2001 Lexus ES300 maintenance

FOREWORD
i
Welcome to the growing group of value±conscious people who drive Lexus\
vehicles. We
are proud of the advanced engineering and quality construction of each v\
ehicle we build.
This
Owner's Manual explains the features of your new Lexus. Please read it and follow the
instructions carefully so that you can enjoy many years of safe motoring\
.
When it comes to service, remember that your Lexus dealer knows your veh\
icle best and
is interested in your complete satisfaction. Your Lexus dealer will provide quality
maintenance and any other assistance you may require.
If there is not a Lexus dealer near you, or you need emergency assistance \
for any reason,
please call the following number:
U.S. OWNERS

When traveling in the U.S. mainland or Canada:
Lexus Roadside Assistance 1±800±25±LEXUS (Toll±Free)
(1±800±255±3987)

HAWAII:
Lexus Customer Service Assistance 1±800±25±LEXUS (Toll±Free)
(1±800±255±3987)
CANADIAN OWNERS

Please refer to the ªOwner's Guideº or ªOwner's Manual Supplementº.
Please leave this Owner's Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next owner
will need this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the tim\
e of printing.
However, because of the Lexus policy of continual product improvement, we reserve\
the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment,
including options. Therefore, you may find some explanations for equipm\
ent not
installed on your vehicle.

INTRODUCTION
ii
New vehicle warranty
Your new vehicle is covered by the following Lexus limited
warranties:

New vehicle warranty

Emission control systems warranty

Others
For further information, please refer to the ªOwner's Guideº,
ªOwner's Manual Supplementº or ªWarranty Bookletº.
Your responsibility for maintenance
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure the specified
maintenance is performed. Section 5 of this Owner's Manual
gives details of these maintenance requirements. Included in
Section 6 is general maintenance. For scheduled
maintenance information, pl ease refer to the ªOwner's Manual
Supplement/Maintenance Scheduleº.
Accessories, spare parts and modification of
your Lexus
A wide variety of non±genuine spare parts and accessories for
Lexus vehicles are currently available in the market. You
should know that Toyota does not warrant these products and
is not responsible for their performance, repair, or
replacement, or for any damage they may cause to, or adverse
effect they may have on, your Lexus vehicle. This vehicle should not be modified with non±genuine Lexus
products. Modification with non±genuine Lexus products
could af
fect its performance, safety or durability, and may even
violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or
performance problems re sulting from the modification may not
be covered under warranty.
Spark ignition system of your Lexus
The spark ignition system in your Lexus meets all
requirements of the Canadian Interference±Causing
Equipment Standard.
Installation of a mobile two±way radio system
As the installation of a mobile two±way radio system in your
vehicle could affect electronic systems such as the multiport
fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel injection system,
cruise control system, anti±lock brake system, SRS airbag
system and seat belt pretensioner system, be sure to check
with your Lexus dealer for precautionary measures or special
instructions regarding installation.
Scrapping of your Lexus
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your
Lexus contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped
with the airbags and seat belt pretensioners left as they are,
this may cause an accident such as fire. Be sure to have the
systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner removed
and disposed of by a qualified service shop or by your Lexus
dealer before you scrap your vehicle.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
iii
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
The contents of this manual are explained briefly on this
page to help you make the best use of the manual. Please
read this page and the rest of the Owner's Manual
carefully to make sure you fully understand the operation
of your vehicle.
This will help you enjoy safe and comfortable driving.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The table of contents and the pictorial index provide easy
reference to the appropriate pages.
BASIC OPERATION ± QUICK REFERENCE
Operation of basic equipment is briefly explained in an easily
understandable way for quick reference.
SECTION 1 ± INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
The vehicle's equipment is divided into the 7 groups listed
below. Use of the equipment is explained, including any points
you should pay particular attention to.
1. Keys and doors
2. Switches
3. Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators
4. Interior equipment
5. Exterior equipment
6. Comfort adjustment
7. Theft deterrent
SECTION 2 ± AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
The features of the vehicle's air conditioning and audio are
explained in detail. Be sure to read this section so that you can
make full use of them.
SECTION 3 ± STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting the engine, driving, stopping, operation of features
affecting vehicle handling, hints on vehicle safety and safe
driving techniques are all explained. Please read everything
in this section, and remember ± drive safely!
SECTION 4 ± IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
This section explains what to do in the event of an urgent
situation such as the engine not starting or getting a flat tire,
etc. If such a problem occurs, check the contents of this
Owner's Manual and follow the instructions given.
SECTION 5 ± MAINTENANCE
This section explains the importance of regular maintenance.
Regular and periodic inspection and maintenance of your
Lexus will help to keep your vehicle in its best condition.
SECTION 6 ± SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Simple maintenance procedure and service data are provided
here for your reference should you wish to perform inspection
and maintenance yourself.

