2006 Lexus IS250 maintenance

264
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Installing the clips
Open
Insert
Press
Engine oil
With the engine at operating temperat ure and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■ Checking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground . After turning off the engine, wait
a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the bottom of the
engine.
Hold a rag under the end and pull
the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check the
oil level.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

265
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.Low
Full
■ Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near the
low level mark, add engine oil of
the same type as already in the
engine.
Make sure to check th e oil type and prepare the items needed before
adding oil.
Remove the oil filler cap.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the filler cap, turning it clockwise.STEP6
Oil gradeILSAC multi-grade engine oil
Oil capacity
(when adding)1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.)
ItemsClean funnel
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

266
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.

267
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■Engine oil consumption
●The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the oil viscosity, the quality of
the oil and the way the vehicle is driven.
●More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high speeds and fre-
quent acceleration and deceleration.
●A new engine consumes more oil.
●When judging the amount of oil consumpt ion, keep in mind that the oil may
have become diluted, making it difficult to judge the true level accurately.
●Oil consumption: Max. 1.1 qt./600 miles, 0.9 lmp.qt./600 miles (1.0 L per 1000
km)
●If you consume more than 1.1 qt. (1.0 L, 0.9 lmp.qt.) every 600 miles (1000 km),
contact your Lexus dealer.
■Changing the engine oil (U.S.A. only)
To reset the oil change system, follow the procedure below:
1. Turn the engine switch OFF.
2. While pressing the trip meter reset knob ( P. 100), set the engine switch to the
IG-ON mode. Continue to press and hold the knob until the trip meter displays
000000.
CAUTION
■Used engine oil
●Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin
disorders such as inflammati on or skin cancer, so care should be taken to avoid
prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash
thoroughly with soap and water.
●Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do not dis-
pose of used oil and filters in househol d trash, in sewers or onto the ground.
Call your Lexus dealer, service station or auto parts store for information con-
cerning recycling or disposal.
●Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.

268
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine coolantThe coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the FULL and LOW lines
on the reservoir when the engine is cold. Reservoir cap
Full
Low
If the level is on or below the LOW
line, add coolant up to the FULL
line.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine damage:
Check the oil level on regular basis.
■When replacing the engine oil
●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 every time you refill the vehicle.
●Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly retightened.

269
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
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.

270
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.

271
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
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.