2002 Lexus ES300 Owner's Manuals (in English)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
276
3. Tighten the front towing eyelet securely by a wheel nut
wrench.
NOTICE
Make sure the front towing eyelet is tightened securely,
or it may be loosened or removed when towing the
vehicle.
IF YOU CANNOT SHIFT
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER
If you cannot shift the selector lever out of “P” position to
other positions even though the brake pedal is depressed,
use the shift lock override button as follows:
1 Turn the ignition key to “LOCK”. Make sure the parking
brake is applied.
2Pry up the cover with a flatbladed screwdriver or
equivalent.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
277
3Push down the shift lock override button. You can shift out
of “P” position only while pushing the button.
4 Shift into “N” position.
Insert the cover . Start the engine. For your safety, keep
the brake pedal depressed.
Be sure to have the system checked by your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible.
IF YOU LOSE YOUR KEYS OR LOCK YOURSELF OUT
You can purchase a new key at your Lexus dealer if you
can give them the key number and master key, because
your vehicle is equipped with the engine immobiliser
system.
Even if you lose only one key, contact your Lexus dealer to
make a new key. However, if you lose all your master keys, the
dealer cannot duplicate key but only replace the whole system.
See the suggestion given in “Keys” on page 8.
You can use the wireless remote control system with the new
key. Contact your Lexus dealer for detailed information.
If your keys are locked in the vehicle and you cannot get a
duplicate, many Lexus dealers can still open the door for you,
using t heir special tools. If you must break a window to get in,
we suggest breaking the smallest side window because it is the
least expensive to replace. Be extremely cautious to avoid
cuts from the glass.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
278

SECTION 5
279
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance requirements280
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General maintenance 281
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\

Does your vehicle need repairing? 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs 285
. . . . . . . .
For scheduled maintenance informa tion, please refer
to the “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenance”.

MAINTENANCE
280
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Your Lexus vehicle has been designed to have fewer
maintenance requirements with longer service intervals to
save both your time and money. However, each regular
maintenance as well as daytoday care is more important
than ever before to ensure smooth, troublefree, safe, and
economical driving.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure the specified
maintenance, including general maintenance services, is
performed. Note that both the new vehicle and emission
control system warranties specify that proper maintenance
and care must be performed. See the “Owner’s Guide”,
“Owner’s Manual Supplement” or “Warranty Booklet” for
complete warranty information.
General maintenance
General maintenance items are those daytoday care
practices that are important to your vehicle for proper
operation. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the
general maintenance items are performed regularly.
These checks or inspections can be done either by yourself or
your Lexus dealer.
Scheduled maintenance
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the “Owner’s
Manual Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance” are those
required to be serviced at regular intervals.
For details of your maintenance schedule, read the “Owner’s
Manual Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance”.
It is recommended that any replacement parts used for
maintenance or for the repair of the emission control
system be Lexus supplied.
The owner may elect to use nonLexus supplied parts for
replacement purposes without invalidating the emission
control system warranty. However, use of replacement
parts which are not of equivalent quality may impair the
effectiveness of the emission control systems.
You may also elect to have maintenance, replacement, or
repair of the emission control devices and system
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual without invalidating this warranty. See
“Owner’s Guide”, “Owner’s Manual Supplement” or
“Warranty Booklet” for complete warranty information.

MAINTENANCE
281
Where to go for service?
Lexus technicians are welltrained specialists and are kept up
to date with the latest service information through technical
bulletins, service tips, and indealership training programs.
They are well informed about the operation of all the systems
on your vehicle.
You can be confident that your Lexus dealer’s service
department performs the best job to meet the maintenance
requirements of your vehicle.
Your copy of the repair order is proof that all required
maintenance has been performed for warranty coverage. And
if any problems should arise with your vehicle while under
warranty, your Lexus dealer will promptly take care of it. Again,
be sure to keep a copy of the repair order for any service
performed on your Lexus.
What about doityourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself, if you
have a little mechanical ability and a few basic automotive
tools. Simple instructions for how to perform them are
presented in Section 6.
If you are a skilled doityourself mechanic, the Lexus service
manuals are recommended. Please be aware that
doityourself maintenance can affect your warranty
coverage. See your “Owner ’s Guide”, “Owner’s Manual
Supplement” or “Warranty Booklet” for the details.
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 315 for additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive wear.
See page 316 for additional information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary.

MAINTENANCE
282Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the maintenance schedule. (For
scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the
“Owner’s Manual Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance”.)
See page 316 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.
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlight, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal
lights, and other lights are working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified freeplay. Be alert for changes
in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive
freeplay or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters,
seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly. Ch eck that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold
securely in any latched position.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors
and anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the
belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.

MAINTENANCE
283
Accelerator pedal
Check
the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal ef fort
or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and freeplay. Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the pedal has the proper travel and that, on a safe
incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.
Automatic transmission “Park” mechanism
Check the lock release button of the selector lever for proper
and smooth operation. On a safe incline, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in “P” 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 336 for
additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the seethrough reservoir when the engine is cold. See page
306 for additional information.
Radiator, condenser and hoses
Check that the front of the radiator and condenser are clean
and not blocked with leaves, dirt, or insects. See page 308 for
additional information.
Battery
Check the battery condition by the indicator color. See page
329 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 313 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 304 for additional
information.