2006 LEXUS LS430 check engine

260
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Hood
CAUTION
■Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked. 
If the hood is not locked properly it may open while the vehicle is in motion and
ca
use an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.
Lift the hood to inspect engine components and fluid levels.
Pull the hood release lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Lift the hood catch and lift the hood.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Engine oil
With the engine at operating temperature 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 it clean.
Reinsert the dipstick until fully seated.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check the
oil level.
Low
Full
1
2

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Adding the 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 the oil type and prepare the items needed before adding.
Remove the oil filler cap.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Return the filler cap and turn the ca
p clockwise until you hear a
click.
It takes about 1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 lmp.qt.) to raise the oil level from low to full on the
dipstick.
■ Recommended viscosity
Temperature range anticipated before next oil change.
SAE 5W-30 is the best choice for
goo
d fuel economy, and good starting
in cold weather.
If SAE 5W-30 is not available, SAE
1
0W-30 may be used. However, it
should be replaced with 5W-30 at
the next oil change.
Dummy
Oil gradeILSAC multigrade engine oil.
ItemsClean funnel (only for adding oil)

267
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level regularly.
■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 cap is properly retightened.

268
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine coolant
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on
the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
Full line
Low line
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“Full” line.
1
2
3
■If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine c
oolant filler cap, radiator cap and drain
cock and water pump. If you cannot find a leak, have your Lexus dealer test the cap
pressure and check for leaks in the cooling system.
■Coolant type selection
Use of improper coolants may dama ge y
our engine cooling system.
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar hig
h quality ethylene glycol
based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with long-life
hybrid organic acid technology. (Coolant wi th long-life hybrid organic acid technol-
ogy is a combination of low phosphates and organic acids.)
For the USA : “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% di
stilled or deionized water. (Protects to: -35 C (-31F))
For Canada : “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 4
5% distilled or deionized water. (Protects to: -42 C (-44F))
Please contact your Lexus dealer for further details.

269
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Radiator and condenser
Check the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects. If the parts are
extremely dirty or you are not sure of their condition, have your vehicle checked
by your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the radiator cap. The cooling system may be under pressure and
ma

y spray hot coolant if the cap is removed, causing burns or other injuries.
Do not touch the radiator or condenser, as they may be not and may cause burns.
NOTICE
■When adding engine coolant
Do not use plain water alone.
■If you spill coolant:
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or point.

272
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Power steering fluid
■Fluid level
The fluid level should be within the
appropriate range.
Full line when cold
Add fluid if at or below line
when cold.
Full line when hot
Add fluid if at or below line
when hot.
Hot : If the vehicle has been driven around 50 mph (80 km/h) for 20 min -
utes (slightly longer in frigid te mper
atures), the fluid is hot (140F -
175
F or 60C - 80C).
Cold : If the engine has not been run for about
five hours, the fluid is cold.
(about room temperature, 50
F - 85F or 10C - 30C).
■ Checking the fluid level
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items before
checking.
Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
Remove the reservoir cap by tu rning it counter
clockwise and
wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinstall the reservoir cap.
Remove the reservoir cap again and look at the fluid le
vel.
1
2
3
4
Fluid typeAutomatic transmission fluid DEXRON II or III
ItemsRag or paper towel and funnel (only for adding fluid)

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Blade fuses
If a light does not turn on or if any of the electrical components do not operate,
a fuse may have blown. If this happens check and replace the fuses as neces
-
sary. 
If after replacing the fuse the light stil l
does not illuminate, the bulb may need
replacing.
Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
Open the fuse box cover.
Fuse box inside the engine compartment
Push the tabs in and lift the lid off.
Fuse box inside the driver’s side
kick panel
Pull the tab and remove the lid.