
4. CHECK BATTERY TERMINALS AND FUSES
(a) Check that the battery terminals are not loose or cor-
roded.
If the terminals are corroded, clean the terminals.
(b) Check the fusible link and fuses for continuity.

MA001±07
± MAINTENANCEOUTSIDE VEHICLE
MA±1
44 Author: Date:
2000 LEXUS GS300/GS400 (RM718U)
OUTSIDE VEHICLE
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
These are maintenance and inspection items which are considered to be the owner's responsibility.
They can be done by the owner or they can have them done at a service shop.
These items include those which should be checked on a daily basis, those which, in most cases, do not
require (special) tools and those which are considered to be reasonable for the owner to do.
Items and procedures for general maintenance are as follows.
1. GENERAL NOTES

Maintenance items may vary from country to country. Check the owner's manual supplement in which
the maintenance schedule is shown.

Every service item in the periodic maintenance schedule must be performed.

Periodic maintenance service must be performed according to whichever interval in the periodic main-
tenance schedule occurs first, the odometer reading (miles) or the time interval (months).

Maintenance service after the last period should be performed at the same interval as before unless
otherwise noted.

Failure to do even one item an cause the engine to run poorly and increase exhaust emissions.
2. TIRES
(a) Check the pressure with a gauge. If necessary, adjust.
(b) Check for cuts, damage or excessive wear.
3. WHEEL NUTS
When checking the tires, check the nuts for looseness or for missing nuts. If necessary, tighten them.
4. TIRE ROTATION
Check the owner's manual supplement in which the maintenance schedule is shown.
5. WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check for wear or cracks whenever they do not wipe clean. If necessary, replace.
6. FLUID LEAKS
(a) Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid.
(b) If you smell gasoline fumes or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected.
7. DOORS AND ENGINE HOOD
(a) Check that all doors and the tailgate operate smoothly, and that all latches lock securely.
(b) Check that the engine hood secondary latch secures the hood from opening when the primary latch
is released.

MA002±06
MA±2
± MAINTENANCEINSIDE VEHICLE
45 Author: Date:
2000 LEXUS GS300/GS400 (RM718U)
INSIDE VEHICLE
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
These are maintenance and inspection items which are considered to be the owner's responsibility.
They can be done by the owner or they can have them done at a service shop.
These items include those which should be checked on a daily basis, those which, in most cases, do not
require (special) tools and those which are considered to be reasonable for the owner to do.
Items and procedures for general maintenance are as follows.
1. GENERAL NOTES

Maintenance items may vary from country to country. Check the owner's manual supplement in which
the maintenance schedule is shown.

Every service item in the periodic maintenance schedule must be performed.

Periodic maintenance service must be performed according to whichever interval in the periodic main-
tenance schedule occurs first, the odometer reading (miles) or the time interval (months).

Maintenance service after the last period should be performed at the same interval as before unless
otherwise noted.

Failure to do even one item an cause the engine to run poorly and increase exhaust emissions.
2. LIGHTS
(a) Check that the headlights, stop lights, taillights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all working.
(b) Check the headlight aiming.
3. WARNING LIGHTS AND BUZZERS
Check that all warning lights and buzzers function properly.
4. HORN
Check that it is working.
5. WINDSHIELD GLASS
Check for scratches, pits or abrasions.
6. WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER
(a) Check operation of the wipers and washer.
(b) Check that the wipers do not streak.
7. WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER
Check that air comes out from the defroster outlet when operating the heater or air conditioner.
8. REAR VIEW MIRROR
Check that it is mounted securely.
9. SUN VISORS
Check that they move freely and are mounted securely.
10. STEERING WHEEL
Check that it has the specified freeplay. Be alert for changes in steering condition, such as hard steering,
excessive freeplay or strange noises.
11. SEATS
(a) Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly.
(b) Check that all latches lock securely in any position.
(c) Check that the locks hold securely in any latched position.
(d) Check that the head restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold securely in any
latches position.
(e) For folding±down rear seat backs, check that the latches lock securely.
12. SEAT BELTS
(a) Check that the seat belt system such as the buckles, retractors and anchors operate properly and
smoothly.
(b) Check that the belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or dameged.

