2001 Lexus ES300 Page 31

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
418
Coolant type selection
Use of improper coolants may damage your engine
cooling system. Your coolant must contain
ethylene±glycol type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of your engine that contains aluminum
components. Use ªToyota Long Life Coolantº or
equivalent.
In addition to preventing freezing and subsequent
damage to the engine, this type of coolant will also
prevent corrosion. Further supplemental inhibitors or
additives are neither needed nor recommended.
Read the coolant container for information on freeze
protection. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how
much to mix with plain water (preferably demineralized
water or distilled water). The total capacity of the cooling
system is given on page 402.
We recommend to use 50% solution for your Lexus, to
provide protection down to about ±35C (±31F). When
it is extremely cold, to provide protection down to about
±50 C (±58F), 60% solution is recommended. Do not
use more than 70% solution for better coolant
performance.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.

CHASSIS
423
± TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire size
Recommended cold tire inflation pressure Vehicle load up to 4 occupants
Vehicle loaded up to vehicle capacity weight
Spare tire
Trailer towing (conventional and snow tires)
Wheel size
Wheel nut torque
Type A: P205/65R15 92V
Type B: P205/60R16 91V
180 kPa (1.8 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 26 psi) (Both front and
rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and
rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and
rear)
Type A: 15
6 JJ
Type B: 16
6 JJ
103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.)
NOTE: For a complete information on tires (e.g. replacing tires or replacing \
wheels), see ªChecking tire pressureº
through ªAluminum wheel precautionsº on page 431 through 440.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
469
64E082

1Mark 2Acceptable range
2. Look at the beam angle gauge (horizontal
movement). The mark should not deviate by more than
one mark to either side of the gauge.
If the mark is out of the acceptable range of the gauge,
adjust it using bolt B.
After adjusting the headlight in the horizontal direction,
check that the light has been shifted from the adjusted
position in the vertical direction.
If the error is over the value specified above, take the
vehicle to your Lexus dealer to adjust the headlight aim.
REPLACING LIGHT BULBS
The illustration on the following pages show the
locations of light bulbs. If it is necessary to replace a
bulb, take your vehicle to your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible. Use bulbs with the bulb numbers and wattage
ratings given in the table.
CAUTION
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and require
special handling. They can burst or shatter if scratched
or dropped. Hold a bulb only by its plastic or metal case.
Do not touch the glass part of a bulb with bare hands.

BODY
479
To help prevent corrosion on your Lexus, follow
these guidelines:
Keep your vehicle clean by regular washing.
In
addition, observe the following points.

If you drive on salted roads in the winter or if you live
near the ocean, you should hose off the
undercarriage at least once a month to minimize
corrosion.

High p ressure water or steam is effective for cleaning
the vehicle's underside and wheel housings. Pay
particular attention to these areas as it is difficult to
see all the mud and dirt. It will do more harm than
good to simply wet the mud and debris without
removing them. The lower edge of doors, rocker
panels and frame members have drain holes which
should not be allowed to clog with dirt as trapped
water in these areas can cause corrosion.

Wash the underside of the vehicle thoroughly when
winter is over.
See ªWashing and waxingº on page 480 for more tips.
Check the cond ition of your vehicle's paint and trim.
If you find any chips or scratches in the paint, touch them
up immediately to prevent corrosion from starting. If the
chips or scratches have gone through the bare metal,
have a qualified body shop make the repair. Check the interior of your vehicle. Water and dirt can
accumulate under the floor mats and could cause
corrosion. Occasionally check under the mats to make
sure the area is dry. Be particularly careful when
transporting chemicals, cleansers, fertilizers, salt, etc.
These should be transported in proper containers. If a
spill or leak should occur, immediately clean and dry the
area.
Keep your vehicle in a well ventilated garage or a
roofed place. Do not park your vehicle in a damp,
poorly ventilated garage.
If you wash your vehicle in
the garage, or if you drive it in covered with water or
snow, your garage may be so damp it will cause
corrosion. Even if your garage is heated, a wet vehicle
can corrode if the ventilation is poor.

GAS STATION INFORMATION

Fuel selection:
Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or
higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of
premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating 91
(Research Octane Number 96) or higher is recommended.

Fuel tank capacity:
70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 lmp. gal.)

Engine oil:
API SJ, ªEnergy±Conservingº multigrade engine oil or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended oil viscosity ± SAE 5W±30 if normal
temperatures are below 38 C (100F)
Oil capacity: L (qt., lmp. qt.)
Drain and refill with filter 4.7 (5.0, 4.1)
without filter 4.5 (4.8, 4.0)
See page 410 for detailed information.

Engine coolant:
Capacity: 8.8 L (9.3 qt., 7.7 lmp. qt.)
Coolant type ± ªToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
With ethylene±glycol type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of aluminum components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
For checking the engine coolant, see page 415 .

Automatic transaxle:
Fluid type ± Automatic transmission fluid Type T±IV
See page 421 for detailed information.

Tire information:
See pages 431 through 440 for detailed information.

Tire pressure:
Tire size: P205/65R15 92V or P205/60R16 91V
cold tires
kPa (kgf/cm
2 or bar, psi)
Vehicle loaded up
Vehicle load up to vehicle capacity
to 4 occupants weight
Front tires 180 (1.8, 26) 220 (2.2, 32) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear tires 180 (1.8, 26) 220 (2.2, 32) . . . . . . . . . . .
When driving under the above vehicle load conditions at
sustained high speeds above 160 km/h (100 mph), in countries
where such speeds are permitted by law, inflate the front and
rear tires 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi), but never exceed
the maximum cold tire pressure molded on the tire sidewall.