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ENGINE
332The 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 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. 1.0L per 1000 km (1.1 qts./600 miles,
0.9 Imp. qts./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 ºChecking the
engine oil levelº on page 333.
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ENGINE
333
USED ENGINE OIL
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.
Do not leave used oil within the reach of children.
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.
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
SV62004
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.
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ENGINE
334
SV62002
1Add oil 2O.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.
SV62008
If the oil level is below or only slightly above the low level
mark, 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
level mark and the full level mark 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.) 1.8 (1.9, 1.6)
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ENGINE
335
NOTICE
Be careful not to spill the 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.
Engine oil selection
ºToyota Genuine Motor Oilº is filled in your Lexus vehicle. Use
Lexus approved ºToyota Genuine Motor Oilº or equivalent to
satisfy the following grade and viscosity.
Oil grade:
API grade SL ºEnergy-Conservingº or ILSAC multigrade
engine oil.
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
SOIL14
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 oil may be
used. However, it should be replaced with SAE 5W-30 at
the next oil change.
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ENGINE
336
Oil identification marks
SOIL11
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. ºEnergy-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. To ensure excellent lubrication performance for your engine,
ºToyota 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
ºToyota Genuine Motor Oilº.
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ENGINE
337
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANTLEVEL
SV62006
1Reservoir cap 2Upper line 3Lower line
Look at the see-through coolant reservoir when the
engine is cold. The coolant level is satisfactory if it is
between theºFULLº and ºLº 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 ºLº line,
add coolant. Bring the level up to the ºFULLº line.
If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing,
there may be a leak in the system. V isually 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 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 ºToyota 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 consists of the combination of low phosphates
and organic acids.)
ºToyota Super Long Life Coolantº is pre-mixed with 50%
coolant and 50% deionized water. This coolant provides
protection down to about -35 C (-31F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.
Lexus recommends ºToyota Super Long Life Coolantº which
has been tested to ensure that it will not cause corrosion nor
result in malfunction of your engine coolant system with proper
usage. ºToyota Super Long Life Coolantº is formulated with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology and has been
specifically designed to avoid engine cooling system
malfunction on Lexus vehicles.
Please contact your Lexus dealer for further details.
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ENGINE
338
CHECKING THE RADIATOR ANDCONDENSER
If either of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not
sure of their condition, take you vehicle to a Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, be careful not to touch the
radiator or condenser when the engine is hot.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the radiator and condenser, do
not perform the work by yourself.
SPARK PLUGS
SV62007a
Your engine is fitted with designated iridium-tipped spark
plugs.
NOTICE
Use only designated iridium-tipped spark plugs and donot adjust gaps for your engine performance andsmooth drivability.
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CHASSIS
341
- CLUTCH
Pedal freeplay
5 - 15 mm (0.2 - 0.6 in.)
Fluid typeSAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
- BRAKESPedal clearance *
199 mm (3.9 in.) Min.
Pedal free play1 - 6 mm (0.04 -0.24 in.)
Brake pad wear limit1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
Parking brake lining wear limit1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
Parking brake adjustment *25 - 8 clicks
Fluid typeSAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
*1Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with the force of 490 N (49 kgf,\
110 lbf.) with the engine running
*
2Parking brake adjustment when pulled with the force of 196 N (20 kgf, 4\
4 lbf.)
- STEERING Free play
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Power steering fluidAutomatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III
03 07.09