Page 79 of 612

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
64
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive belt is broken
or loose.
(l) Low Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil pressure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are driving, pull off the road
to a safe place and stop the engine immediately. Call a Lexus
dealer or qualified repair shop for assistance.The light may occasionally flicker when the engine is idling or
it may come on briefly after a hard stop. There is no cause for
concern if it then goes out when the engine is accelerated
slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level is extremely low. It
is not designed to indicate low oil level, and the oil level must
be checked using the oil level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the warning light on Ð
even for one block. It may ruin the engine.
(m) Engine Oil Replacement Reminder Light
This light reminds you when to replace the engine oil.
This light will come on when the ignition key is turned to ONº
and will go off after about a few seconds.
When you drive for about 8000 km (5000 miles) after the
engine oil replacement, this light illuminates for about 3
seconds and then flashes for about 12 seconds with the
ignition key turned to ONº position. If you continue driving
without the engine oil replacement, and if the driving range
exceeds 12000 km (7500 miles), the light will come on after the
ignition key is turned to ONº position. The light will remain on
thereafter.If the light is flashing, we recommend that you replace the
engine oil at an early opportunity depending on the driving and
road condition. If the light comes on, replace it as soon as
possible.
Page 505 of 612

MAINTENANCE
490Battery
Check the battery condition by the indicator color. See page
562 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 529 for
additional information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and
the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 515 for additional
information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in
the HOTº or COLDº range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 530 for additional information.
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell
exhaust fumes, have the cause located and corrected
immediately. (See Engine exhaust cautionº on page 359.)
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal
lights, and other lights are working. Check headlight aim.Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
function properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified free play. Be alert for changes
in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive free
play or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters,
seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold
securely in any latched position. For folding-up second and
third seats, and detachable third seat, check that the latches
lock securely.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors
and anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the
belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal effort
or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and free play. Check the brake booster function.
Page 514 of 612
61PY004
INTRODUCTION
499
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
1Engine oil level
dipstick
2Engine oil filler cap
3Brake fluid reservoir
4Fuse box
5Battery
6Condenser
7Electric cooling fan
8Radiator
9Engine coolant
reservoir
10Washer fluid tank
11Power steering fluid
reservoir
Page 529 of 612

ENGINE
514The 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
Page 530 of 612

ENGINE
515
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 true 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.
Page 531 of 612
ENGINE
516
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 the engine oil on the vehicle
components.
Page 532 of 612
ENGINE
517
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 fill
between the low line and the 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)
NOTICE
Be careful not to spill the engine oil on the vehicle
components.
Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick once again after
adding the oil.