2004 Lexus ES330 maintenance

MAINTENANCE
349
EMISSIONS INSPECTION
AND MAINTENANCE (I/M)
PROGRAMS
Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs
which include OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) checks.
The OBD system monitors the operation of the emission
control system. When the OBD system determines that a
problem exists somewhere in the emission control system, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on. In this case, your vehicle
may not pass the I/M test and need to be repaired. Contact your
Lexus dealer to service the vehicle.
Even if the malfunction indicator lamp does not come on, your
vehicle may not pass the I/M test as readiness codes have not
been set in the OBD system.
Readiness codes are automatically set during ordinary driving.
However, when the battery is disconnected or run down, the
codes are erased. Also, depending on your driving habits, the
codes may not be completely set.
Also, if the malfunction indicator lamp had come on recently
due to temporary malfunction such as a loose fuel tank cap,
your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
The malfunction indicator lamp will go off after taking several
driving trips, but the error code in the OBD system will not be
cleared unless about 40 trips or more are taken.
If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test even the malfunction
indicator lamp does not come on, contact your Lexus dealer to
prepare the vehicle for re-testing.

MAINTENANCE
350

INTRODUCTION
356
DO-IT-YOURSELF SERVICE
PRECAUTIONS
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure given in this Section.
You should be aware that improper or incomplete servicing
may result in operating problems.
Performing do-it-yourself maintenance during the warranty
period may affect your warranty coverage. Read the separate
Lexus Warranty statement for details and suggestions.
This Section gives instructions only for those items that are
relatively easy for an owner to perform. As explained in
Section 5, there are still a number of items that must be
performed by a qualified technician with special tools.
For information on tools and parts for do-it-yourself
maintenance, see Parts and toolsº on page 358.
Utmost care should be taken when working on your vehicle to
prevent accidental injury. Here are a few precautions that you
should be especially careful to observe:
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive
belt. (Removing rings, watches, and ties is
advisable.)
Right after driving, the engine compartment Ð the
engine, radiator, exhaust manifold and power
steering fluid reservoir, etc. Ð will be hot. So be
careful not to touch them. Oil and other fluids may
also be hot.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames
around fuel or the battery. Their fumes are
flammable.
Do not get under your vehicle with just the body jack
supporting it. Always use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.
Be sure that the ignition is off if you work near the
electric cooling fans or radiator grille. With the
ignition on, the electric cooling fans will
automatically start to run if the engine coolant
temperature is high and/or the air conditioning is on.
Use eye protection whenever you work on or under
your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc.
Be extremely cautious when working on the battery.
It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.

INTRODUCTION
358
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):
Toyota Genuine Motor Oilº or equivalent
See page 374 for details about engine oil selection.
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
Toyota Super Long Life Coolantº or similar high quality
ethylene glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite,
and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid
technology
Toyota Super Long Life Coolantº is pre-mixed with 50%
coolant and 50% deionized water. This coolant provides
protection down to about -35C (-31F).
Tools:
Funnel (only for adding coolant)
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

ENGINE
365
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 three-way 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

ENGINE
369 More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high
speeds and frequent acceleration and deceleration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since its pistons, piston rings
and cylinder walls have not become conditioned.
Oil consumption: Max. 1.0 L per 1000 km (1.1 qt./600 miles,
0.9 lmp. qt./600 miles)
When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in
mind that the oil may have become diluted, making it
difficult to judge the true level accurately.
For example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips and
consumes a normal amount of oil, the dipstick may not show
any drop in the oil level at all, even after 1000 km (600 miles)
or more. This is because the oil is gradually becoming diluted
with fuel or moisture, making it appear that the oil level has not
changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle is then
driven at high speeds, as on an expressway, making it appear
that oil is excessively consumed after driving at high speeds.
Importance of engine oil level check
One of the most important points in proper vehicle
maintenance is to keep the engine oil at the optimum level so
that oil function will not be impaired. Therefore, it is essential
that the oil level be checked regularly. Lexus recommends that
the oil level be checked every time you refuel the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly could lead to
serious engine trouble due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check, see Checking the
engine oil levelº on page 370.USED ENGINE OIL

CHASSIS
381
SPECIFICATIONS
Ð AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
Fluid capacity
Drain and refill
3.5 L (3.7 qt., 3.1 lmp. qt.)
Fluid typeToyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV*
*: 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 Maintenanceº. When changing the
automatic transmission fluid, use only Toyota Genuine ATF
Type T-IVº (ATF JWS3309 or NWS6500) to aid in assuring
optimum transaxle performance.

CHASSIS
401
ROTATING TIRES
To equalize tire wear and help extend tire life,
Lexus recommends that you rotate your tires
according to the maintenance schedule. (For
scheduled maintenance information, please refer
to the Owner's Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenanceº.) However, the most appropriate
timing for tire rotation may vary according to your
driving habits and road surface conditions.
The wheel assemblies must be rotated as illustrated
above.
When rotating tires, check for uneven wear and
damage. Abnormal wear is usually caused by
incorrect tire inflation pressure, improper wheel
alignment, out-of balance wheels, or severe braking.Before storing radial, snow or studded tires, mark the
direction of rotation and be sure to install them in the
same direction when using them again. Tires should
be stored in a cool dry place.