2004 Lexus IS300 check oil

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
49
IF THIS INDICATOR OR
BUZZER COMES ON ...
DO THIS.
(f)Stop and check.
(g)Add engine oil.
(h)Replace engine oil.
(i)or
Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
(j)or
Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
If brake system
warning light is also
on, stop immediately
and contact Lexus
dealer.
(k)Close all doors.
IF THIS INDICATOR ORBUZZER COMES ON ...DO THIS.
(l)Replace bulb.
(m)Low fuel level
warning lightFill up tank.
(n)Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
(o)Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
(p)Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
(q)Key reminder buzzerRemove key.
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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
52
(e) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, stop the vehicle, turn off the
engine, and check for the cause. Look first at the engine drive
belt.
 If it is loose or broken, the generator will not charge the
battery properly.
 If the belt is O.K., there is a problem somewhere in the
charging system.
The engine ignition will continue to operate, however, until the
battery is discharged. Turn off the air conditioning, blower,
radio, etc., and drive directly to the nearest Lexus dealer or
repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive belt is broken or loose.
(f) 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 - evenfor one block. It may ruin the engine.
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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
53
(g) Low Engine Oil Level Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil level is too low. Add oil as
soon as possible. (For instructions, see ºChecking the engine
oil levelº on page 333.)
While driving on steep inclines or rough roads which causes
the vehicle to substantially sway or on curves, this light may
come on due to the movement of engine oil in the engine.
In normal conditions, due to engine oil consumption, this light
may come on earlier than the specified service interval of the
scheduled maintenance. This is because the engine oil is
consumed to the low level within the scheduled maintenance
interval and does not indicate a problem. (For detailed
information, see ºFacts about engine oil consumptionº on page
331.)
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oil will damage the engine.
(h) Engine Oil Replacement Reminder Light (for vehicles sold in U.S.A.)
This light reminds you when to replace the engine oil.
This light will come on when the ignition key is turned to the
ºONº position and will go off after about a few seconds. When you drive for about 7200 km (4500 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 the ºONº position. If you continue driving
without replacing the engine oil, and if the distance driven
exceeds 8000 km (5
000 miles), the light will come on after the
ignition key is turned to the ºONº 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 conditions. If the light comes on, replace it as soon as
possible.
The system must be reset after the engine oil replacement.
Reset the system by the following procedure:
1. Turn the ignition key to the ºOFFº position with the odometer
reading shown. (For details, see ºOdometer and trip meterº on
page 48.)
2. Turn the ignition key to the ºONº position while holding down
the ºODO/TRIPº button.
Hold down the button for at least 5 seconds. The odometer
indicates º000000º and the light goes off.
If the system fails to reset, the system will revert to the state
before resetting operation. In this case, return to step 1 and try
again.
03 07.09

DRIVING TIPS
270
Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are
wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer
stopping distance, and it may pull to one side when
the brakes are applied. Also, the parking brake will
not hold the vehicle securely.WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure your coolant is properly protected against
freezing.
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.
See ºChecking the engine coolant levelº on page 337 for
details of coolant type selection.
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.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter
starting. Page 378 tells you how to visually inspect the battery.
Your Lexus dealer and most service stations will be pleased to
check the battery charge level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
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DRIVING TIPS
271
See page 335 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy
summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Lexus dealer - they will be pleased to help.
Check the electronic ignition system for loose
connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt
lock de-icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto
parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute because it may damage your vehicle's paint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility
it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ºPº (automatic) or into
first or reverse (manual) and block the front wheels. Do not use
the parking brake, or snow or water accumulated in and around
the parking brake mechanism may freeze the parking brake,
making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders. Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering
difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you
carry some emergency equipment.
Some of
the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains,
window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
03 07.09

MAINTENANCE
310Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 347 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 333 for additional
information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in the
ºHOTº or ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid temperature.
See page 348 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 233 in
Section 3-1.)
Vehicle interior
Items
listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlight, 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. Ch
eck that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold
securely in any latched position. For folding-down rear
seatbacks, 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 ef fort
or catching.
Clutch pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and free play. Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
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MAINTENANCE
311
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 ºParkº mechanism
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in ºPº position and all brakes released.
Vehicle exterior
Items
listed below should be performed from time to time,
unless otherwise specified.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary.
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 doors, including trunk lid or 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 tire inflation pressure with a gauge every two
weeks, or at least once a month and adjust as shown on
the tire and loading information label. See page 349 for
additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive
wear. See page 365 for additional information.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the maintenance schedule.
(For scheduled maintenance information, please refer to
the Owner's Manual Supplementº or Scheduled
Maintenanceº.) See page 363 or 364 for additional
information.
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INTRODUCTION
320
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, or thetransmission could be damaged.

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

ºToyota Genuine Motor Oilº or equivalent
Oil grade: API grade SL ºEnergy-Conservingº or ILSAC
multigrade engine oil. For recommended oil viscosity, see page 335.
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.
Toyota Super Long Life Coolantº is pre-mixed with 50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)
03 07.09