2008 Lexus ES350 engine coolant

307
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
Engine coolantThe coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the F and L lines on the res-
ervoir when the engine is cold. Full
Low
If the level is on or below the L line,
add coolant up to the F 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.
■When adding the engine coolant
When installing the reservoir cap, make sure
that the engine coolant reservoir hose posi-
tioned as shown in the illustration.

308
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
■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.USA: “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 damage to parts or paint.

358
5-1. Essential information
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably needs
adjustment or repair. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
■Visible symptoms
● Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points
higher than normal
■ Audible symptoms
● Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine
■ Operational symptoms
● Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor

5
When trouble arises
403
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
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 carefully lift the hood.
If you do not see steam: Leave the engine running and carefully lift the hood.
Remove the engine compartment cover. ( →P. 302)
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.
Add engine coolant if required.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency measure if engine coolant
is unavailable. (→P. 4 1 2 )
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP6

404
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
■Overheating
If you observe the following, your vehicle may be overheating.
●The engine coolant temperature gauge enters the red zone or a loss of power is
experienced.
●Steam is coming from under the hood.
CAUTION
■To prevent an accident or injury when inspecting under the hood of your vehicle
●Keep hands and clothing away from the fan and other belts while the engine is
running.
●Do not loosen the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are hot.
Serious injury, such as burns, may result from hot coolant and steam released
under pressure.
NOTICE
■When adding engine coolant
Wait until the engine has cooled down before adding engine coolant.
When adding coolant, do so slowly. Adding cool coolant to a hot engine too quickly
can cause damage to the engine.
Install the reservoir cap.
Make sure that the engine cool-
ant reservoir hose is positioned
as shown in the illustration.
Have the vehicle checked at your nearest Lexus dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
STEP7

412
6-1. Specifications
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
Cooling system
Ignition system
Capacity9. 5 q t .
(9.0 L, 7.9 lmp.qt.)
Coolant type
Use either of the following.
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
• Similar high-quality ethylene glycol-based non-sili-
cate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate cool-
ant with long-life organic acid technology
Do not use plain water alone.
Spark plug
Make DENSO
Gap
FK20HR11
0.043 in. (1.1 mm)
NOTICE
■Iridium-tipped spark plugs
Use only above spark plugs. Do not adjust gaps for your engine performance or
smooth driveability.

427
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard equip-
ment, including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and
coolant, and if so equipped, air conditioning and
additional weight optional engine
Maximum loaded vehicle
weight
The sum of:
(a) Curb weight
(b) Accessory weight
(c) Vehicle capacity weight
(d) Production options weight
Normal occupant weight150 lb. (68 kg) times the number of occupants speci-
fied in the second column of Table 1
* that follows
Occupant distributionDistribution of occupants in a vehicle as specified in
the third column of Table 1
* below
Production options
weight
The combined weight of installed regular production
options weighing over 5 lb. (2.3 kg) in excess of the
standard items which they replace, not previously
considered in curb weight or accessory weight,
including heavy duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack,
heavy duty 12-volt battery, and special trim
RimA metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly
upon which the tire beads are seated
Rim diameter
(Wheel diameter)Nominal diameter of the bead seat
Rim size designationRim diameter and width
Rim type designationThe industry manufacturer's designation for a rim by
style or code
Rim widthNominal distance between rim flanges
Vehicle capacity weight
(Total load capacity)The rated cargo and luggage load plus 150 lb. (68
kg) times the vehicle's designated seating capacity
Tire related termMeaning

446
Alphabetical index
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
DisplayDynamic radar crui se control ....... 142
Trip information .................................... 129
Warning message............................. 373
Do-it-yourself maintenance ............. 294
Door courtesy lights Door courtesy lights..........................247
Wattage.................................................... 417
Doors Door glasses ........................................... 60
Door lock................................. 22, 34, 37
Side mirrors ............................................. 58
Driver's seat belt reminder light ..... 364
Driving Break-in tips ...........................................107
Correct posture .................................... 75
Procedures ............................................ 106
Winter driving tips............................... 167
Driving position memory ...................... 44
Electronic key If the electronic key does not
operate properly ............................398
Emergency, in case of
If the electronic key does not operate properly ............................398
If the engine will not start ............... 394
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P ...................................396
If the vehicle has discharged
battery ................................................. 400
If the warning buzzer sounds ...... 362
If the warning light turns on .......... 362 If the warning message is
displayed .............................................373
If you have a flat tire ........................ 384
If you lose your keys .........................397
If you think something is wrong .................................................. 358
If your vehicle becomes stuck .... 405
If your vehicle needs to be towed ................................................... 352
If your vehicle overheats................ 403
Engine Compartment ....................................... 301
Engine switch .......................................... 114
Hood ....................................................... 298
How to start the engine ..................... 114
Identification number ...................... 409
If the engine will not start ............... 394
Ignition switch ......................................... 114
Overheating ........................................ 403
Engine compartment cover ............. 302
Engine coolant Capacity .................................................. 412
Checking............................................... 307
Preparing and checking
before winter...................................... 167
Engine coolant temperature
gauge ....................................................... 122
Engine immobilizer system ................. 70
Engine oil Capacity .................................................... 411
Checking............................................... 303
Preparing and checking
before winter...................................... 167
Engine oil maintenance data ........... 306
Event data recorder ............................ 360
E