2005 Lexus ES330 maintenance

FOREWORD
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Congratulations on your selection of this Lexus. In Lexus vehicles we h\
ave invested all our engineering and design resources; all
the know−
how we have gained in over 60 years of making automobiles; the highest m\
otivation of our most talented employees; and
our tradition of incessant striving toward ever greater quality.
This Owner’s Manual explains the features of your new Lexus. Please read it and fol\
low the instructions carefully so that you can
enjoy many years of safe motoring.
When it comes to service, remember that your Lexus dealer knows your veh\
icle very well and is interested in your complete
satisfaction. Your Lexus dealer will provide quality maintenance and any other assistan\
ce you may require.
If there is not a Lexus dealer near you, or you need emergency assistanc\
e for any reason, please call the following number:
U.S. OWNERS
 When traveling in the U.S. mainland or Canada:
Lexus Roadside Assistance 180025LEXUS (TollFree)
(18002553987)
 HAWAII:
Lexus Customer Service Assistance 180025LEXUS (TollFree)
(18002553987)
CANADIAN OWNERS
 When traveling in Canada or the U.S. mainland:
Lexus Roadside Assistance/Customer Service 180026LEXUS (TollFree)
(18002653987)
Please leave this Owner’s Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next owner will nee\
d this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time o\
f printing. However, because of the Lexus policy
of continual product improvement, we reserve the right to make changes a\
t any time without notice.
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment, \
including options. Therefore, you may find
some explanations for equipment not installed on your vehicle.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR LEXUS
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New vehicle warranty
Your new vehicle is covered by the following Lexus limited
warranties:
New vehicle warranty
 Emission control systems warranty
 Others
For further information, please refer to the “Owner’s Guide”,
“Owner’s Manual Supplement” or “Warranty Booklet”.
Your responsibility for maintenance
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure the specified
maintenance is performed. Section 5 of this Owner’s Manual
gives details of these maintenance requirements. Included in
Section 6 is general maintenance. For scheduled
maintenance information, please refer to the “Owner’s Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance”.
Important health and safety information about
your Lexus
CAUTION
 WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,
and a wide variety of automobile components
contain or emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects and
other reproductive harm. In addition, oils, fuels and
fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste
produced by component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
 Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash your hands
after handling. Used engine oil contains chemicals
that have caused cancer in laboratory animals.
Always protect your skin by washing thoroughly with
soap and water.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
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HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
The contents of this manual are explained briefly on this
page to help you make the best use of the manual. Please
read this page and the rest of the Owner’s Manual
carefully to make sure you fully understand the operation
of your vehicle.
This will help you enjoy safe and comfortable driving.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The table of contents and the pictorial index provide easy
reference to the appropriate pages.
BASIC OPERATION — QUICK REFERENCE
Operation of basic equipment is briefly explained in an easily
understandable way for quick reference.
SECTION 1 — INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
The vehicle’s equipment is divided into the 7 groups listed
below. Use of the equipment is explained, including any points
you should pay particular attention to.
1. Keys and doors
2. Switches
3. Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators
4. Interior equipment
5. Exterior equipment
6. Occupant restraint system
7. Steering wheel and mirrors
SECTION 2 — AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
The features of the vehicle’s air conditioning and audio are
explained in detail. Be sure to read this Section so that you can
make full use of them.
SECTION 3 — STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting the engine, driving, stopping, operation of features
affecting vehicle handling, hints on vehicle safety and safe
driving techniques are all explained. Please read everything
in this Section, and remember — drive safely!
SECTION 4 — IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
This Section explains what to do in the event of an urgent
situation such as the engine not starting or getting a flat tire,
etc. If such a problem occu rs, check the contents of this
Owner’s Manual and follow the instructions given.
SECTION 5 — MAINTENANCE
This Section explains the importance of regular maintenance.
Regular and periodic inspection and maintenance of your
Lexus will help to keep your vehicle in its best condition.
SECTION 6 — SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Simple maintenance procedure and service data are provided
here for your reference should you wish to perform inspection
and maintenance yourself.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
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(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 “Checking the engine
oil level” on page 351.)
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 “Facts about engine oil consumption” on page
349.)
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 acts as a reminder to replace the engine oil.
This light will come on when the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” 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 “ON” position. If you continue driving
without replacing the engine oil, and if the distance driven
exceeds 8000 km (5000 miles), the light will come on after the
ignition key is turned to the “ON” 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 “ACC” or “LOCK” position with
the odometer reading shown. (For details, see “Odometer and
trip meter” on page 56.)
2. Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position while holding down
the trip meter reset knob.
Hold down the knob for at least 5 seconds. The odometer
indicates “000000” and the light goes off.
If the system fails to reset, the light will continue flashing.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
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(i) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” position and goes off after the engine starts. This
means that the warning light system is operating properly.
If the lamp remains on, or the lamp comes on while driving,
first check the followings.
 Empty fuel tank
If the fuel tank is empty, refuel immediately.
 Loose fuel tank cap
If the fuel tank cap is loose, securely tighten it.
These cases are temporary malfunctions. The malfunction
indicator lamp will go off after taking several driving trips.
If the lamp does not go off even after several trips, contact your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
If the fuel tank is not empty or the fuel tank cap is not
loose...
 There is a problem somewhere in the engine, emission
control system, electronic throttle control system, automatic
transmission electrical system or warning light system itself.
Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible to service the
vehicle.
If engine speed does not increase when the accelerator pedal
is depressed, there may be a problem somewhere in the
electronic throttle control system. At this time, vibration may occur. However, if you depress the
accelerator pedal more firmly and slowly, you can drive your
vehicle at low speeds. Have your vehicle checked by your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Even if the abnormality of the electronic throttle control system
is corrected during low speed driving, the system may not be
recovered until the engine is stopped and the ignition key is
turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position.
CAUTION
Be especially careful to prevent erroneous pedal
operation.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
Your vehicle may not pass a state emission inspection if the
malfunction indicator lamp remains on. Contact your Lexus
dealer to check your vehicle’s emission control system and
OBD (On−Board Diagnostics) system before taking your
vehicle for the inspection.
For details, see “Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M)
programs” on page 331.

