2001 Lexus IS300 maintenance

1.
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 operation of your new Lexus. Please read it
thoroughly and have all the occupants follow instructions carefully. Doing so will
help you enjoy many years of safe and thouble±free motoring. For important
information about this manual and your Lexus, read the following pages c\
arefully.
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 ºOwner's Guideº or ºOwner'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 time 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.

2.
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 ºOwner's Guideº,
ºOwner's Manual Supplementº or ºWarranty 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 ºOwner'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.

3.
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
129
SS21015
3. Take out the air filter.
If it is dirty, it should be replaced. To maintain the air
conditioning efficiency, replace the air filter according to the
maintenance schedule. (For scheduled maintenance
information, please refer to the ºOwner's Manual Supplement
/ Maintenance Scheduleº.)
NOTICE
Do not drive with the air filter removed, or the efficiency
of air conditioning may be lost.
(d) Operating tips
 To help cool down the interior after parking in the hot sun,
drive for the first few minutes with the windows open. After
the excess heat has blown away, close the windows.
 Make sure the air inlet grilles in front of the windshield are
not blocked by leaves or other obstructions.
 If air flow control is not satisfactory, check the dashboard
vents. (See ºCenter ventsº and ºSide ventsº.)
 On humid days, do not blow cold air on the windshield. The
windshield could fog up because of the difference in air
temperature on the inside and outside of the windshield.
 Keep the area under the front seats clear to allow air to
circulate throughout the vehicle.
 On cold days, push the fan speed selector to adjust the fan
speed high for a minute to help clear the intake ducts of
snow or moisture. This can reduce the amount of fogging
on the windows.
 When driving on dusty roads, close all windows. If dust
thrown up by the vehicle is still drawn into the vehicle after
closing the windows, it is recommended that the air intake
control button be left to the OUTSIDE AIR mode and the fan
speed control dial be turned to anywhere except the ºOFFº
button.
 If following another vehicle on a dusty road, or driving in
windy and dusty conditions, it is recommended that the air
intake control button be temporarily pressed in to the
RECIRCULATED AIR mode, which will close off the outside
passage and prevent outside air and dust from entering the
vehicle interior.

STARTING AND DRIVING
162
To ensure that the three±way catalytic converter and
the entire emission control system operate properly,your vehicle must receive the periodic inspectionsrequired by the Lexus Maintenance Schedule. Forscheduled maintenance information, refer to theºOwner's Manual Supplement/MaintenanceScheduleº.ENGINE EXHAUST CAUTION
CAUTION
 Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust. It contains
carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless
gas. It can cause unconsciousness or even death.
 Make sure the exhaust system has no holes or loose
connections. The system should be checked from
time to time. If you hit something, or notice a change
in the sound of the exhaust, have the system checked
immediately.
 Do not run the engine in a garage or enclosed area
except for the time needed to drive the vehicle in or
out. The exhaust gases cannot escape, making this
a particularly dangerous situation.
 Do not remain for a long time in a parked vehicle with
the engine running. If it is unavoidable, however, do
so only in an unconfined area and adjust the heating
or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle.
 Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. An open or
unsealed trunk lid may cause exhaust gases to be
drawn into the vehicle.

DRIVING TIPS
195


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 ºOwner's Manual
Supplement / Maintenance Scheduleº.)
CAUTION
Never turn off the engine to coast down hills. Your
power steering and brake booster will not function
without the engine running. Also, the emission control
system operates properly only when the engine is
running.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
201
SV04019

5Discharged battery 6Booster battery
JUMP 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 positive (+) and negative (±) terminals of each
battery. Conn ect 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.
2Connect the clamp at the other end of the positive (red)
cable to the positive (+) terminal of the booster battery.
3Connect a negative (black) cable clamp to the negative
(±) terminal of the booster battery.
4Connect the clamp at the other end of the negative (black)
cable to a solid, stationary, unpainted metallic point (such
as shown in the illustration) away from the battery. Do not
connect it to or near any part that moves when the engine
is cranked.

SECTION 5
219
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance requirements220
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General maintenance 221
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Does your vehicle need repairing? 224
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For scheduled maintenance information, please refer
to the ºScheduled Maintenance Guideº or ºOwner'sManual Supplementº.