2008 Lexus IS250 check engine

142
2-2. Instrument cluster
■Gear position display
(vehicles with an automatic transmission only)
Indicates the current gear , and the range of gears
that is available when the shift lever is in the S or D
position. the gear range is shown by the number of
dots ( ) and the current gear is shown as a number.
The transmission automatically selects the gears
within the driver selected gear range.
In the illustration to the left, a range of 6 available gears
(1 through 6) has been selected by the driver. (The shift
lever is in the D or S position with 6 ranges enabled) It is
possible for the transmission to automatically select
between all 6 of the gears. In this case, the transmission
has selected third gear.
■System check display
After switching the “ENGINE START ST OP” switch to IGNITION ON mode,
“CHECK” is displayed while system operation is checked. When the system check
is complete, “COMPLETED” is displayed before returning to the normal screen.
CAUTION
■The information display at low temperatures
Allow the interior of the vehicle to warm up before using the liquid crystal informa-
tion display. At extremely low temperatures, the information display monitor may
respond slowly, and display changes may be delayed.
For example, there is a lag between the driver's shifting and the new gear number
appearing on the display. This lag could ca use the driver to downshift again, causing
rapid and excessive engine braking and po ssibly an accident resulting in personal
death or injury.

183
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
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 appropria te 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 rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and the same brand, and that
chains match the size of the tires.
■ Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
● Do not try to forcibly open a w indow or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe
away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumu lated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumul ated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that
may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.

Maintenance and care4
273
4-1. Maintenance and care ............................... 274
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior.............. 274
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior .............. 277
4-2. Maintenance .................. 280 Maintenance requirements ....................... 280
General maintenance ......... 282
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs............................... 285
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance ................ 286
Do-it-yourself service precautions ........................... 286
Hood ......................................... 289
Positioning a floor jack ......... 290
Engine compartment............ 292
Tires ............................................ 306
Tire inflation pressure ............ 316 Wheels ...................................... 320
Air conditioning filter ........... 322
Electronic key battery.......... 325
Checking and replacing
fuses ........................................ 327
Headlight aim .......................... 341
Light bulbs ................................ 342

282
4-2. Maintenance
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryMaintenance-free. (P. 3 0 2 )
Brake fluidAt the correct level? ( P. 3 0 1 )
Engine coolantAt the correct level? ( P. 2 9 9 )
Engine oilAt the correct level? ( P. 2 9 5 )
Exhaust systemNo fumes or strange sounds?
Radiator/condenser/hosesNot blocked with foreign matter?
( P. 3 0 1 )
Wa s h e r f l u i dAt the correct level? ( P. 3 0 5 )
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed
at the intervals specified in the “War ranty and Services Guide” or “Owners
Manual Supplement”. It is recomme nded that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service
shop for advice.

284
4-2. Maintenance
Vehicle exterior
ItemsCheck points
Steering wheel
• Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?
ItemsCheck points
Door/trunk• Operate smoothly?
Engine hood• The lock system works properly?
Fluid leaks• Is there any leakage after parking?
Ti r e
• Inflation pressure is correct?
• Tire surfaces not worn or dam-aged?
• Tires rotated according to the maintenance schedule?
• Wheel nuts are not loose?
CAUTION
■If the engine is running
Turn the engine off and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before performing
maintenance checks.

295
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Engine oilWith the engine at operating temperat ure 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

296
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■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 th e 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

299
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Engine 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.
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.