2003 Lexus ES300 fuel cap

GAS STATION INFORMATION
Fuel selection:
Select unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 87
(Research Octane Number 91) or higher. For improved
vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded
gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91 (Research Octane
Number 96) or higher is recommended.
 Fuel tank capacity:
70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 lmp. gal.)
 Engine oil:
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
Oil grade: API grade SL “Energy −Conserving” or ILSAC
multigrade engine oil
Recommended oil viscosity: SAE 5W −30
Oil capacity: L (qt., lmp. qt.)
Drain and refill With filter 4.7 (5.0, 4.1)
Without filter 4.5 (4.8, 4.0)
See page 312 for detailed information. 
Engine coolant:
Capacity: 9.2 L (9.7 qt., 8.2 lmp. qt.)
Coolant type − “Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” or
equivalent
With ethylene −glycol type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of aluminum components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
For checking the engine coolant, see page 315 .
 Automatic transaxle:
Fluid type − Toyota Genuine ATF Type T −IV
See page 319 for detailed information.
 Tire information:
See pages 324 through 331 for detailed information.
 Tire pressure:
Tire size: P215/60R16 94V
Tire pressure:
Front 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 29 psi)
Rear 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm2 or bar, 29 psi)
For sustained high speeds above 160 km/h (99 mph), in
countries where such speeds are permitted by law, add 40
kPa (0.4 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 6 psi) to the front tires and rear tires,
but never exceed the maximum cold tire pressure molded
on the tire sidewall.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
48
FUEL GAUGE
Low fuel level warning light
The gauge is displayed when the ignition switch is on and
indicates the approximate quantity of fuel remaining in the
tank.
It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4 full.
If the fuel level approaches “E” or the low fuel level warning light\
comes on, fill the fuel tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the tank,
the fuel gauge needle may fluctuate or the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than usual.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the malfunction indicator
lamp comes on. Fill the fuel tank immediately.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times. If the
indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible. See the inner back cover for fuel capacity and recommended
fuel selection.
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
 Normal range
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature when
the ignition switch is on. The engine operating
temperature will vary with changes in weather and engine
load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your vehicle
and allow the engine to cool.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
55

Empty fuel tank
If the fuel tank is empty, refuel immediately.
 Loose fuel tank cap
If the fuel tank cap is loose, securely tighten it.
These cases are temporary malfunctions. The malfunction
indicator lamp will go off after taking several driving trips.
If the lamp will not go off even after the several trips, contact
your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
If the fuel tank is not empty or the fuel tank cap is not
loose...
 There is a problem somewhere in the engine, emission
control system, electronic throttle control system, automatic
transmission electrical system or warning light system itself.
Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible to service the
vehicle.
If the engine speed does not increase with the accelerator
pedal depressed down, there may be a problem somewhere
in your electronic throttle control system.
At this time, vibration may occur. However, if you depress the
accelerator pedal more firmly and slowly, you can drive your
vehicle at low speeds. Have your vehicle checked by your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Even if the abnormality of the electronic throttle control system
is corrected during low speed driving, the system may not be
recovered until the engine is stopped and the ignition key is
turned to “ACC” or “LOCK” position.
CAUTION
Be especially careful to prevent erroneous pedal
operation.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
Your vehicle may not pass a state emission inspection if the
malfunction indicator lamp remains on. Contact your Lexus
dealer to check your vehicle’s emission control system and
OBD (On −Board Diagnostics) system before taking your
vehicle for the inspection.
For details, see “Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M)
programs” on page 293.
(i) “ABS” Warning Light
Vehicles without vehicle skid control system—
The light comes on with the ignition key turned to the “ON”
position. If the anti −lock brake system works properly, the light
turns off after a few seconds. Thereafter, if the system
malfunctions, the light comes on again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti− lock brake system does not
operate, but the brake system still operates conventionally.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti− lock brake system does not
operate so that the wheels could lock up during a sudden
braking or braking on slippery road surfaces.

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INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
81
LUGGAGE STOWAGEPRECAUTIONS
When stowing luggage or cargo in the vehicle, observe
the following:
Put luggage or cargo in the trunk when at all possible. Be
sure all items are secured in place.
 Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as
far forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
 For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.
CAUTION
Do not place anything on the package tray behind the
rear seatback. Such items may be thrown about and
possibly injure people in the vehicle during sudden
braking or an accident.
 Do not drive with objects left on top of the instrument
panel. They may interfere with the driver’s field of
view. Or they may move during sharp vehicle
acceleration or turning, and impair the driver’s
control of the vehicle. In an accident they may injure
the vehicle occupants.
NOTICE
Do not load the vehicle beyond the vehicle capacity
weight specified on the tire pressure label.

SECTION 1 – 5
83
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Exterior equipment
Hood84
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Trunk lid 85
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Fuel tank cap 87
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Moon roof 90
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EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
87
Internal trunk release handle
If a person is locked in the trunk, he/she can pull down the
phosphorescent handle on the inside of trunk lid to open
the trunk lid.
The phosphorescent (glow−in− the− dark) handle will continue
to glow for a time after the trunk lid is closed. Exposing the
handle to stronger light will cause it to glow longer.
CAUTION
 Always lock the trunk lid and all doors, and keep
away the vehicle keys out of children’s reaches.
 Never leave children unattended in the vehicle.
Unsupervised children may lock themselves in the
vehicle or trunk and suffer serious injuries or death.
FUEL TANK CAP
This indicates that the fuel filler door is on the left side of
your vehicle.

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
88
1. To open the fuel filler door, push the switch.
When refueling, turn off the engine.
CAUTION
Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames
when refuelling. The fumes are flammable.
 When opening the cap, do not remove the cap
quickly. In hot weather, fuel under pressure could
cause injury by spraying out of the filler neck if the
cap is suddenly removed.
2. To remove the fuel tank cap, turn the cap
counterclockwise by 90 degrees (to the pressure point
1
), and then turn it an additional 30 degrees (to
point 2 ). Pause slightly before removing it.
Although a click will be heard as you turn the cap to point
1
,
it does not indicate that the cap can be removed.
It is not unusual to hear a slight swoosh when the cap is
opened.

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
89
3. The removed cap can be stored on the back side of the
fuel filler door.
Position the cap so that the hooks point to the left and right, and
set it in the receptacle on the back side of the door. When installing the cap, turn the cap clockwise until you
hear one click. When you hear the click, the cap is fully
closed.
If the cap is not tightened securely, the malfunction indicator
lamp comes on. Make sure the cap is tightened securely.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times. If the
indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible.
CAUTION

Make sure the cap is installed securely to prevent fuel
spillage in case of an accident.
 Use only a genuine Lexus fuel tank cap for
replacement. It is designed to regulate fuel tank
pressure.
NOTICE
Observe the following precautions. Otherwise, the cap
could be damaged or become hard to open.
Apply force only in the turning direction to the cap.
Do not pull or pry it.
 Do not tighten the cap further after you hear one click
when installing.