2000 Lexus LS400 fuel pressure

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
11 6
CAUTION
Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames
when refuelling. The fumes are flammable.
 When opening the cap, do not remove the cap
quickly. In hot weather, fuel under pressure could
cause injury by spraying out of the filler neck if the
cap is suddenly removed.
15L027
2. To remove the fuel tank cap, turn the cap slowly
counterclockwise, then pause slightly before
removing it. The removed cap can be stored on the
back side of the fuel filler door.
It is not unusual to hear a slight swoosh when the cap is
opened. When installing the cap, turn the cap clockwise
until you hear a click.
If the cap is not tightened securely, the malfunction
indicator lamp comes on. Make sure the cap is tightened
securely.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times.
If the indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible.

DRIVING TIPS
345
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND
MAKE YOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Getting more kilometer/mileage from a liter/gallon of fuel
is easy ± just take it easy. It will help make your vehicle
last longer, too. Here are some specific tips on how to
save money on both fuel and repairs:
 Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure.
Check the pressure every two weeks, or at least once
a month. Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes
fuel.
 Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle.
Excess weight puts a heavier load on the engine,
causing greater fuel consumption.
 Avoid lengthy warm±up idling. Once the engine is
running smoothly, begin driving ± but gently.
Remember, however, that on cold winter days this
may take a little longer.
 Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit
starts.
 Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait
and you are not in traffic, it is better to turn off the
engine and start again later.
 Avoid engine overrevving. Use a gear position
suitable for the road on which you are traveling. 
Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing
down. Stop±and±go driving wastes fuel.

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.

ENGINE
409
Gasoline containing MMT
Some gasoline contain an octane enhancing
additive called MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl
Manganese Tricarbonyl).
Lexus does not recommend the use of gasoline that
contains MMT. If fuel containing MMT is used, your
emission control system may be adversely affected.
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp on the instrument
cluster may come on. If this happens, contact your
Lexus dealer for service.
Gasoline quality
In a very few cases, you may experience driveability
problems caused by the particular gasoline that you are
using. If you continue to have unacceptable driveability,
try changing gasoline brands. If this does not rectify your
problem, then consult your Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
Do not use gasohol other than stated above. It will cause fuel system damage or vehicleperformance problems.
If drivability problems are encountered (poorhot starting, vaporizing, engine knock, etc.),discontinue its use.
Take care not to spill gasohol during refueling.Gasohol may cause paint damage.
Fuel tank capacity
83 L (21.9 gal., 18.3 lmp.gal.)
FACTS ABOUT ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION
Functions of engine oil
Engine oil has the primary function of lubricating and
cooling the inside of the engine, and plays a major role
in maintaining the engine in proper working order.
Engine oil consumption
It is normal that an engine should consume some
engine oil during normal engine operation. The
causes of oil consumption in a normal engine are as
follows.
Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston rings and
cylinders. A thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall
when a piston moves downwards in the cylinder.
High negative pressure generated when the vehicle
is decelerating sucks some of this oil into the
combustion chamber. This oil as well as some part of
the oil film left on the cylinder wall is burned by the
high temperature combustion gases during the

CHASSIS
432The recommended cold tire pressures, tire size and
the vehicle capacity weight are given on the label
inside the glove box lid.
You should check the tire pressures every two weeks, or
at least once a month. And don't forget the spare! The
pressure for the spare tire should be 220 kPa (2.2
kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi). Incorrect tire pressure can
reduce tire life and make your vehicle less safe to drive.
Low tire pressure results in excessive wear, poor
handling, reduced fuel economy, and the possibility of
blowouts from overheated tires. Also, low tire pressure
can cause poor sealing of the tire bead. If the tire
pressure is excessively low, there is the possibility of
wheel deformation and/or tire separation. So keep your
tire pr essures at the proper level. If a tire needs frequent
refilling, have it checked by your Lexus dealer. High tire pressure produces a harsh ride, handling
problems,
excessive wear at the center of the tire tread,
and a greater possibility of tire damage from road
hazards.
The following instructions for checking tire pressure
should be observed:
 The pressure should be checked only when the
tires are cold. If your vehicle has been parked for at
least 3 hours and has not been driven for more than
1.5 km or 1 mile since, you will get an accurate cold
tire pressure reading.
 Always use a tire pressure gauge. The
appearance of the tire can be misleading. Besides,
tire pressures that are even just a few pounds off can
degrade handling and ride.
 Do not bleed or reduce tire pressure after driving.
It is normal for the tire pressure to be higher after
driving.
 Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight. The
passengers and luggage weight should be located so
that the vehicle is balanced.
 Be sure to reinstall the tire valve caps. Without the
valve caps, dirt or moisture could get into the valve
core and cause air leakage. If the caps have been
lost, have new ones put on as soon as possible.