2008 Lexus ES350 Maintenance

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
1
1Before drivingAdjusting and operating features such as door locks, mir-
rors, and steering column.
2When drivingDriving, stopping and safe-driving information.
3Interior featuresAir conditioning and audio systems, as well as other interior
features for a comfortable driving experience.
4Maintenance
and careCleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-it-your-
self maintenance, and maintenance information.
5When trouble
arisesWhat to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat tire,
or is involved in an accident.
6Vehicle
specificationsDetailed vehicle information.
7For US ownersReporting safety defects for US owners
IndexAlphabetical listing of information contained in this manual.

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
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3-5. Using the storage features .... 250List of storage features.............. 250
• Glove box.................................... 250
• Console box ................................. 251
• Overhead console.................... 253
• Cup holders................................. 254
• Auxiliary box ............................... 256
3-6. Other interior features........... 257 Sun visors......................................... 257
Vanity mirror ................................. 258
Clock ................................................. 259
Ashtray ............................................ 260
Cigarette lighter ............................ 261
Power outlet ................................... 262
Seat heaters and ventilators ..................................... 263
Armrest ............................................ 265
Rear sunshade ............................... 266
Extended trunk............................. 268
Floor mat.......................................... 269
Trunk features................................ 270
Garage door opener.................. 272
Compass.......................................... 277
4-1. Maintenance and care............ 282 Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior................... 282
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ................... 285 4-2. Maintenance............................. 288
Maintenance requirements .... 288
General maintenance ............... 290
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs ...................................... 293
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance............................ 294
Do-it-yourself service precautions .................................. 294
Hood................................................. 298
Positioning a floor jack............... 299
Engine compartment................... 301
Tires .................................................... 316
Tire inflation pressure................. 324
Wheels............................................. 328
Air conditioning filter................. 330
Electronic key battery ................ 332
Checking and replacing fuses ................................................ 334
Headlight aim (vehicles with discharge
headlights).................................... 342
Light bulbs ....................................... 343
4Maintenance and care

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
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5-1. Essential information .............. 352If your vehicle needs to be towed ....................................... 352
If you think something is wrong ........................................ 358
Fuel pump shut off system ........ 359
Event data recorder................... 360
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency .............................. 362
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds... ........................................ 362
If a warning message is displayed....................................... 373
If you have a flat tire.................... 384
If the engine will not start .......... 394
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P .............................. 396
If you lose your keys .................... 397
If the electronic key does not operate properly .............. 398
If the vehicle battery is discharged .................................. 400
If your vehicle overheats .......... 403
If the vehicle becomes stuck............................................... 405 6-1. Specifications............................ 408
Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.).................... 408
Fuel information............................. 418
Tire information ............................. 421
6-2. Customization .......................... 433 Customizable features .............. 433
6-3. Initialization ............................... 438 Items to initialize .......................... 438
Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners........................... 440
Abbreviation list .................................. 442
Alphabetical index.............................. 444
What to do if... ...................................... 454
5When trouble arises6Vehicle specifications
7For US owners
Index

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ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
1-6. Theft deterrent system
Engine immobilizer system
■System maintenance
The vehicle has a maintenance-free type of engine immobilizer system.
■Conditions that may cause the system to malfunction
●If the grip portion of the key is in contact with a metallic object
●If the key is in close proximity to or touching a key to the security system (key
with a built-in transponder chip) of another vehicle
■Certifications for the engine immobilizer system
For vehicles sold in the USA
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation. For vehicles sold in Canada
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired operation of the device.
The vehicle's keys have built-in tran sponder chips that prevent the engine
from starting if the key has not been previously registered in the vehicle's
on-board computer.
Never leave the keys inside the vehicle when you leave the vehicle.
The indicator light flashes after
the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch has been turned OFF to
indicate that the system is oper-
ating.
FCC ID: NI4TMIMB-1

175
2-5. Driving information
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When driving
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
■Before towing
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (→P. 3 2 4 )
●Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer's recom-
mendation.
●All trailer lights work to be legal.
●Confirm all lights work each time you connect them.
●Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper tongue
load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
●Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded.
●Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial or
local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for towing
purposes.
■Break-in schedule
Lexus recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new
power train components (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearings, etc.) to
tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of driving.
■Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due to
the additional load. (See “Warranty and Services Guide/Owner's Manual Sup-
plement/ Scheduled Maintenance”.)
●Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately
600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.
CAUTION
■To avoid accident or injury
●The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus the weight of cargo) must not exceed
1000 lb. (450 kg).
●Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle
weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
●Never load more weight in the back than in the front of the trailer. About 60% of
the load should be in the front half of the trailer, and the remaining 40% in the
rear.

Maintenance and care4
281
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
4-1. Maintenance and care ............................... 282
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior............ 282
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ............. 285
4-2. Maintenance .................. 288 Maintenance requirements ....................... 288
General maintenance .......... 290
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs
................................. 293
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance ................ 294
Do-it-yourself service precautions ........................... 294
Hood ......................................... 298
Positioning a floor jack ......... 299
Engine compartment ............. 301
Tires ............................................. 316
Tire inflation pressure ........... 324
Wheels ..................................... 328
Air conditioning filter........... 330
Electronic key battery ......... 332
Checking and replacing fuses......................................... 334 Headlight aim (vehicles with
discharge headlights) ........ 342
Light bulbs................................ 343

282
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
4-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior
■Automatic car washes
●Fold the mirrors back before washing the vehicle.
●Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle surface and
harm your vehicle’s paint.
■High pressure car washes
●Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close proximity of the
windows.
●Before car wash, check that the fuel filler door on your vehicle is closed prop-
e r l y.
■Touch-up paint (if equipped)
Touch-up paint may be used to cover small chips or scratches.
Apply the paint soon after the damage occurs or corrosion may set in. To apply the
touch-up paint so it is hardly noticeable the trick is to apply it only to the bare spots.
Apply only the smallest amount possible and do not paint the surface around the
scratch or chip.
Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in prime condi-
tion.
● Working from top to bottom, liberally apply water to the vehicle
body, wheel wells and underside of the vehicle to remove any dirt
and dust.
Wash the vehicle body using a sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.
● For hard-to-remove marks, use car wash soap and rinse thor-
oughly with water.
● Wipe away any water.
● Wax the vehicle when the waterproof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the vehicle
body is cool.

283
4-1. Maintenance and care
4
Maintenance and care
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
■Aluminum wheels
Remove any dirt immediately by using a neutral detergent. Do not use hard brushes
or abrasive cleaners. Do not use strong or harsh chemical cleaners. Use the same
mild detergent and wax as used on the paint.
■Bumpers and side moldings
Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.
■To prevent deterioration and do by corrosion
●Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If you see coal tar or tree sap on the paint surface
• If you see dead insects or insect droppings on the paint
• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust, ironpowder or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled in dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gasoline are spilled on the paint surface
●If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.
CAUTION
■Caution about the exhaust pipe
Exhaust gasses cause the exhaust pipe to become quite hot.
When washing the vehicle, be careful not to touch the pipe until it has cooled suffi-
ciently, as touching a hot exhaust pipe can cause burns.