AIR CONDITIONING
233
On some models, the air conditioning filters are
behind the central instrument panel.
The air conditioning filter may clog after long use. The
filter may need to be replaced if the air flow of the air
conditioner
and heater experiences extreme reductions
in operating efficiency, or if the windows become to fog
up easily.
To maintain the air conditioning efficiency, inspect and
replace the air conditioning filter according to the
maintenance schedule. (For scheduled maintenance
information, please refer to the ªOwner's Manual
Supplement/Maintenance Scheduleº.)
CAUTION
Be careful not to touch the hot heater radiator pipes.
20E208

STARTING AND DRIVING
276
To ensure that the three±way catalytic
converter and the entire emission controlsystem operate properly, your vehicle mustreceive the periodic inspections required bythe Lexus Maintenance Schedule. Forscheduled maintenance information, refer tothe ªOwner's Manual
Supplement/Maintenance Scheduleº.ENGINE EXHAUST CAUTION

DRIVING TIPS
333
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle's tires are properly inflated.
Adjust the tire pressure to the recommended cold tire
pressure indicated below:
Tire pressure, kPa (kgf/cm
2 or bar, psi)
Front 220 (2.2, 32)
Rear 220 (2.2, 32)
 The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure
recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect
to the total trailer weight.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights must comply with federal,
state/provincial and local regulations. See your local
recreational vehicle dealer or rental agency for the
correct type of wiring and relays for your trailer.
Check for correct operation of the turn signals and
stop lights each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may
damage your vehicle's electrical system and cause a
malfunction of your lights.
Break±in schedule
 Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with
a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train
component (engine, transmission, differential, wheel
bearing, etc.) for the first 800 km (500 miles) of
driving.
Maintenance
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more
frequent maintenance due to the additional load. For
this information, please refer to the scheduled
maintenance information in the ªOwner's Manual
Supplement/ Maintenance Scheduleº.
 Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket
after approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer
driving.
Pre±towing safety check
 Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded
or unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the
vehicle has an abnormal nose±up or nose±down
condition, and check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible causes.
 Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that
it cannot shift.
 Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any
federal, state/provincial or local regulations. If they
do not, install required rear view mirrors appropriate
for towing purposes.

DRIVING TIPS
339

Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing
down. Stop±and±go driving wastes fuel.
 Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a steady pace. Try to time the traffic si gnals
so you only need to stop as little as possible or take
advantage of through streets to avoid traffic lights.
Keep a proper distance from other vehicles to avoid
sudden braking. This will also reduce wear on your
brakes.
 Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever
possible.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. This
causes premature wear, overheating and poor fuel
economy.
 Maintain a moderate speed on highways. The
faster you drive, the greater the fuel consumption. By
reducing your speed, you will cut down on fuel
consumption.
 Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid
hitting the curb and slow down on rough roads.
Improper alignment not only causes faster tire wear
but also puts an extra load on the engine, which, in
turn, wastes fuel.
 Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud
etc. This not only lessens weight but also helps
prevent corrosion. 
Keep your vehicle tuned±up and in top shape. A
dirty air cleaner, improper valve clearance, dirty
plugs, dirty oil and grease, brakes not adjusted, etc.
all lower engine performance and contribute to poor
fuel economy. For longer life of all parts and lower
operating costs, keep all maintenance work on
schedule, and if you often drive under severe
conditions, see that your vehicle receives more
frequent maintenance. (For scheduled maintenance
information, please refer to the ªOwner's Manual
Supplement/Maintenance Scheduleº.)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
347


5Discharged battery 6Booster batteryJUMP STARTING PROCEDURE
1. If the booster battery is installed in another vehicle,
make sure the vehicles are not touching. Turn off all
unnecessary lights and accessories.
2. If required, remove all the vent plugs from the booster
battery. Lay a cloth over the open vents on the booster
battery. (This helps reduce the explosion hazard,
personal injuries and burns.)
If the booster battery is an extended maintenance
interval battery, it is not necessary to remove the vent
plugs.
3. If the engine in the vehicle with the booster battery is
not running, start it and let it run for about 5 minutes.
During jump starting, run the engine at about 2000 rpm
with the accelerator pedal lightly depressed.
4. Locate po
sitive (+) and negative (±) terminals of each
battery. Connect the jumper cables in the exact order
(
1 2 3 4) shown in the illustration.
1 Connect a positive (red) jumper cable clamp to the
positive (+) terminal of the discharged battery.
2 Connect the clamp at the other end of the positive
(red) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the booster
battery.
3 Connect a negative (black) cable clamp to the
negative (±) terminal of the booster battery.
4Connect the clamp at the other end of the negative