2000 Lexus LS400 lexus LS400 2000 Engine / LEXUS 2000 LS400 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM50533U)

MAINTENANCE
392Parking brake
Check that the pedal has the proper travel and that, on
a safe incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the
parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission ºParkº mechanism
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held
securely with the selector lever in ºPº position and all
brakes released.
Engine compartment
Items listed below should be checked from time to
time, e.g. each time when refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See page
464 for additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the Upper and
Lower lines on the see±through reservoir when the
engine is cold. See page 417
for additional information.
Battery
Your Lexus has a maintenance free battery. You do not
have to add distilled water. For longer life of the battery,
however, see page 453 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 427
for additional information.

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

MAINTENANCE
394If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs
adjustment or repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the vehicle unchecked. It
could result in serious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.

SECTION 6 ± 1
395
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Introduction
Vehicle identification395
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment overview 398
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Do±it±yourself service precautions 399
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts and tools 401
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
61L002

INTRODUCTION
396The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the legal
identifier
for your vehicle. This number is on the left
top of the instrument panel and can be seen through
the windshield from outside.
This is the primary identification number for your Lexus.
It is used in registering the ownership of your vehicle.
61L003
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is also on the
Certification Label.

INTRODUCTION
397
61L004b
The engine number is stamped on the engine block
as shown.

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
399
DO±IT±YOURSELF SERVICEPRECAUTIONS
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to
follow the correct procedure given in this Section.
You should be aware that improper or incomplete
servicing may result in operating problems.
Performing do±it±yourself maintenance during the
warranty period may affect your warranty coverage.
Read the separate Lexus Warranty statement for details
and suggestions.
This Section gives instructions only for those items that
are relatively easy for an owner to perform. As explained
in Section 5, there are still a number of items that must
be performed by a qualified technician with special tools.
For information on tools and parts for do±it±yourself
maintenance, see ºParts and toolsº on page 401.
Utmost care should be taken when working on your
vehicle to prevent accidental injury. Here are a few
precautions that you should be especially careful to
observe: