2005 Lexus ES330 Gauges, Meters and Service Reminder Indicators /

MAINTENANCE
328Battery
Check the battery condition by the indicator color. See page
396 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 364 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 351 for
additional
information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in
the “HOT” or “COLD” range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 365 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 caution” on page 255.)
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 freeplay. Be alert for changes
in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive freeplay
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.
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.

MAINTENANCE
329
Accelerator pedal
Check
the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal ef fort
or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and freeplay. Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
In a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the pedal has the proper travel and that, on a safe
incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake
applied.
Automatic transmission “Park” mechanism
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in “P” 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, operate smoothly and
all latches lock securely. Make sure the engine hood
secondary latch secures the hood when the primary latch is
released.

MAINTENANCE
330
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 366 for additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or
excessive wear. See page 381 for additional
information.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the maintenance
schedule. (For scheduled maintenance information,
please refer to the “Owner’s Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance”.) See page 380
for additional information.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

MAINTENANCE
331
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.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION
AND MAINTENANCE (I/M) PROGRAMS
Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs
which include OBD (On −Board Diagnostics) checks.
The OBD system monitors the operation of the emission
control system. When the OBD system determines that a
problem exists somewhere in the emission control system, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on. In this case, your vehicle
may not pass the I/M test and need to be repaired. Contact your
Lexus dealer to service the vehicle.
Even if the malfunction indicator lamp does not come on, your
vehicle may not pass the I/M test as readiness codes have not
been set in the OBD system.
Readiness codes are automatically set during ordinary driving.
However, when the battery is disconnected or run down, the
codes are erased. Also, depending on your driving habits, the
codes may not be completely set.
Also, if the malfunction indicator lamp had come on recently
due to temporary malfunction such as a loose fuel tank cap,
your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
The malfunction indicator lamp will go off after taking several
driving trips, but the error code in the OBD system will not be
cleared unless about 40 trips or more are taken.
If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test even the malfunction
indicator lamp does not come on, contact your Lexus dealer to
prepare the vehicle for re −testing.

MAINTENANCE
332

SECTION 6 – 1
333
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Introduction
Vehicle identification334
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.
Theft prevention labels 335
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Engine compartment overview 336
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Do−it−yourself service precautions 337
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Parts and tools 338
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. . . . .
Positioning the jack 340
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.

INTRODUCTION
334
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.

INTRODUCTION
335
THEFT PREVENTION LABELS(U.S.A. ONLY)
Your new vehicle carries theft prevention labels which are
approximately 47 mm (1.85 in.) by 12 mm (0.47 in.).
The purpose of these labels is to reduce the incidence of
vehicle thefts by facilitating the tracing and recovery of parts
from stolen vehicles. The label is designed so that once it is
applied to a surface, any attempt to remove it will result in
destroying the integrity of the label. Transferring these labels
intact from one part to another will be impossible.
NOTICE
You should not attempt to remove the theft prevention
labels as it may violate certain state or federal laws.