2004 Lexus GX470 engine

MAINTENANCE
518Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the lever has the proper travel and that, on a safe
incline,
your vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake
applied.
Automatic transmission Parkº mechanism
Check the lock release button of the selector lever for proper
and smooth operation. On a safe incline, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in Pº position
and all brakes released.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to time,
unless otherwise specified.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid after
the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes
or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected
immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all side doors and back door, operate smoothly and
all latches lock securely. Make sure the engine hood
secondary latch secures the hood when the primary latch is
released.
Tire inflation pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks,
or at least once a month and adjust as shown on the
tire pressure label. See page 559 for additional
information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or
excessive wear. See page 574 for additional
information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts
for looseness. Tighten them if necessary.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the maintenance
schedule. (For scheduled maintenance information,
please refer to the Owner's Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenanceº.) See page 573
for additional information.

MAINTENANCE
519
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEEDREPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and
visual tip-offs that indicate service is needed. Some important
clues are:

Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging

Appreciable loss of power

Strange engine noises

A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from
the air conditioning after use is normal.)

Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous
carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked immediately.)

Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering,
uneven tire wear

Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level
road

Strange noises related to suspension movement

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal,
pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to one side when
braking

Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs adjustment or
repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the vehicle unchecked. It
could result in serious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.

SECTION 6 ± 1
522
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Introduction
Vehicle identification523
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Theft prevention labels 524
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Engine compartment overview 525 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
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Do-it-yourself service precautions 528
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Parts and tools 530
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INTRODUCTION
523
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the legal
identifier for your vehicle. This number is on the left top
of the instrument panel and can be seen through the
windshield from outside.
This is the primary identification number for your Lexus. It is
used in registering the ownership of your vehicle.
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is also on the
Certification Label.
The engine number is stamped on the engine block as
shown.

61PY004
INTRODUCTION
525
NOTICE
You should not attempt to remove the theft preventionlabels as it may violate certain state or federal laws.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
1Engine oil leveldipstick
2Engine oil filler cap
3Brake fluid reservoir
4Fuse box
5Battery
6Condenser
7Electric cooling fan
8Radiator
9Engine coolantreservoir
10Washer fluid tank
11Power steering fluidreservoir

INTRODUCTION
526
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
527
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
528
DO-IT-YOURSELF SERVICEPRECAUTIONS
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 530.
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, other fluids and spark
plugs may also be hot.

If the engine is hot, do not remove the radiator cap or
loosen the drain plugs to prevent burning yourself.

Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as
paper or rags, in the engine compartment.

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.

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.