2000 Lexus LS400 automatic transmission fluid

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.

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

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

CHASSIS
429
63L002±1
Check the fluid level on the dipstick. If necessary,
add automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III.
If the vehicle has been driven around 80 km/h (50 mph)
for 20 minutes (a little more in frigid temperatures), the
fluid is hot (60C ± 80C or 140 F ± 175F). You may
also check the level when the fluid is cold (about room
temperature, 10 C ± 30C or 50F ± 85F) if the engine
has not been run for about five hours.

CHASSIS
430
63L003c

1If cold O.K. 2If hot O.K. 3Add fluid
1. Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
2. Remove the filler cap by turning it counterclockwise
and wipe the dipstick clean.
3. Reinstall the reservoir cap.
4. Remove the reservoir cap again and look at the fluid
level. If the fluid is cold, the level should be in the ºCOLDº
range on the dipstick. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level
should be in the ºHOTº range. If the level is at the low
side of either range, add automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON
II or III to bring the level within the range.
5. After replacing the filler cap, visually check the
steering box case, vane pump and hose connections for
leaks or damage.