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ENGINE
541
The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the
viscosity of the oil, the quality of the oil and the way the
vehicle is driven.
More oil is consumed by high-speed driving 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 described below.USED ENGINE OIL
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CAUTION
Used engine oil contains potentially harmful
contaminants which may cause skin disorders such
as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should be
taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact with
it. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash
thoroughly with soap and water.
Dispose of used oil and used oil filters only in a safe
and acceptable manner. Do not dispose of used oil
and used oil filters in household trash, in sewers or
onto the ground. Call your Lexus dealer or a service
station for information concerning recycling or
disposal.
Do not leave used oil within the reach of children.
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off,
check the oil level on the dipstick.
1. To get a correct reading, the vehicle should be on a level
ground. After turning off the engine, wait a few minutes for the
oil to drain back into the bottom of the engine.
2. Pull the dipstick out, hold a rag under the end and wipe it
clean.
3. Reinsert the dipstick and push it in as far as it will go, or the
reading will not be correct.
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543
1Add oil2O.K.3Too full
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level while holding a
rag under the end. If it is between the low level mark (4) and
the full level mark (5), it is O.K.
NOTICE
Be careful not to drop engine oil on the vehicle
components.
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ENGINE
544
If the oil level is below or only slightly above the low line,
add engine oil of the same type as already in the engine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine oil a little at a time,
checking the dipstick. We recommend that you use a funnel
when adding oil. The approximate quantity of oil needed to
raise the level between low line and full line on the dipstick is
indicated below for reference.
When the level reaches within the correct range, return the filler
cap and turn the cap clockwise until you hear a click.
Oil quantity. L (qt., lmp. qt.) 1.5 (1.6, 1.3)
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545
NOTICE
Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehiclecomponents.
Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick once again afteradding the oil.
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Engine oil selection
Toyota Genuine Motor Oilº is used in your Lexus vehicle. Use
Lexus approved Toyota Genuine Motor Oilº or equivalent to
satisfy the following grade and viscosity.
Oil grade: API grade SL Energy-Conservingº or ILSAC
multigrade engine oil.
Recommended viscosity: SAE 5W-30
62Z002
Outside temperature
SAE 5W-30 is the best choice, for good fuel economy and
good starting in cold weather.
If SAE 5W-30 oil is not available, SAE 10W-30 may be
used. However, it should be replaced with SAE 5W-30 at
the next oil change.
Oil identification marks
API Service SymbolILSAC Certification Mark
Either or both API registered marks are added to some oil
containers to help you select the oil you should use.
The API Service Symbol is located anywhere on the outside
of the container.
The top portion of the label shows the oil quality by API
(American Petroleum Institute) designation such as SL.
The center portion of the label shows the SAE viscosity
grade such as SAE 5W-30. Energy-Conservingº, shown
in the lower portion, indicates that the oil has fuel-saving
capabilities.
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee) Certification Mark is displayed on the
front of the container.
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To ensure excellent lubrication performance for your engine,
Toyota Genuine Motor Oilº is available, which has been
specifically tested and approved for all Lexus engines.
Please contact your Lexus dealer for further details about
Toyota Genuine Motor Oilº.
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
1Reservoir cap2Fº (upper) line
3Lº (lower) line
Look at the see-through coolant reservoir when the
engine is cold. The coolant level is satisfactory if it is
between the Fº and Lº lines on the reservoir. If the level
is low, add the coolant. (For the coolant type, see Coolant
type selectionº described below.)
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary with engine
temperature. However, if the level is on or below the Lº line,
add coolant. Bring the level up to the Fº line.
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ENGINE
548If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing,
there
may be a leak in the system. Visually check the radiator,
hoses, engine coolant filler cap, radiator cap and drain cock
and water pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Lexus dealer test the radiator
cap pressure and check for leaks in the cooling system.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not remove the radiator
cap when the engine is hot.
Coolant type selection
Use of improper coolants may damage your engine cooling
system.
Only use 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 t echnology. (Coolant with long-life hybrid organic
acid technology is a combination of low phosphates and
organic acids.)
Toyota Super Long Life Coolantº is a mixture of 50% coolant
and 50% deionized water. This coolant provides protection
down to about -35C (-31F).