2000 Lexus LS400 Fluid

MAINTENANCE
393
Engine oil level
Check
the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off
and the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 413 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 428 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.)
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEED REPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds,
and visual tip±offs that indicate service is needed. Some
important clues are:

Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging

Appreciable loss of power

Strange engine noises

A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water
dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)

Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a
dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the
windows open and have the exhaust system checked
immediately.)

Flat±looking tires, excessive tire squeal when
cornering, uneven tire wear

Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a
level road

Strange noises related to suspension movement

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake
pedal, pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to
one side when braking

Engine coolant temperature continually higher than
normal

61L005b
INTRODUCTION
398
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
1 Engine oilfiller cap
2 Engine oilleveldipstick
3 Brake fluid
reservoir
4 Fuse box
5 Battery
6 Washerfluid tank
7 Power
steeringfluidreservoir
8 Engine
coolantreservoir

INTRODUCTION
400
CAUTION

When the engine is running, keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive
belt. (Removing rings, watches, and ties is
advisable.)

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
around fuel or the battery. Their fumes are
flammable.

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. Always use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.

Be sure the ignition is off if you work near the electric
cooling fan or radiator grille. With the ignition on, the
electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if
the air conditioning is on and/or if the coolant
temperature is high.

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

INTRODUCTION
401
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, ºEnergy±Conservingº multigrade
engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil. For
recommended oil viscosity, see page 416.
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 ºChecking the engine coolant levelº on page 417
for instructions.

Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)

INTRODUCTION
402
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
Tools:

Warm water

Baking soda

Grease

Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
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

SECTION 6 ± 3
423
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications424
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 427
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid 428
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 431
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 433
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 435
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 439
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 441
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 441
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 442
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHASSIS
424
SPECIFICATIONS
± AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONFluid capacity Drain and refill
Fluid type
1.9 L (2.0 qt., 1.7 lmp.qt.)
Automatic transmission fluid Type T ± IV*
± DIFFERENTIAL
Oil capacity
Oil type
Oil viscosity
1.3 L (1.4 qt., 1.1 lmp.qt.)
Hypoid gear oil API GL±5
Above ±18 C (0F): SAE 90
Below ±18 C (0F): SAE 80W or SAE 80W±90
*Change automatic transmission fluid only as
necessary. Generally, it is necessary to change
automatic transmission fluid only if your vehicle is driven
under one of the Special Operating Conditions listed in
your ªOwner's Manual Supplement / Maintenance
Scheduleº. When changing the automatic transmission
fluid, use only Toyota Genuine ATF Type T±IV ( AT F
JWS3309 or NWS6500) to aid in assuring optimum
transmission performance.NOTICE
Using automatic transmission fluid other than Toyota Genuine ATF Type T±IV may causedeterioration in shift quality, locking up of yourtransmission accompanied by vibration, andultimately damage the automatic transmission ofyour vehicle.

CHASSIS
425
± BRAKES
Pedal clearance
Pedal free play
Brake pad wear limit
Parking brake lining wear limit
Parking brake adjustment
Fluid type
70 mm (2.8 in.) Min. *1
1 ± 6 mm (0.04 ± 0.24 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
5 ± 7 clicks *
2
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
*1Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with the pressure of 490 N (50 k\
gf, 110 lbf.) with the engine running
*
2Parking brake adjustment when depressed with the pressure of 294 N (30 \
kgf, 66.1 lbf.)
± STEERING
Free play
Power steering fluid
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III