2001 Lexus ES300 Owner's Manuals (in English)

ENGINE
408
Importance of engine oil level check
One of the most important points in proper vehicle
maintenance is to keep the engine oil at the optimum
level so that oil function will not be impaired. Therefore,
it is essential that the oil level be checked regularly.
Lexus recommends that the oil level be checked every
time you refuel the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly could leadto serious engine trouble due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check, see
ªChecking the engine oil levelº on page 410.

ENGINE
409
USED ENGINE OIL
CAUTION
Used engine oil contains potentially harmful
contaminants which may cause skin disorders such
as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should be
taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact with
it. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash
thoroughly with soap and water.
 Do not leave used oil within the reach of children.
 Dispose of used oil and used oil filters only in a safe
and acceptable manner. Do not dispose of used oil
and used oil filters in household trash, in sewers or
onto the ground. Call your Lexus dealer or a service
station for information concerning recycling or
disposal.

ENGINE
410
CHECKING THE ENGINE OILLEVEL
62E009
With the engine at operating temperature and turned
off, check the oil level on the dipstick.
1. To get a true reading, the vehicle should be on a level
spot. After turning off the engine, wait a few minutes for
the oil to drain back into the bottom of the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, and wipe it clean with a rag.
3. Reinsert the dipstick and push it in as far as it will go,
or the reading will not be correct.

ENGINE
411
62E002a

1Add oil 2O.K. 3Too full
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level on the end.
If it is between the low level mark ( 4 ) and the full level
mark ( 5 ), it is O.K.

ENGINE
412
62E003±2

ENGINE
413
If the oil level is below or only slightly above the low
mark, add engine oil of the same type as already in
the engine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine oil a little at a
time,
checking the dipstick. The approximate quantity of
oil needed to fill between the low level mark and the full
level mark on the dipstick is indicated below for
reference.
When the level reaches within the correct range, return
the filler cap and turn the cap clockwise until you hear a
click.
Oil quantity. L (qt., lmp. qt.) 1.5 (1.6, 1.3)
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be
damaged. Ch eck the oil level on the dipstick once
again after adding the oil.

ENGINE
414
Engine oil selection
Use API SJ, ªEnergy±Conservingº multigrade engine oil
or ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
62L005±1
Temperature range anticipated before next oil change
SAE 5W±30 is the best choice for your vehicle, for
good fuel economy, and good starting in cold
weather.
If you use SAE 10W±30 engine oil in extremely low
temperatures, the engine may become difficult to
start, so SAE 5W±30 engine oil is recommended.

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