2001 Lexus ES300 Owner's Manuals (in English)

CHASSIS
424
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
63E001±1

Vehicles equipped with vehicle skid controlsystem
63E001

CHASSIS
425


Vehicles equipped with traction control system
To check the fluid level, simply look at the
see±through
reservoir. The level should be between
the ªMAXº and ªMINº lines on the tank.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as
the brake pads wear. So be sure to keep the reservoir
filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a
serious mechanical problem.
If the level is low, add FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid to the brake reservoir.
Remove and replace the reservoir cap by hand. Add
brake fluid up to the ªMAXº line.
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once opened, brake
fluid absorbs moisture from the air, and excess moisture
can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency.
CAUTION
Take care when filling the reservoir because brake fluid
can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted
surfaces. If fluid gets in your hands or eyes, flush them
with clean water immediately. If you still feel
uncomfortable with your hands or eyes, go to the
doctor.

CHASSIS
426
NOTICE
If you spill some of the fluid, be sure to wipe it offto prevent it from damaging the parts orpaintwork.
CHECKING POWER STEERING FLUID

CHASSIS
427
63E009
Check the fluid level through the reservoir. If
necessary, add automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON
II or III.
If the vehicle has been driven around 80 km/h (50 mph)
for 20 minutes (a little more in frigid temperatures), the
fluid is hot (60C ± 80C or 140 F ± 175F). You may
also check the level when the fluid is cold (about room
temperature, 10 C ± 30C or 50F ± 85F) if the engine
has not been run for about five hours.

CHASSIS
428
63E003±1

1If hot O.K. 2If hot add 3If cold O.K.
4If cold add
Clean all dirt off the reservoir and look at the fluid level.
If the fluid is cold, the level should be in the ªCOLDº
range. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level should be in the
ªHOTº range. If the level is at the low side of the
appropriate range, add automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON
II or III to bring the level within the range.
To remove the reservoir cap, turn it counterclockwise
and lift up. To reinstall it, turn it clockwise. After
replacing the reservoir cap, visually check the steering
box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or
damage.

CHASSIS
429
CAUTION
The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn
yourself.

CHASSIS
430
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could bedamaged.

CHASSIS
431
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE
63E004±1
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire size and
the vehicle capacity weight are given on the label.
You should check the tire pressures every two weeks, or
at least once a month. And don't forget the spare! The
air pressure for the spare tire should be 220 kPa (2.2
kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi). Incorrect tire pressure can
reduce tire life and make your vehicle less safe to drive. Low tire pressure results in excessive wear, poor
handling, reduced fuel economy, and the possibility of
blowouts from overheated tires. Also, low tire pressure
can cause poor sealing of the tire bead. If the tire
pressure is excessively low, there is the possibility of
wheel deformation and/or tire
separation. So keep your
tire pressures at the pr oper level. If a tire needs frequent
refilling, have it checked by your Lexus dealer.
High tire pressure produces a harsh ride, handling
problems, excessive wear at the center of the tire tread,
and a greater possibility of tire damage from road
hazards.
The following instructions for checking tire pressure
should be observed:
 The pressure should be checked only when the
tires are cold. If your vehicle has been parked for at