2001 Lexus ES300 Owner's Manuals (in English)

MAINTENANCE
384
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 ªFULLº and
ªLOWº lines on the see±through reservoir when the
engine is cold. See page 415 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 451 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 424
for additional information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off
and the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 410 for
additional information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should
be in the ªHOTº or ªCOLDº range depending on the fluid temperature. See page 426 for additional information.
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of the exhaust or
smell exhaust fumes, have the cause located and
corrected immediately.
(See engine exhaust cautions in
Section 3±1.)

MAINTENANCE
385
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEEDREPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds,
and visual tip±offs that indicate service is needed. Some
important clues are:

Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging

Appreciable loss of power

Strange engine noises

A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water
dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)

Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a
dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the
windows open and have the exhaust system checked
immediately.)

Flat±looking tires, excessive tire squeal when
cornering, uneven tire wear

Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a
level road

Strange noises related to suspension movement

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake
pedal, pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to
one side when braking

Engine coolant temperature continually higher than
normal If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs
adjustment or repair.

MAINTENANCE
386
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the vehicle unchecked. It
could result in serious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.

MAINTENANCE
387

SECTION 6 ± 1
388
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Introduction
Vehicle identification388
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment overview 391
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Do±it±yourself service precautions 392
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts and tools 394
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Positioning the jack 396
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
61E013

INTRODUCTION
389
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the legal
identifier
for your vehicle. This number is on the left
top of the instrument panel and can be seen through
the windshield from outside.
This is the primary identification number for your Lexus.
It is used in registering the ownership of your vehicle.
32E001±1
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is also on the
Certification Label.

INTRODUCTION
390
61E011
The engine number is stamped on the engine block
as shown.

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