Page 521 of 651

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
500B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning.
Check the following.
Is the cooling fan operating?
Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the
engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out
under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the
acceptable range, turn off the engine and call your Lexus
dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant
temperature has cooled to normal, continue driving your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your
vehicle overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible
by your Lexus dealer.
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight
line. Move cautiously off the road to a safe place
— well away from the traffic. Avoid stopping on the
center divider of a highway. Park on a level spot with
firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency
flashers.
3. F i r m l y s e t t h e p a r k i n g b r a k e a n d p u t t h e
transmission in “P”.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side
away from traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.
Page 552 of 651

MAINTENANCE
531
Accelerator pedal
Check
the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal ef fort
or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and free play. Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
In a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the pedal has the proper travel and that, on a safe
incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake
applied.
Automatic transmission “Park” mechanism
Check the lock release button of the selector lever for proper
and smooth operation. On a safe incline, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in “P” position
and all brakes released.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to time,
unless otherwise specified.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid after
the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes
or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected
immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all side doors and back door operate smoothly and
all latches lock securely. Make sure the engine hood
secondary latch secures the hood when the primary latch is
released.
Page 563 of 651

INTRODUCTION
542
Use eye protection whenever you work on or under
your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc.
Take care when filling the brake fluid reservoir
because brake fluid can harm your eyes and damage
painted surfaces. If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your
eyes with clean water immediately. If you still feel
uncomfortable with your eyes, go to the doctor.
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.
If you spill the fluid, be sure to wash it off with water
to prevent it from damaging the parts or paint.
Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid and
power steering fluid, or the transmission and power
steering could be damaged.
Be careful not to scratch the glass surface with the
wiper frame.
Page 564 of 651

INTRODUCTION
543
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 558 for details about engine oil selection.
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
“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.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50%
coolant and 50% deionized water (for the U.S.A.) or 55%
coolant and 45% deionized water (for Canada). Tools:
Funnel (only for adding coolant)
Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):
FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking power steering fluid
Parts (if level is low):
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Page 590 of 651

CHASSIS
569
CHECKING POWER STEERINGFLUID
The power steering fluid reservoir is located under the
engine compartment cover. Before checking the power
steering fluid, remove the cover. (For details, see
“Removing the e ngine compartment cover” on page 540.)
Check the fluid level through the reservoir. If necessary,
add automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III .
If the vehicle has been driven around 80 km/h (50 mph) for 20
minutes (a little more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is hot
(60 C — 80C or 140F — 175F). You may also check the
level when the fluid is cold (about room temperature, 10 C —
30 C or 50F — 85F) if the engine has not been run for about
five hours.
1If cold O.K.2If cold add3If hot O.K.
4If hot add
Clean all dirt off the reservoir and look at the fluid level. If the
fluid is cold, the level should be in the “COLD” range. Similarly,
if it is hot, the fluid level should be in the “HOT” range. If th\
e
level is at the low side of the appropriate range, add automatic
transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III to bring the level within
the range.
To remove the reservoir cap, turn it counterclockwise and lift
up. To reinstall it, turn it clockwise. After replacing the reservoir
cap, visually check the steering box case, vane pump and hose
connections for leaks or damage.