2001 Lexus ES300 automatic transmission

DRIVING TIPS
338
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.
 Keep the automatic transmission overdrive
turned on when engine braking is not required.
Driving with the overdrive off will reduce the fuel
economy. (For details, see ªAutomatic transmissionº
on page 284.)
 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 over±revving . Use a gear position
suitable for the road on which you are traveling.

SECTION 4
341
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
If your engine stalls while driving342
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 343
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle overheats 348
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 350
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 366
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever
375
If you lose your keys or lock yourself out 377
. . . . . . . . .

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
368
40E019±1
Use a towing dolly under the front wheels.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle with an automatictransmission from the rear with front wheels onthe ground, as this may cause serious damage tothe transmission.
(b) Using a flat bed truck

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
375
IF YOU CANNOT SHIFT
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER
40E044
If you cannot shift the selector lever out of ªPº
position to other positions even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override
button as follows:
1Turn the ignition key to ªLOCKº. Make sure the
parking brake is applied.
2Pry up the cover with a flat±bladed screwdriver or
equivalent.

MAINTENANCE
383
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g.
while performing periodic services, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlight, stop lights, tail lights, turn
signal lights, and other lights are working. Check
headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified freeplay. Be alert for
changes in steering condition, such as hard steering,
excessive freeplay or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters,
seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly. Check that the
head restraints move up and down smoothly and that the
locks hold securely in any latched position.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles,
retractors and anchors operate properly and smoothly.
Make sure the belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or
damaged. Accelerator pedal
Check
the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal
effort or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and freeplay. Check the brake booster
function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one
side when applied.
Parking 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 ªParkº mechanism
Check the lock release button of the selector lever for
proper and smooth operation. On a safe incline, check
that your vehicle is held securely with the selector lever
in ªPº position and all brakes released.

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)

INTRODUCTION
395
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
421
SPECIFICATIONS
± AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLEFluid capacity Drain and refill
Fluid type
3.5 L (3.7 qt., 3.1 lmp. qt.)
Automatic transmission fluid Type T±IV*
*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 (ATF
JWS3309 or NWS6500) to aid in assuring optimum
transaxle 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.