2000 Lexus LS400 Fluid

SWITCHES
42

1Interval adjuster 2Washer on
To turn the wipers on, move the lever down until you
reach the desired speed setting.
The ignition key must be in the ºONº position.
There are 3 settings:
ºINTº position: Intermittent operation
ºLOº position: Low speed operation
ºHIº position: High speed operation
Twist the interval adjuster upward to increase the
wiping time interval between sweeps, and
downward to decrease it.
The wiper lever must be in the ºINTº position.
The time interval between sweeps is shortened when
the vehicle speed increases. When the vehicle speed
reaches more than about 20 km/h (12 mph) with the
interval adjuster in ºFº position, the time interval
becomes the shortest 1.5 seconds.
If you stop the vehicle with the wiper switch in the ºLOº
position, the wiper speed automatically changes from
low speed to intermittent operation speed.* This
function does not work when the interval adjuster is in
the ºFº position.
NOTE:
*This feature can be set inoperative. Ask your
Lexus dealer for details.
For mist wiper operation (a single wipe), pull the lever toward you and release it.
To make the washer squirt, push the button on the
end of the lever.
If the wiper lever is in the ºOFFº position, the wipers will
automatically operate a couple of times and a few
seconds later, make a single wipe again to sweep the
windshield completely.* The last sweep does not
happen if the vehicle speed exceeds about 170 km/h
(106 mph).
NOTE: *The last single wipe can be set inoperative.
Ask your Lexus dealer for details.
The warning message ºLOW WASHER FLUIDº is
displayed in the multi information display when the fluid
level in the tank becomes nearly empty. For information
on adding washer fluid, see ºAdding washer fluidº on
page 464.

SWITCHES
44
HEADLIGHT CLEANER SWITCH(CANADA ONLY)
12L007b
To spray fluid on the headlights, push the switch
with the headlights on.
The ignition key must be in the ºONº position.
The warning message ºLOW WASHER FLUIDº is
displayed in the multi information display when the fluid
level in the tank becomes nearly empty. For information
on adding washer fluid, see ºAdding washer fluidº on
page 464.
NOTICE
Do not turn the headlight cleaner on with the tank
empty. It may cause the cleaner motor tooverheat.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
65
(a) Brake System Warning Light
This light comes on in the following cases when the
ignition key is turned on.
When the parking brake is applied ...
 When the brake fluid level is low ...
Have your vehicle checked at your Lexus dealer in
the following cases:
The light does not come on even if the parking brake is
applied with the ignition ªONº.
CAUTION
If the light does not go out even after the parking brake
is released during the engine running, immediately stop
your vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer. In this case, the brakes may not work properly
and your stopping distance will be longer. Depress the
brake pedal firmly.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
79
W51W51
When the fluid level in the tank becomes nearly
empty, the above message appears, the reminder
light comes on and the warning tone sounds.
Fill the tank as soon as possible.
W53W53
When there is a problem somewhere in the
automatic headlight leveling system, the above
message appears, the reminder light comes on and
the warning tone sounds.
If this message appears, have your vehicle checked by
your Lexus dealer.
INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTCONTROL
13L005
To adjust the brightness of the instrument panel
lights, turn the knob.

DRIVING TIPS
334See page 416 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 ºPº and block
the front 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
358B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air
conditioning. Check the following.

Is the cooling fan operating?
 Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
 Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
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 ºPº.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side away

MAINTENANCE
390
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Listed below are the general maintenance items that
should be performed at the intervals specified. It is
recommended that any problem you notice be brought
to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service
shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only where adequate ventilation can
be obtained if you run the engine.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to
time, unless otherwise specified.
Tire pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks, or at
least once a month and adjust as shown on the tire
pressure label. See page 431 for a dditional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive
wear. See page 435 for additional information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary. Tire rotation
Rotate
the tires every 12000 km (7500 miles). See page
433 for additional information.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other
fluid after the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you
smell fuel fumes or notice any leak, have the cause
found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors, including trunk lid, operate
smoothly and all latches lock securely. Make sure the
engine hood secondary latch secures the hood when the
primary latch is released.

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.