Page 347 of 442

MAINTENANCE
cccxxxiii
Battery
Check the battery condition by the indicator color. See page
cccxcix for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make
sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page ccclxvii 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 ccclvi 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 ccclxviii 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 cclviii.)
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.
Page 355 of 442
INTRODUCTION
cccxli
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
1Power steering fluid
reservoir
2Engine oil filler cap
3Brake fluid reservoir
4Fuse box
5Battery
6Radiator
7Condenser
8Electric cooling fans
9Engine oil level
dipstick
10Washer fluid tank
11Engine coolant
reservoir
Page 357 of 442

INTRODUCTION
cccxliii
Use eye protection whenever you work on or under
your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc.
Be extremely cautious when working on the battery.
It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
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 backfiring
could cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, or the
transmission could be damaged.
Be careful not to scratch the glass surface with the
wiper 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):
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
See page ccclviii for details about engine oil selection.
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
Page 362 of 442
SECTION 6 – 2
cccxlviii
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications cccxlix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . .
Fuel ccclii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system cccliv
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption cccliv
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil ccclvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
Checking the engine oil level ccclvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level ccclix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser ccclxi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs ccclxi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Page 369 of 442

ENGINE
ccclv
The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the
viscosity of the oil, the quality of the oil and the way the
vehicle is driven.
More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high
speeds and frequent acceleration and deceleration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since its pistons, piston rings
and cylinder walls have not become conditioned.
Oil consumption:
Max. 1.0 L per 1000 km (1.1 qt./600 miles,
0.9 Imp. qt./600 miles)
When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in
mind that the oil may have become diluted, making it
difficult to judge the true level accurately.
For example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips and
consumes a normal amount of oil, the dipstick may not show
any drop in the oil level at all, even after 1000 km (600 miles)
or more. This is because the oil is gradually becoming diluted
with fuel or moisture, making it appear that the oil level has not
changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle is then
driven at high speeds, as on an expressway, making it appear
that oil is excessively consumed after driving at high speeds.
Importance of engine oil level check
One of the most important points in proper vehicle
maintenance is to keep the engine oil at the optimum level so
that oil function will not be impaired. Therefore, it is essential
that the oil level be checked regularly. Lexus recommends that
the oil level be checked every time you refuel the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly could lead to
serious engine trouble due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check, see “Checking the
engine oil level” on page ccclvi.
Page 370 of 442

ENGINE
ccclvi
USED ENGINE OIL
CAUTION
Used engine oil contains potentially harmful
contaminants which may cause skin disorders such
as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should be
taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact with
it. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash
thoroughly with soap and water.
Do not leave used oil within the reach of children.
Dispose of used oil and used oil filters only in a safe
and acceptable manner. Do not dispose of used oil
and used oil filters in household trash, in sewers or
onto the ground. Call your Lexus dealer or a service
station for information concerning recycling or
disposal.
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off,
check the oil level on the dipstick.
1. To get a correct reading, the vehicle should be on level
ground. After turning off the engine, wait a few minutes for the
oil to drain back into the bottom of the engine.
2. Pull the dipstick out, hold a rag under the end and wipe it
clean.
3. Reinsert the dipstick and push it in as far as it will go, or the
reading will not be correct.
Page 371 of 442
ENGINE
ccclvii
1Add oil2O.K.3Too full
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level while holding a
rag under the end. If it is between the low level mark (
4) and
the full level mark (5), it is O.K.
NOTICE
Be careful not to drop engine oil on the vehicle
components.
If the oil level is below or only slightly above the low mark,
add engine oil of the same type as already in the engine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine oil a little at a time,
checking the dipstick. We recommend that you use a funnel
when adding oil. The approximate quantity of oil needed to
raise the level between low mark and full mark on the dipstick
is indicated as follows:
1.5 L (1.6 qt., 1.3 Imp. qt.)
For the engine oil capacity, see “Specifications” on page cccxlix.
When the level reaches within the correct range, return the filler
cap and turn the cap clockwise until you hear a click.
Page 372 of 442
ENGINE
ccclviii
NOTICE
Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle
components.
Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick once again after
adding the oil.
Engine oil selection
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is used in your Lexus vehicle. Use
Lexus approved “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent to
satisfy the following grade and viscosity.
Oil grade: ILSAC multigrade engine oil
Recommended viscosity: SAE 5W −30
62Z002
Outside temperature
SAE 5W 30 is the best choice for good fuel economy and
good starting in cold weather.
If SAE 5W 30 is not available, SAE 10W 30 may be used.
However, it should be replaced with SAE 5W 30 at the next
oil change.