2004 Lexus GX470 check engine

INTRODUCTION
544
Removing the engine compartment covers
Before checking the power steering fluid or fuses in the
engine compartment, remove the engine compartment
covers as follows:
61PY007
1Turn the plastic nuts counterclockwise and remove them.
2Push the core of the clips using a Phillips-head
screwdriver and remove the clips.

INTRODUCTION
545
3Remove the covers.
Be careful not to lose the removed plastic nuts and clips.
After checking the items, install the engine compartment
covers and insert the plastic nuts and clips in their original
positions.
When inserting the clips, do as shown above.
NOTICE
After installing the engine compartment covers, make sure the covers are securely in their original positions.

INTRODUCTION
547
NOTICE

Remember that battery and ignition cables carry high
currents or voltages. Be careful of accidentally causing a short circuit.

Before closing the engine hood, check to see that you
have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc.

Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or excessive engine wear could result. Also backfiringcould cause a fire in the engine compartment.

Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid andpower steering fluid, or the transmission and powersteering could be damaged.

Be careful not to scratch the glass surface with thewiper frame.

INTRODUCTION
548
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 565 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 (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 (for the U.S.A.) or 55% coolant
and 45% deionized water (for Canada). This coolant
provides protection down to about -35C (-31F).
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)

SECTION 6 ± 2
551
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications552
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Fuel 556
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Fuel pump shut off system 559
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Facts about engine oil consumption 559
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Used engine oil 560
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Checking the engine oil level 561
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Checking the engine coolant level 566
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Checking the radiator and condenser 568
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Spark plugs 569
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ENGINE
555
Ð IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plug Ð Make DENSO
NGK
Ð Gap
SK20R11
IFR6A11
1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
Ð ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery Open voltage at 20 C (68F):
Charging rates
12.6 Ð 12.8 V Fully charged
12.2 Ð 12.4 V Half charged
11.8 Ð 12.0 V Discharged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after the key is removed
with all the lights turned off]
5 A max.

ENGINE
560The 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

ENGINE
561
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 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.