2009 Lexus ES350 check engine

130
2-2. Instrument cluster
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)
CAUTION
■If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as the ABS and SRS airbag warning lights not
come on when you start the engine, this could mean that these systems are not
available to help protect you in an accident, which could result in death or serious
injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately if this occurs.
■Warning lights
Warning lights inform the driver of malfunctions or suspected prob-
lem in any of the vehicle’s systems. ( →P. 3 7 5 )
*: These lights turn on when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned
to IGNITION ON mode to indicate that a system check is being per-
formed. They will turn off after the engine is started, or after a few sec-
onds. There may be a malfunction in a system if a light does not come on,
or if the lights do not turn off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer.
(USA)(Canada)(USA)(Canada)
(USA)(Canada)(if equipped)(without
navigation system)(with naviga-
tion system)
******
*****

134
2-2. Instrument cluster
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)■
Elapsed time
Displays the elapsed time since the engine was
started.
■System check display
After switching the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to IGNITION ON mode,
is displayed while system operation is checked. When the system check is
complete, is displayed before returning to the normal screen.
■Outside temperature display
In the following situations, the correct outside temperature may not be displayed, or
the display may take longer than normal to change.
●When stopped, or driving at low speeds (less than 12 mph [20 km/h])
●When the outside temperature has changed suddenly (at the entrance/exit of a
garage, tunnel, etc.)
NOTICE
■The multi-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.

180
2-5. Driving information
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)
■Before towing
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (→P. 3 3 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
r e a r.

183
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)●
Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, 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. 4 1 6 )

Maintenance and care4
291
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)
4-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior............. 292
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior .............. 295
4-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ....................... 298
General maintenance ......... 300
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs............................... 303 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions ........................... 304
Hood .......................................... 308
Positioning a floor jack ......... 309
Engine compartment ............. 311
Tires............................................ 326
Tire inflation pressure........... 334
Wheels ...................................... 338
Air conditioning filter ........... 340
Electronic key battery.......... 342
Checking and replacing fuses ........................................ 344
Headlight aim ......................... 352
Light bulbs................................ 354

300
4-2. Maintenance
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryMaintenance-free. (→P. 322)
Brake fluidAt the correct level? ( →P. 3 1 9 )
Engine coolantAt the correct level? ( →P. 3 1 7 )
Engine oilAt the correct level? ( →P. 313)
Exhaust systemNo fumes or strange sounds?
Power steering fluidAt the correct level? ( →P. 3 2 0 )
Radiator/condenser/hosesNot blocked with foreign matter?
(→ P. 3 1 9 )
Washer fluidAt the correct level? ( →P. 3 2 5 )
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed
at the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Service Guide” or “Owners
Manual Supplement”. It is recommended that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service
shop for advice.

302
4-2. Maintenance
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)
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.

313
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)■
Installing the clips
Press the tip of the clip against a
hard surface, such as a desk, to
allow the center part of the clip
to be pushed up.
Insert
Press
Engine oil
With the engine at operating temperature 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
more than five 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.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5