± MAINTENANCEINSIDE VEHICLE
MA±3
46 Author: Date:
2000 LEXUS GS300/GS400 (RM718U)
13. ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal effort or catching.
14. BRAKE PEDAL (See page BR±9)
(a) Check the pedal for smooth operation.
(b) Check that the pedal has the proper reserve distance and freeplay.
(c) Check the brake booster function.
15. BRAKES
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side when applied.
16. PARKING BRAKE (See page BR±11)
(a) Check that the lever has the proper travel.
(b) On a safe incline, check that the vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake applied.
17. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ºPARKº MECHANISM
On a safe incline, check that the vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in ºPº position and all brakes
released.

MA003±06
MA±4
± MAINTENANCEUNDER HOOD
47 Author: Date:
2000 LEXUS GS300/GS400 (RM718U)
UNDER HOOD
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
1. GENERAL NOTES

Maintenance items may vary from country to country. Check the owner's manual supplement in which
the maintenance schedule is shown.

Every service item in the periodic maintenance schedule must be performed.

Periodic maintenance service must be performed according to whichever interval in the periodic main-
tenance schedule occurs first, the odometer reading (miles) or the time interval (months).

Maintenance service after the last period should be performed at the same interval as before unless
otherwise noted.

Failure to do even one item an cause the engine to run poorly and increase exhaust emissions.
2. WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Check that there is sufficient fluid in the tank.
3. ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
Check that the coolant level is between the ºFULLº and ºLOWº lines on the see±through reservoir.
4. RADIATOR AND HOSES
(a) Check that the front of the radiator is clean and not blocked with leaves, dirt or bugs.
(b) Check the hoses for cracks, kinks, rot or loose connections.
5. BATTERY ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
Check that the electrolyte level of all battery cells is between the upper and lower level lines on the case.
6. BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
Check that the brake fluid levels are near the upper level line on the see±through reservoirs.
7. ENGINE DRIVE BELT
Check drive belt for fraying, cracks, wear or oiliness.
8. ENGINE OIL LEVEL
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off.
9. POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL

Check the level on the dipstick.

The level should be in the ºHOTº or ºCOLDºrange depending on the fluid temperature.
10. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL
(a) Park the vehicle on a level surface.
(b) With the engine idling and the parking brake applied, shift the selector into all positions from ºPº to ºLº,
and then shift into ºPº position.
(c) Pull out the dipstick and wipe off the fluid with a clean rag. Re±insert the dipstick and check that the
fluid level is in the HOT range.
(d) Do this check with the fluid at normal driving temperature (70 ± 80°C, 158 ± 176°F).
HINT:
Wait until the engine cools down (approx. 30 min.) before checking the fluid level after extended driving at
high speeds, in hot weather, in heavy traffic or pulling a trailer.
11. EXHAUST SYSTEM
If any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell of the exhaust fumes is noticed, have the cause located
and corrected.

