2006 Lexus IS250 ECT

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Engine compartment
IS350
Battery (P. 275)
Engine oil level dipstick (P. 2 6 8 )
Engine oil filler cap (P. 2 6 8 )
Brake fluid reservoir (P. 2 74 )
Fuse boxes ( P. 2 9 9 )Washer fluid tank
( P. 2 7 8 )
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P. 2 74 )
Radiator ( P. 2 74 )
Engine coolant reservoir (P. 272)

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS250
Battery (P. 275)
Engine oil level dipstick (P. 2 6 8 )
Engine oil filler cap (P. 2 6 8 )
Brake fluid reservoir
( P. 2 74)
Fuse boxes ( P. 2 9 9 )
Washer fluid tank
(P. 2 7 8 )
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P. 2 74 )
Radiator ( P. 2 74 )
Engine coolant reservoir (P. 272)

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Recommended viscosity
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.
■How to read oil container labels
Some oil containers are labeled wi th ILSAC certification marks that
help you to select the proper oil.
Temperature range anticipated before
next oil change.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
■If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant filler cap, radiator cap, drain cock
and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Lexus dealer pressure test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
■Coolant selection
Only use Toyota Super Long Life Coolant or similar high quality ethylene glycol
based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with long-life
hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. (Enabled: -31 F [-35C])
Canada: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized water. (Enabled: -44F [-42 C])
For more details about engine coolant, contact your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the radiator cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the cap is
removed, causing burns or other injuries.
NOTICE
■When adding engine coolant
Coolant is neither plain water not straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of water
and anti freeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion protection
and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
■If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it damaging parts or paint.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Radiator and condenserCheck the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not sure of their
condition, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.
Brake fluid
■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the MAX and MIN lines
on the tank.
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
■ Adding fluid
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser, as they may be hot and you may be burned.
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency. Use
only newly opened brake fluid.

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Maintenance and care
BatteryCheck the battery as follows.
■ Battery exterior
Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that there
are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted
surfaces.
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads wear or
when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilli ng, it may indicate a serious problem.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Checking battery condition
Check the battery condition using the indicator color.
Blue: Good condition
White: Charging is necessary.
Have the vehicle inspected by
your Lexus dealer.
Red: Not working properly,
have the battery checked by
your Lexus dealer.
■Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Therefore, before recharging:
●If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect the
ground cable.
●Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and discon-
necting the charger cables to the battery.
■After recharging the battery
The engine may not start. Follow the procedure below to initialize the system.
1. Shift the shift lever to P (automatic) or depress the brake pedal with the shift lever in N (manual).
2. Open and close any of the doors.
3. Restart the engine.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■Chemicals in the battery:
A battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce hydro-
gen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death or serious
injury, take the following precautions while working on or near battery:
●Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.
●Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
●Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
●Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
●Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.
●Keep children away from the battery.
■Where to safety charge the battery
Always charge the battery in an open area. Do not charge the battery in a garage or
closed room where there is not sufficient ventilation.
■How to recharge the battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The battery may explode if charged at a
quicker rate.
■Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
●If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immediate medi-
cal attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or cloth while
traveling to the nearest medical facility.
●If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical atten-
tion immediately.
●If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the clothing and
follow the procedure above if necessary.
●If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Fo llow with milk of magnesia, beaten raw
egg or vegetable oil. Get emergency medical attention immediately.