2003 Lexus ES300 specifications

FOREWORD
i
Congratulations on your selection of this Lexus. In Lexus vehicles we h\
ave invested all our engineering and design resources; all
the know−
how we have gained in over 60 years of making automobiles; the highest m\
otivation of our most talented employees; and
our tradition of incessant striving toward ever greater quality.
This Owner’s Manual explains the features of your new Lexus. Please read it and fol\
low the instructions carefully so that you can
enjoy many years of safe motoring.
When it comes to service, remember that your Lexus dealer knows your vehicle bes\
t and is interested in your complete satisfaction.
Your Lexus dealer will provide quality maintenance and any other assistan\
ce you may require.
If there is not a Lexus dealer near you, or you need emergency assistanc\
e for any reason, please call the following number:
U.S. OWNERS
 When traveling in the U.S. mainland or Canada:
Lexus Roadside Assistance 180025LEXUS (TollFree)
(18002553987)
 HAWAII:
Lexus Customer Service Assistance 180025LEXUS (TollFree)
(18002553987)
CANADIAN OWNERS
 When traveling in Canada or the U.S. mainland:
Lexus Roadside Assistance/Customer Service 180026LEXUS (TollFree)
(18002653987)
Please leave this Owner’s Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next owner will nee\
d this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time o\
f printing. However, because of the Lexus policy
of continual product improvement, we reserve the right to make changes a\
t 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 equipment not installed on your vehicle.

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 occu rs, 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.

SECTION 6 – 1
295
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Introduction
Vehicle identification296
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.
Engine compartment overview 297
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Do−it−yourself service precautions 298
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts and tools 299
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. . . . .
Positioning the jack 301
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.

SECTION 6 – 2
304
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications305
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. . . . . .
Fuel 308
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption 310
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil 311
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. . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 312
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Checking the engine coolant level 315
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Checking the radiator and condenser 317
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 317
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. . . . . . . .

ENGINE
305
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERALModel
1MZ − FE
Type6 cylinder V type, 4 cycle, gasoline
Bore and stroke87.5  83 mm (3.44  3.27 in.)
Displacement2995 cm3 (182.8 cu. in.)
Valve clearance (engine cold)
Intake
Exhaust0.15 − 0.25 mm (0.006 − 0.010 in.)
0.25 − 0.35 mm (0.010 − 0.014 in.)
Drive belt tension (with Borroughs drive belt
tension gauge No. BT− 33−73F)115  20 lb.
FUEL
Fuel type
Only UNLEADED
Octane Rating87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher

ENGINE
308
FUEL
Fuel type
Your vehicle must use only unleaded gasoline.
To help prevent gas station mixups, your Lexus has a smaller
fuel tank opening. The special nozzle on pumps with unleaded
fuel will fit it, but the larger standard nozzle on pumps with
leaded gas will not.
At a minimum, the gasoline you use should meet the
specifications of ASTM D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB
3.5−M93 in Canada.
NOTICE
Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of leaded gasoline will
cause the threeway catalytic converter to lose its
effectiveness and the emission control system to
function improperly. Also, this can increase
maintenance costs.
Octane rating
Select Octane Rating 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. Use of unleaded fuel with an Octane Rating or Research
Octane Number lower than stated above will cause persistent
heavy
knocking. If it is severe, this will lead to engine damage.
If your engine knocks ...
If you detect heavy knocking even when using the
recommended fuel, or if you hear steady knocking while
holding a steady speed on level roads, consult your Lexus
dealer.
However, occasionally, you may notice light knocking for a
short time while accelerating or driving up hills. This is normal
and there is no need for concern.
Gasolines containing detergent additives
Lexus recommends the use of gasoline that contain
detergent a dditives to avoid buildup of engine deposits.
For further details, ask your Lexus dealer or a local gasoline
retailer.
Quality gasoline
Automobile manufacturers in U.S., Europe and Japan
have developed a specificat ion for quality fuel named
WorldWide Fuel Charter (WWFC) that is expected to be
applied world wide. The WWFC consists of three
categories that depend on required emission levels. In the
U.S., category 3 has been adopted. The WWFC improves
air quality by providing for better emissions in vehicle
fleets, and customer satisfaction through better vehicle
performance.

SECTION 6 – 3
318
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications319
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. . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 322
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.
Checking power steering fluid 323
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 324
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Rotating tires 326
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. . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 326
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 329
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Replacing wheels 330
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. . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 331
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 332
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHASSIS
319
SPECIFICATIONS
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLEFluid capacity Drain and refill
3.1 L (3.3 qt., 2.7 lmp. qt.)
Fluid typeToyota Genuine ATF Type TIV*
*Change automatic transmission fluid only as necessary.
Generally, it is necessary to change automatic transmission
fluid only if your vehicle is driven under one of the Special
Operating Conditions listed in your “Owner’s Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance”. When changing the
automatic transmission fluid, use only “Toyota Genuine ATF
Type T−IV” (ATF JWS3309 or NWS6500) to aid in assuring
optimum transaxle performance.NOTICE
Using automatic transmission fluid other than “Toyota
Genuine ATF Type TIV” may cause deterioration in
shift quality, locking up of your transmission
accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage the
automatic transmission of your vehicle.
Please contact your Lexus dealer for further details.