2008 Lexus GS350 maintenance

413
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
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.
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.
GS_U_G.book Page 413 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

414
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
CoolantThe 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.
■If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, reservoir 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.U.S.A.: “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 coolant, contact your Lexus dealer.
GS_U_G.book Page 414 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

415
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
Radiator and condenserCheck the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not sure of their
condition, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the radiator and reservoir 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 the coolant
Coolant is neither plain water not straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of water
and antifreeze 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 it from damaging to parts or paint.
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser, as they may be hot and you may be burned.
GS_U_G.book Page 415 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

416
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
Brake fluid■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
■ Adding fluid
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency. Use
only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted
surfaces.
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
GS_U_G.book Page 416 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

417
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
12 volt batteryCheck the battery as follows.
■ Exterior
Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that there
are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Te r m i n a l s
Hold-down clamp
■ Check battery condition
Check the battery condition by the indicator color.
Blue: Good condition
White: Charging necessary
Have the battery checked by
your Lexus dealer.
Red: Not working properly,
have the battery checked by
your Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads wear or
when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.
GS_U_G.book Page 417 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

418
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
■Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Therefore, before recharging:
●If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect the
ground cable.
●Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and discon-
necting the charger cables to the battery.
■After recharging/reconnecting the battery
In some cases, the engine may not start. Follow one or both of the following proce-
dures:
●After opening and closing the driver’s door, wait 10 seconds then attempt to
start the engine. (If the system does not start first time, repeat the procedure.)
●With the shift lever in “P” and the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is OFF, open
and close any door, then attempt to start the engine.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts at both methods, contact
your Lexus dealer.
GS_U_G.book Page 418 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

419
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
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 (5A 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 a burning sensation, seek
medical attention 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.
GS_U_G.book Page 419 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

420
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
Washer fluidIf any washer does not work or the
warning message appears on the
multi-information display, the
washer tank may be empty. Add
washer fluid.
NOTICE
■When recharging the battery
Never recharge the battery while the engine is on. Also, be sure all accessories are
turned off.
CAUTION
■When refilling the washer fluid
Do not refill the washer fluid when the engine is hot or running, as the washer fluid
contains alcohol and may catch the fire if spilled on the engine etc.
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces.
■Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the washer fluid tank.
GS_U_G.book Page 420 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM