2001 Lexus IS300 brake

MAINTENANCE
223
Automatic transmission ºParkº mechanism
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in ºPº position and all brakes released.
Engine compartment
Items listed below should be checked from time to time,
e.g. each time when refueling.
Washer fluid
Make
sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See page 272 for
additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the Upper and Lower
lines on the see±through reservoir when the engine is cold.
See page 243 for additional information.
Battery
Your Lexus has a maintenance free battery. You do not have
to add distilled water. For longer life of the battery, however,
see page 266 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 250 for
additional information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and
the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 240 for additional
information. Power steering fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in the
ºHOTº or ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid temperature.
See page 251 for additional information.
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell
exhaust fumes, have the cause located and corrected
immediately. (See engine exhaust cautions in Section 3±1.)

MAINTENANCE
224
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEEDREPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and
visual tip±offs that indicate service is needed. Some important
clues are:

Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging

Appreciable loss of power

Strange engine noises

A fluid leak under the vehicle (however, water dripping from
the air conditioning after use is normal.)

Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous
carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked immediately.)

Flat±looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering,
uneven tire wear

Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level
road

Strange noises related to suspension movement

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal,
pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to one side when
braking

Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs adjustment or
repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the vehicle unchecked. It
could result in serious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.

INTRODUCTION
227
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
1Battery
2Fuse box
3Engine oil filler cap
4Engine oil leveldipstick
5Brake fluid reservoir
6Washer fluid tank
7Power steering fluidreservoir
8Engine coolantreservoir
SV61005

INTRODUCTION
230
Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):

FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking power steering fluid
Parts (if level is low):

Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III
Tools:

Rag or paper towel

Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking battery condition
Tools:

Warm water

Baking soda

Grease

Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Checking and replacing the blade type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):

Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Checking the cartridge type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):

Genuine Lexus fuse or equivalent with same amperage
rating as original
Adding washer fluid
Parts:

Water

Washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
Tools:

Funnel

INTRODUCTION
231
POSITIONING THE JACK
SV61006
Front of vehicle
When jacking up your vehicle with the jack, position the
jack correctly as shown in the illustration.
Jack position
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front± Front crossmember
Rear± Rear engine mounting bracket
Support position and Pantograph jack
. . . . . . . . . . . .
CAUTION
When jacking, be sure to observe the following to
reduce the possibility of personal injury:

Follow jacking instructions.

Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle
supported by a jack. Personal injury may occur.

Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is
supported by the jack.

Stop the vehicle on a level firm ground, firmly set the
parking brake and put the transmission in reverse.
Block the wheel diagonally opposite to the one being
changed if necessary.

Make sure to set the jack properly in the jack point.
Raising the vehicle with jack improperly positioned
will damage the vehicle or may allow the vehicle to fall
off the jack and cause personal injury.

Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is
supported by the jack alone; use vehicle support
stands.

Do not raise the vehicle with someone in the vehicle.

When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or
under the jack.

SECTION 6 ± 3
245
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications246
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 250
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.
Checking power steering fluid 251
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 252
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 253
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 254
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 257
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 258
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 259
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 259
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHASSIS
247
± BRAKES
Pedal clearance *
1
Pedal free play
Brake pad wear limit
Parking brake lining wear limit
Parking brake adjustment *
2
Fluid type
99 mm (3.9 in.) Min.
2.0 ± 4.5 mm (0.08 ± 0.18 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
5 ± 8 clicks
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
*1Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with the force of 490 N (49 kgf,\
110 lbf.) with the engine running
*
2Parking brake adjustment when pulled with the force of 196 N (20 kgf, 4\
4 lbf.)
± STEERING Free play
Power steering fluid
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III

CHASSIS
250
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
SV63001
To check the fluid level, simply look at the see±through
reservoir. The level should be between the ºMAXº and
ºMINº lines on the tank.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the
brake pads wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is
high.
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.
Refilling brake fluid:
1. Turn the ignition switch off.
2. Depress the brake pedal more than 40 times.
3. Remove the reservoir cap by hand. Add brake fluid up to the
ºMAXº line. If you do not follow the procedure above, the reservoir may
overflow.
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 eyes, flush your eyes with
clean water immediately. If you still feel uncomfortable
with your eyes, go to the doctor.
NOTICE
If you spill some of the fluid, be sure to wipe it off to prevent it from damaging the parts or paintwork.