2006 Lexus IS250 radiator

251
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryMaintenance-free. (P. 2 7 1 )
Brake fluidAt the correct level? ( P. 2 7 0 )
Engine coolantAt the correct level? ( P. 2 6 8 )
Engine oilAt the correct level? (P. 2 6 4 )
Exhaust systemNo fumes or strange sounds?
Radiator/condenser/hosesNot blocked with foreign matter?
( P. 2 7 0 )
Wa s h e r f l u i dAt the correct level? ( P. 2 74 )
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed
at the intervals specified in the “Own ers Manual Supplement”. It is recom-
mended that any problem you notice sh ould be brought to the attention of
your Lexus dealer or qualified service shop for advice.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move sud-
denly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death or serious injury.
■When working on the engine compartment:
●Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
●Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator , exhaust manifold, etc. right after driv-
ing as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
●Do not leave anything that may burn easi ly, such as paper or rags, in the engine
compartment.
●Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the battery. Fuel
and battery fumes are flammable.
●Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and
corrosive sulfuric acid.
ItemsPa r t s a n d t o o l s
Engine oil level ( P. 2 6 4 )
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel, funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( P. 2 9 5 )• Fuse with same amperage rating as
original
Tire inflation pressure ( P. 2 8 5 )• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Headlight aim ( P. 3 0 9 )• Phillips-head screwdriver
Radiator and condenser (P. 2 7 0 )
Wa s h e r f l u i d ( P. 2 74 )
• Water washer fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter use)
•Funnel

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille:
Be sure the engine switch is OFF.
With the engine switch in IG-ON mode, the electric cooling fan may automatically
start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high.
(  P. 2 7 0 )
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting
in the eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner:
Driving with the air filter removed may cau se excessive engine wear due to dirt in
the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compartment.

261
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Engine compartment
Battery (P. 271)
Engine oil level dipstick (P. 2 6 4 )
Engine oil filler cap (P. 2 6 4 )
Brake fluid reservoir (P. 270)
Fuse boxes ( P. 295)Washer fluid tank
(P. 2 74 )
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P. 2 7 0 )
Radiator ( P. 2 7 0 )
Engine coolant reservoir (P. 2 6 8 )
IS350

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Battery (P. 271)
Engine oil level dipstick (P. 2 6 4 )
Engine oil filler cap (P. 2 6 4 )
Brake fluid reservoir
( P. 2 7 0)
Fuse boxes ( P. 295)
Washer fluid tank
(P. 2 74 )
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P. 2 7 0 )
Radiator ( P. 2 7 0 )
Engine coolant reservoir (P. 2 6 8 )
IS250

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.

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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.

5
When trouble arises
365
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle overheats
If your engine overheats:
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the automatic air
conditioning system.
Check to see if steam is coming out from under the hood.
If you see steam: Stop the engine and car efully lift the hood.
If you do not see steam: Leave the engine running and carefully lift the hood.
Remove the engine compartment cover. ( P. 263)
Check to see if the cooling fan is operating.
If the fan is operating: Wait until the temperature of the engine (shown on the
instrument cluster) begins to fall and then stop the engine.
If the fan is not operating: Stop the engine immediately and call your local Lexus
dealer.
After the engine has cooled
down sufficiently, check the
engine coolant level and inspect
the radiator core (radiator) for
any leaks.STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5