2004 Lexus IS300 Electrical Components / LEXUS 2004 IS300 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM53461U)

CHASSIS
346
Wheel size17 x 4T
Wheel nut torque103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.)
NOTE:
For complete information on tires (e.g. replacing tires or replacing wh\
eels), see ºChecking tire inflation pressureº
through ºAluminum wheel precautionsº on page 349 through 371.
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347
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
SV63001
To check the fluid level, simply look at the see-through
reservoir. The level should be between the ºMAXº and
ºMINº lines on the tank.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the
brake pads wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is
high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a
serious mechanical problem.
If the level is low, add FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703
brake fluid to the brake reservoir.
Refilling brake fluid:
1. Turn the ignition switch off.
2. Depress the brake pedal more than 40 times.
3. Remove the reservoir cap by hand. Add brake fluid up to
the ºMAXº line.If you do not follow the procedure above, the reservoir may
overflow.
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once opened, brake fluid
absorbs
moisture from the air, and excess moisture can cause
a dangerous loss of braking efficiency.
CAUTION
Take care when filling the reservoir because brake fluid
can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted
surfaces. If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with
clean water immediately. If you still feel uncomfortable
with your eyes, go to the doctor.
NOTICE
If you spill some of the fluid, be sure to wipe it off to prevent it from damaging the parts or paintwork.
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CHECKING POWER STEERINGFLUID
SV63002
Check the fluid level on the dipstick. If necessary, add
automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III.
If the vehicle has been driven around 80 km/h (50 mph) for 20
minutes (a little more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is hot
(60 C - 80 C or 140F - 175F). You may also check the level
when the fluid is cold (about room temperature, 10 C - 30C
or 50F - 85F) if the engine has not been run for about five
hours.
SV63003

1If cold O.K. 2If hot O.K. 3Add fluid
1. Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
2. Remove the reservoir cap by turning it counterclockwise
and wipe the dipstick clean.
3. Reinstall the reservoir cap.
4. Remove the reservoir cap again and look at the fluid level.
If the fluid is cold, the level should be in the ºCOLDº range on
the dipstick. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level should be in the
ºHOTº range. If the level is at the low side of either range, add
automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III to bring the
level within the range.
5. After replacing the reservoir cap, visually check the
steering box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks
or damage.
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349
CAUTION
The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn
yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could bedamaged.
When adding the power steering fluid, avoid spillingit. The generator under the power steering reservoircould be damaged if fluid is spilled on it.
CHECKING TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
SV61010a
The recommended cold tire inflation pressure, tire
size and the combined weight of occupants and
cargo (vehicle capacity weight) are described on the
tire and loading information label.
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You should check the tire inflation pressure every two
weeks, or at least once a month. And don't forget the
spare. The inflation pressure for the spare tire should be
adjusted according to the conditions in the table on page
342, 344 or 345.
The following instructions for checking tire inflation
pressure should be observed:
The inflation pressure should be checked only
when the tires are cold. If your vehicle has been
parked for at least 3 hours and has not been driven for
more than 1.5 km or 1 mile since, you will get an accurate cold tire inflation pressure reading.
 Always use a tire pressure gauge. The appearance
of the tire can be misleading. Besides, tire inflation
pressures that are even just a few pounds off can
degrade ride and handling.
 Do not bleed or reduce tire inflation pressure after
driving. It is normal for the tire inflation pressure to
be higher after driving.
 Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight. The
passengers and luggage weight should be located so that the vehicle is balanced.
CAUTION
The inflation pressure for the compact spare tire
must be 420 kPa (4.3 kgf/cm2, 4.2 bar, 60 psi).
Inspection and adjustment procedure
SV63010

1Tire valve
2Tire pressure gauge
1. Remove the tire valve cap.
2. Press the tip of the tire pressure gauge to the tire
valve.
3. Read the pressure using a graduation of the gauge.
4. In case that the tire inflation pressure is not within the
prescribed range, insert the compressed air from the
valve. In case of applying too much air, press the center
of the valve and release the air to adjust.
5. After completing the tire inflation pressure
measurement and adjustment, apply soap water to the
valve and check the leakage.
6. Install the tire valve cap.
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If the gauge and the air pump are not available, have
your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
Be sure to reinstall the tire valve caps. Without the
valve caps, dirt or moisture could get into the
valve core and cause air leakage. If the caps have
been lost, have new ones put on as soon as
possible.
Incorrect tire inflation pressure may waste fuel, reduce
the comfort of driving, reduce tire life and make your
vehicle less safe to drive.
If a tire needs frequent refilling, have it checked by your
Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
Keep your tires properly inflated. Otherwise, the
following conditions may occur and cause an
accident resulting in death or serious injuries.
Low tire pressure (underinflation):
 Excessive wear
 Uneven wear
 Poor handling
 Possibility of blowouts from overheated tire.
 Poor sealing of the tire bead
 Wheel deformation and/or tire separation
 A greater possibility of tire damage from road
hazards
High tire pressure (overinflation):
 Poor handling
 Excessive wear
 Uneven wear
 A greater possibility of tire damage from road
hazards
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TIRE INFORMATION
Tire symbols
SV63011c

The illustration indicates typical tire symbols.
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1Tire size: For details, see Tire sizeº on page
354.
2DOT and Tire Identification Number (TIN): For
details, see DOT and Tire Identification Number
(TIN)º on page 354.
3Maximum cold tire inflation pressure: This
means the pressure to which a tire may be
inflated. For recommended cold tire inflation
pressure, see Specificationsº on page 342, 344
or 345.
4Load limit at maximum cold tire inflation
pressure: For details, see Checking and
replacing tiresº on page 365.
5Turning indicator: Some vehicles are equipped
with directional tires. For details, see Rotating
tiresº on page 363 or 364.
6Tire ply composition and materials : Plies
mean a layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.
Cords mean the strands forming the plies in the
tire.
7Uniform tire quality grading: For details, see
ºUniform tire quality gradingº that follows.
8Location of tread wear indicators: For details,
see Checking and replacing tiresº on page 365.
9TUBELESSº or TUBE TYPEº: A tubeless tire
does not have a tube inside the tire and air is
directly filled in the tire. A tube type tire has a
tube inside the tire and the tube maintains the air
pressure.
10Radial tires or bias-ply tires: A radial tire has
ºRADIALº on the sidewall. The tire not marked
with ºRADIALº is a bias-ply tire.
11Summer tire or all season tire: An all season
tire has M+Sº on the sidewall. The tire not
marked with M+Sº is a summer tire. For details,
see Types of tiresº on page 362.
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