AIR CONDITIONING
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(e) Checking and replacing the air conditioningfilter
The air conditioning filter information label is placed in the
glove box as shown and indicates that a filter has been
installed.
The air conditioning filter prevents dust from entering the
vehicle through the air conditioning vent.
The air conditioning filter is behind the glove box.
The air conditioning filter may clog after long use. The filter
may need to be replaced if the air flow of the air conditioner and
heater experiences extreme reductions in operating ef ficiency,
or if the windows begin to fog up easily.
To maintain the air conditioning efficiency, inspect and replace
the air conditioning filter according to the maintenance
schedule. In dusty areas or areas with heavy traffic flow, such
as inner city or desert areas, early replacement may be
required. (For scheduled maintenance information, please
refer to the “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenance”.)

STARTING AND DRIVING
255

To ensure that the threeway catalytic converter and
the entire emission control system operate properly,
your vehicle must receive the periodic inspections
required by the Lexus Maintenance Schedule. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the
“Owner’s Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenance”.
ENGINE EXHAUST CAUTION
CAUTION
Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust. It contains
carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless
gas. It can cause unconsciousness or even death.
 Make sure the exhaust system has no holes or loose
connections. The system should be checked from
time to time. If you hit something, or notice a change
in the sound of the exhaust, have the system checked
immediately.
 Do not run the engine in a garage or enclosed area
except for the time needed to drive the vehicle in or
out. The exhaust gases cannot escape, making this
a particularly dangerous situation.
 Do not remain for a long time in a parked vehicle with
the engine running. If it is unavoidable, however, do
so only in an unconfined area and adjust the heating
or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle.
 Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. An open or
unsealed trunk lid may cause exhaust gases to be
drawn into the vehicle.

DRIVING TIPS
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Maintenance
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent
maintenance due to the additional load. For this
information, please refer to the scheduled maintenance
information in the “Owner’s Manual Supplement/
Scheduled Maintenance”.
 Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after
approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.
Pretowing safety check
Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or
unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has an
abnormal nose −up or nose− down condition, and check for
improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other
possible causes.
 Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that it
cannot shift.
 Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal,
state/provincial or local regulations. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently
than when not towing. The three main causes of
vehicletrailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed
and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when
towing:
 Before starting out, check the operation of the lights and all
vehicle −trailer connections. After driving a short distance,
stop and recheck the lights and connections. Practice
turning, stopping and backing with a trailer in an area away
from traffic until you learn the feel.
 Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice. Grip
the bottom of the steering whe el and move your hand to the
left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right
to move the trailer to the right. (This procedure is generally
opposite to that when backing without a trailer.) Also, just
turn the steering wheel a little at a time, avoiding sharp or
prolonged turning. Have someone guide you when backing
to reduce the risk of an accident.
 Because stopping distance may be increased,
vehicle −to−vehicle distance should be increased when
towing a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow
at least one vehicle and trailer length between you and the
vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as you may skid,
resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This is especially
true on wet or slippery surfaces.