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IS250
Battery (P. 2 7 9 )
Engine oil level dipstick
(P. 2 7 2 )
Engine oil filler cap
(P. 2 7 2 )
Brake fluid reservoir
(P. 2 7 8)
Fuse boxes (P. 304)
Washer fluid tank
(P. 2 8 2 )
Electric cooling fans
Condenser (P. 2 7 8 )
Radiator (P. 2 7 8 )
Engine coolant reservoir
(P. 2 76 )
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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 the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check the
oil level.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
Low
Full
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP6
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■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 the 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.
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.
Oil gradeILSAC multi-grade engine oil
ItemsClean funnel
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
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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 with 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
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 consumption, 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.
■After changing the engine oil (U.S.A. only)
The oil change system should be reset. Perform the following procedures:
Switch the display to the odometer (P. 109) when the engine is running.
Turn the engine switch OFF.
While pressing the trip meter reset button, set the engine switch to the
IG-ON mode (but do not start the engine because otherwise the reset
mode will be cancelled). Continue to press and hold the button until the
trip meter displays 000000.
CAUTION
■Used engine oil
●Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin
disorders such as inflammation 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 household 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.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
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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
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 tightened.
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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. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten raw
egg or vegetable oil. Get emergency medical attention immediately.
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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning message is displayed
Stop the vehicle immediately.
A buzzer sounds and a warning message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display. The following warnings indicate the possibility of damage to
the vehicle that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
Wa r n i n g m e s s a g eDetails
(Flashing)
Indicates an abnormal engine oil pressure.
The warning light may turn on if the engine oil pres-
sure is too low.
If a warning is shown on the multi-information display, stay calm and per-
form the following actions:
Master warning light
The master warning light also
comes on or flashes in order to
indicate that a message is cur-
rently being displayed on the
multi-information display.
Multi-information display
If any of the warning light turns on again after performing the following
actions, contact your Lexus dealer.