2001 Lexus ES300 Owner's Manuals (in English)

INTRODUCTION
392
DO±IT±YOURSELF SERVICEPRECAUTIONS
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to
follow the correct procedure given in this section.
You should be aware that improper or incomplete
servicing may result in operating problems.
Performing do±it±yourself maintenance during the
warranty period may affect your warranty coverage.
Read the separate Lexus Warranty statement for details
and suggestions.
This section gives instructions only for those items that
are relatively easy for an owner to perform. As explained
in Section 5, there are still a number of items that must
be performed by a qualified technician with special tools.
For information on tools and parts for do±it±yourself
maintenance, see ªParts and toolsº on page 394.
Utmost care should be taken when working on your
vehicle to prevent accidental injury. Here are a few
precautions that you should be especially careful to
observe:

INTRODUCTION
393
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive
belt. (Removing rings, watches, and ties is
advisable.)
 Right after driving, the engine compartment ± the
engine, radiator, exhaust manifold and power
steering fluid reservoir, etc. ± will be hot. So be
careful not to touch them. Oil and other fluids may
also be hot.
 Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames
around fuel or the battery. Their fumes are
flammable.
 Be extremely cautious when working on the battery.
It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
 Do not get under your vehicle with just the body jack
supporting it. Always use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.
 Use eye protection whenever you work on or under
your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc.

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

INTRODUCTION
396
POSITIONING THE JACK
61E030

Front
61E031

Rear
When jacking up your vehicle with the jack, position
the jack correctly as shown in the illustrations.

INTRODUCTION
397
CAUTION
When jacking, be sure to observe the following to
reduce the possibility of personal injury:
Follow jacking instructions.
 Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle
supported by the jack. Personal injury may occur.
 Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is
supported by the jack.
 Stop the vehicle on a level firm ground, firmly set the
parking brake and put the transmission in ªPº. Block
the wheels on the opposite side of the jack up point
if necessary.
 Make sure to set the jack properly in the jack point.
Raising the vehicle with jack improperly positioned
will damage the vehicle or may allow the vehicle to fall
off the jack and cause personal injury.
 Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is
supported by the jack alone; use vehicle support
stands.
 Do not raise the vehicle with someone in the vehicle.
 When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or
under the jack.

INTRODUCTION
398
NOTICE
Make sure to place the jack correctly, or yourvehicle may be damaged.

INTRODUCTION
399