2008 Lexus ES350 coolant temperature

123
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
Instrument panel light controlThe brightness of the instrument panel lights can be adjusted. Brighter
Darker
When the headlight switch is
turned to ON, the brightness will
be reduced slightly unless the con-
trol dial is turned fully up.
Odometer and trip meter
●Odometer
Displays the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
●Trip meter
Displays the distance the vehicle has been driven since the meter was
last reset. Trip meters A and B can be used to record and display differ-
ent distances independently.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature.
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
●Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which indi-
cates the maximum engine speed.
●The engine may be overheating if the temperature gauge is in the red zone (H). In
this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place, and check the engine after
it has cooled completely. ( →P. 4 0 3 )

167
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
■Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific gravity of
battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
●Tire inflation pressure falls in winter as the outside temperature
falls. Add 2.9 to 4.3 psi (20 to 30 kPa, 0.2 to 0.3 kgf/cm2 or bar)
to the standard tire inflation pressure.

178
2-5. Driving information
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)●
Avoid sudden braking as you may sk id, resulting in jackknifing and loss
of control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.
● Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
● Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before making a
turn.
● Note that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be closer than the
vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making a
larger than normal turning radius.
● Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of your
vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Periodically check the rear to prepare
for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your vehi-
cle and trailer to sway. If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel,
reduce speed immediately but gradually, and steer straight ahead.
Never increase speed. If you make no extreme correction with the
steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
● Take care when passing other vehicles. Passing requires considerable
distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of your
trailer, and be sure you have plenty of room before changing lanes.
● In order to maintain efficient engine braking and electrical charging
performance, do not use overdrive. Transmission shift range position
must be in “4”, in the “S” mode.
● Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle's engine may over-
heat on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when driving up
a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in use),
pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot. See “If you vehicle
overheats”. ( →P. 403)

296
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move sud-
denly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death or serious injury.
■When working on the engine compartment:
●Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
●Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right after driv-
ing as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
●Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the engine
compartment.
●Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the battery. Fuel
and battery fumes are flammable.
●Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and
corrosive sulfuric acid.
●Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted
surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean water
immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
■When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille:
Be sure the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is OFF.
With the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in IGNITION ON mode, the electric
cooling fan may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the
coolant temperature is high.
(→ P. 3 0 9 )
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting
in the eyes.

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

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