2001 Lexus ES300 coolant level

61E020
INTRODUCTION
391
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
1 Engine oilfiller cap
2 Brake fluidreservoir
3 Fuse box
4 Battery
5 Fuse box
6 Engine oilleveldipstick
7 Fuse box
8 Washer
fluid tank
9 Enginecoolantreservoir
10 Power
steeringfluid
reservoir

INTRODUCTION
394
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, ªEnergy±Conservingº multigrade
engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil. For
recommended oil viscosity, see page 414.
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 ªChecking the engine coolant levelº on page 415
for instructions.
 Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:
 Funnel (only for adding coolant)

SECTION 6 ± 2
400
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications 401. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 404
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption 407
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil 409
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 410
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 415
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 419
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ENGINE
415
Oil identification marks
62L006±1

API Service Symbol
ILSAC Certification
Mark
Either or both API registered marks are added to some
oil containers to help you select the oil you should use.
 The API Service Symbol is located anywhere on the
outside of the container.
The top portion of the label shows the oil quality by
API (American Petroleum Institute) designation such
as SJ. The center portion of the label shows the SAE
viscosity grade such as SAE 5W±30.
ªEnergy±Conservingº, shown in the lower portion,
indicates that the oil has fuel±saving capabilities.
 The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization
and Approval Committee) Certification Mark is
displayed on the front of the container.
CHECKING THE ENGINE
COOLANT LEVEL

ENGINE
416
62E006b

1Reservoir cap 2Upper line 3Lower line
Look at the see±through coolant reservoir when the
engine is cold. The coolant level is satisfactory if it
is between the ªFULLº and ªLOWº lines on the
reservoir. If the level is low, add ethylene±glycol
type coolant for a proper corrosion protection of
aluminum components.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary with engine
temperature. However, if the level is on or below the
ªLOWº line, add coolant. Bring the level up to the ªFULLº
line.
Always use ethylene±glycol type coolant for a proper
corrosion protection of aluminum components. See
information in the next column. If the coolant level drops within a short time after
replenishing,
there may be a leak in the system. V isually
check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant filler cap,
radiator cap and drain cock and water pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Lexus dealer test the
cap pressure and check for leaks in the cooling system.