2001 Lexus ES300 low oil pressure

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viii
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge56
. . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 286
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 284 . . . . . .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ªODO/TRIPº knob 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Low fuel level warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low washer fluid warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 SRS warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Vehicle skid control system off
indicator light 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Low engine oil level warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 35
. . . . . . . . . . .
19 Headlight indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Slip indicator light 301, 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low oil pressure warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Seat belt reminder light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Cruise control indicator light 297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Vehicle skid control system warning light 65 . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
x
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge56
. . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 286
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 284 . . . . . .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ªODO/TRIPº knob 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Low fuel level warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low washer fluid warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 SRS warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Vehicle skid control system off
indicator light 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Low engine oil level warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 35
. . . . . . . . . . .
19 Tail light indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Slip indicator light 301, 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low oil pressure warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Seat belt reminder light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Cruise control indicator light 297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Vehicle skid control system warning light 65 . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xii
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge56
. . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 286
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 284 . . . . . .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ªODO/TRIPº knob 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Low fuel level warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low washer fluid warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 SRS warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Traction control system off
indicator/warning light 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Low engine oil level warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 35
. . . . . . . . . . .
19 Headlight indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Slip indicator light 301, 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low oil pressure warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Seat belt reminder light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Cruise control indicator light 297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xiv
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge56
. . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 286
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 284 . . . . . .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ªODO/TRIPº knob 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Low fuel level warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low washer fluid warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 SRS warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Traction control system off
indicator/warning light 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Low engine oil level warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 35
. . . . . . . . . . .
19 Tail light indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Slip indicator light 301, 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low oil pressure warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Seat belt reminder light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Cruise control indicator light 297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
64
(e) Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil pressure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are driving, pull off the
road to a safe place and stop the engine immediately.
Call a Lexus dealer or qualified repair shop for
assistance.
The light may occasionally flicker when the engine is
idling or it may come on briefly after a hard stop. There
is no cause for concern if it then goes out when the
engine is accelerated slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level is extremely
low. It is not designed to indicate low oil level, and the
oil level must be checked using the oil level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the warning light on± even for one block. It may ruin the engine.
(f) Low Engine Oil Level Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil level is too low. Add
oil as soon as possible. (For instructions, see ªChecking
the engine oil levelº on page 410.)
While driving on steep inclines or rough roads which
causes the vehicle to substantially sway or on curves,
this light may come on due to the movement of engine
oil in the engine.
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oilwill damage the engine.
(g) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See ªFuel gaugeº on page 54 for instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely. (See ªFuel tank capº on page 108 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your engine or automatic transmission electrical system.
If it comes on while you are driving in case ªc.º, have your
vehicle checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon
as possible.

MAINTENANCE
382
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Listed below are the general maintenance items that
should be performed at the intervals specified. It is
recommended that any problem you notice be brought
to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service
shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only where adequate ventilation can
be obtained if you run the engine.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to
time, unless otherwise specified.
Tire pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks, or at
least once a month and adjust as shown on the tire
pressure label. See page 431 for a dditional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive
wear. See page 433 for additional information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary. Tire rotation
Rotate
the tires according to the maintenance schedule.
(For scheduled maintenance information, please refer to
the ªOwner's Manual Supplement/Maintenance
Scheduleº.) See page 432 for additional information.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other
fluid after the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you
smell fuel fumes or notice any leak, have the cause
found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors, including trunk lid, operate
smoothly and all latches lock securely. Make sure the
engine hood secondary latch secures the hood when the
primary latch is released.

ENGINE
407
FACTS ABOUT ENGINE OILCONSUMPTION
Functions of engine oil
Engine oil has the primary function of lubricating and
cooling the inside of the engine, and plays a major role
in maintaining the engine in proper working order.
Engine oil consumption
It is normal that an engine should consume some
engine oil during normal engine operation. The
causes of oil consumption in a normal engine are as
follows.
Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston rings and
cylinders. A thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall
when a piston moves downwards in the cylinder.
High negative pressure generated when the vehicle
is decelerating sucks some of this oil into the
combustion chamber. This oil as well as some part of
the oil film left on the cylinder wall is burned by the
high temperature combustion gases during the
combustion process.
 Oil is also used to lubricate the stems of the intake
valves. Some of this oil is sucked into the combustion
chamber together with the intake air and is burned
along with the fuel. High temperature exhaust gases
also burn the oil used to lubricate the exhaust valve stems.
The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the
viscosity of the oil, the quality of the oil and the way
the vehicle is driven.
More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as
high speeds and frequent acceleration and
deceleration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since its pistons,
piston rings and cylinder walls have not become
conditioned.
When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep
in mind that the oil may have become diluted,
making it difficult to judge the true level accurately.
For example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips
and consumes a normal amount of oil, the dipstick may
not show any drop in the oil level at all, even after 1000
km (600 miles) or more. This is because the oil is
gradually becoming diluted with fuel or moisture, making
it appear that the oil level has not changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle
is then driven at high speeds, as on an expressway,
making it appear that oil is excessively consumed after
driving at high speeds.

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.