2001 Lexus IS300 coolant level

8.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viii
Page
1 Tachometer37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Headlight high beam indicator light 24
. . . . . . . . . . .
3 Low engine oil level warning light 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic headlight leveling system warning
light 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
5 Turn signal indicator lights 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Cruise control indicator light 177
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Momentary fuel consumption meter 36. . . . . . . . . . .
8 Voltmeter36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Engine coolant temperature gauge 35
. . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Anti±lock brake system warning light 43
. . . . . . . . . .
11 Malfunction indicator lamp 43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Fuel gauge 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Low fuel level warning light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Odometer and trip meter 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Power mode indicator light 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
16 Snow mode indicator light
168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 ODO/TRIP knob 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Automatic transmission indicator lights 166 . . . . . .
19 M mode indicator 170
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Gear position indicator for manual control 170 . . . .
21 Rear light failure warning light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Security indicator light 118. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Traction control system
off indicator/warning light 44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Low oil pressure warning light 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Slip indicator light 180
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Brake system warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 SRS warning light 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 Open door warning light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30 Driver's seat belt reminder light 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
x
Page
1 Tachometer37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Headlight high beam indicator light 24
. . . . . . . . . . .
3 Low engine oil level warning light 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic headlight leveling system warning
light 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
5 Turn signal indicator lights 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Cruise control indicator light 177
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Momentary fuel consumption meter 36. . . . . . . . . . .
8 Voltmeter36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Engine coolant temperature gauge 35
. . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Anti±lock brake system warning light 43
. . . . . . . . . .
11 Malfunction indicator lamp 43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Fuel gauge 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Low fuel level warning light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Odometer and trip meter 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Power mode indicator light 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
16 Snow mode indicator light
168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 ODO/TRIP knob 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Automatic transmission indicator lights 166 . . . . . .
19 M mode indicator 170
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Gear position indicator for manual control 170 . . . .
21 Rear light failure warning light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Security indicator light 118. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Traction control system
off indicator/warning light 44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Low oil pressure warning light 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Slip indicator light 180
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Brake system warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 SRS warning light 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 Open door warning light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30 Driver's seat belt reminder light 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DRIVING TIPS
192
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have a proper freeze protection of engine
coolant.
Your coolant must contain ethylene±glycol type coolant for a
proper corrosion protection of aluminum components. Use
ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent. See ºChecking the
engine coolant levelº on page 243 for instructions.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
When it is extremely cold, we recommend to use 60% solution
for your Lexus, to provide protection down to about ±50C
(±58 F). Do not use more than 70% solution for better coolant
performance.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter
starting. Page 266 tells you how to visually inspect the battery.
Your Lexus dealer and most service stations will be pleased to
check the battery charge level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
See page 242 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy
summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Lexus dealer ± they will be pleased to help. Check the electronic ignition system for loose
connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt
lock de±icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto
parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute because it may damage your vehicle's paint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility
it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ºPº and block the front
wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water
accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism may
freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering
difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
203
B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning.
Check the following.

Is the cooling fan operating?
 Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
 Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
 Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the
engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out
under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the
acceptable range, turn off the engine and call your Lexus
dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant
temperature has cooled to normal, continue driving your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your
vehicle overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible
by your Lexus dealer.
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move
cautiously off the road to a safe place ± well away from the
traffic. A void stopping on the center divider of a highway. Park
on a level spot with firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Firmly set the pa rking brake and put the transmission in ºPº.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side away from
traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.
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 a vehicle
supported by a jack. Personal injury may occur.
 Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is
supported by the jack.

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
229
NOTICE

Remember that battery and ignition cables carry high
currents or voltages. Be careful of accidentally causing a short circuit.

Before closing the engine hood, check to see that you
have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc.

Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or excessive engine wear could result. Also backfiringcould cause a fire in the engine compartment.

Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, or thetransmission could be damaged.

Be careful not to scratch the glass surface with thewiper frame.
PARTS AND TOOLS
Here is a list of parts and tools you will need to perform
do±it±yourself maintenance. Remember all Lexus parts are
designed in metric sizes, so your tools must be metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):

Use API grade SJ, ºEnergy±Conservingº multigrade engine
oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil. For recommended oil
viscosity, see page 242.
Tools:

Rag or paper towel

Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):

ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
See ºChecking the engine coolant levelº on page 243 for
instructions.

Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)