Page 550 of 668

MAINTENANCE
529
Battery
Check the battery condition by the indicator color. See page
608 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 571 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 555 for
additional
information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in
the ªHOTº or ªCOLDº range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 572 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 ªEngine exhaust cautionº on page 396.)
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, 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. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold
securely in any latched position. For folding±up second and
third seats, and detachable third seat, 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.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and free play. Check the brake booster function.
Page 551 of 668

MAINTENANCE
530Brakes
In a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
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 ªParkº mechanism
Check the lock release button of the selector lever for proper
and smooth operation. On a safe incline, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in ªPº position
and all brakes released.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to time,
unless otherwise specified.
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 side doors and 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 pressure with a gauge every two weeks,
or at least once a month and adjust as shown on the
tire pressure label. See page 574 for additional
information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or
excessive wear. See page 589 for additional
information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts
for looseness. Tighten them if necessary.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the maintenance
schedule. (For scheduled maintenance information,
please refer to the ªOwner's Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenanceº.) See page 588
for additional information.
Page 552 of 668

MAINTENANCE
531
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 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.
Page 559 of 668
INTRODUCTION
538
Removing the engine compartment covers
Before checking the power steering fluid or fuses in the
engine compartment, remove the engine compartment
covers as follows:
61PY010
1Turn the plastic nuts counterclockwise and remove them.
2Push the core of the clips using a Phillips±head
screwdriver and remove the clips.
Page 560 of 668
INTRODUCTION
539
3Remove the covers.
Be careful not to lose the removed plastic nuts and clips.
After checking the items, install the engine compartment
covers and insert the plastic nuts and clips in their original
positions.
When inserting the clips, do as shown above.
NOTICE
After installing the engine compartment covers, make sure the covers are securely in their original positions.
Page 562 of 668
INTRODUCTION
541
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 andpower steering fluid, or the transmission and powersteering could be damaged.
Be careful not to scratch the glass surface with thewiper frame.
Page 563 of 668

INTRODUCTION
542
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):
ªToyota Genuine Motor Oilº or equivalent
See page 559 for details about engine oil selection.
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
ªToyota 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 is a combination of low phosphates and organic
acids.)
ªToyota Super Long Life Coolantº is a mixture of 50% coolant
and 50% deionized water (for the U.S.A.) or 55% coolant
and 45% deionized water (for Canada). This coolant
provides protection down to about ±35 C (±31F).
Tools:
Funnel (only for adding coolant)
Page 566 of 668

SECTION 6 ± 2
545
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications546
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Fuel 550
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Fuel pump shut off system 553
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Facts about engine oil consumption 553
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Used engine oil 554
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Checking the engine oil level 555
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Checking the engine coolant level 560
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Checking the radiator and condenser 563
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Spark plugs 564
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