MA004±04
B01384
± MAINTENANCEENGINE
MA±5
48 Author: Date:
2000 LEXUS GS300/GS400 (RM718U)
ENGINE
INSPECTION
HINT:
Inspect these items when the engine is cold.
1. REPLACE TIMING BELT
(2JZ±GE ENGINE: See page EM±16)
(1UZ±FE ENGINE: See page EM±14)
2. INSPECT DRIVE BELT
(2JZ±GE ENGINE: See page CH±1)
(1UZ±FE ENGINE: See page CH±1)
3. REPLACE SPARK PLUGS
(2JZ±GE ENGINE: See page IG±1)
(1UZ±FE ENGINE: See page IG±1)
4. INSPECT AIR FILTER
(a) Remove the air filter.
(b) Visually check that the air filter is not excessively dam-
aged or oily.
If necessary, replace the air filter.
(c) Clean the filter with compressed air.
First blow from the inside thoroughly, then blow the out-
side of the filter.
(d) Reinstall the air filter.
5. REPLACE AIR FILTER
Replace the air filter with a new one.
6. REPLACE ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
(2JZ±GE ENGINE: See page LU±2)
(1UZ±FE ENGINE: See page LU±3)
7. REPLACE ENGINE COOLANT
(2JZ±GE ENGINE: See page CO±2)
(1UZ±FE ENGINE: See page CO±2)
8. REPLACE GASKET IN FUEL TANK CAP
(2JZ±GE ENGINE: See page EC±7)
(1UZ±FE ENGINE: See page EC±7)
9. INSPECT FUEL LINES AND CONNECTIONS
Visually check the fuel lines for cracks, leakage, loose connec-
tions, deformation or tank band looseness.
10. INSPECT EXHAUST PIPES AND MOUNTINGS
Visually check the pipes, hangers and connections for severe
corrosion, leaks or damage.
11. ADJUST VALVE CLEARANCE
(2JZ±GE ENGINE: See page EM±5)
(1UZ±FE ENGINE: See page EM±4)

P09958
MA01R±01
MA±6
± MAINTENANCEBRAKE
49 Author: Date:
2000 LEXUS GS300/GS400 (RM718U)
BRAKE
INSPECTION
1. INSPECT BRAKE LINE PIPES AND HOSES
HINT:
Check in a well lighted area. Check the entire circumference
and length of the brake hoses using a mirror as required. Turn
the front wheels fully right or left before checking the front brake.
(a) Check all brake lines and hoses for.

Damage

Wear

Deformation

Cracks

Corrosion

Leaks

Bends

Twists
(b) Check all clamps for tightness and connections for leak-
age.
(c) Check that the hoses and lines are clear of sharp edges,
moving parts and the exhaust system.
(d) Check that the lines install in grommets pass through the
center of the grommets.
2. INSPECT FRONT AND REAR BRAKE PADS AND
DISCS
(FRONT PADS: See page BR±16)
(REAR PADS: See page BR±25)
(FRONT DISCS: See page BR±21)
(REAR DISCS: See page BR±30)
3. INSPECT PARKING BRAKE LININGS AND DRUMS
(See page BR±35)
4. INSPECT OR CHANGE BRAKE FLUID
(See page BR±4)
Fluid: SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT3

MA01S±01
± MAINTENANCECHASSIS
MA±7
50 Author: Date:
2000 LEXUS GS300/GS400 (RM718U)
CHASSIS
INSPECTION
1. INSPECT STEERING LINKAGE
(a) Check the steering wheel freeplay.
(See page SR±8)
(b) Check the steering linkage for looseness or damage.
Check that:

Tie rod ends do not have excessive play.

Dust seals and boots are not damaged.

Boot clamps are not loose.
2. INSPECT SRS AIRBAG
(DRIVER'S SIDE: See page RS±15)
(PASSENGER'S SIDE: See page RS±29)
3. INSPECT STEERING GEAR HOUSING OIL
Check the steering gear housing for oil leakage.
4. INSPECT LOWER BALL JOINTS AND DUST COVERS
(a) Jack up the front of the vehicle and support it with stands.
(b) Make sure the front wheels are in a straight±ahead posi-
tion, and depress the brake pedal.
(c) Jack up the lower suspension arm until there is about half
a load on the front coil spring.
(d) Inspect the dust cover for damage.
5. CHECK AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND
DIFFERENTIAL
Visually check the automatic transmission and differential for oil
leakage.
If leakage is found, check for the cause and repair it.
6. REPLACE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID
(See page DI±318)
7. REPLACE DIFFERENTIAL OIL
(See page SA±61)