2009 Lexus GS350 engine coolant

431
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
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.
■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 431 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

432
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
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 nor 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 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 432 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

5
When trouble arises
503
5-1. Essential information
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
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 temper ature 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, sp ongy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor
GS_U_G.book Page 503 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

552
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
If your vehicle overheats
If your engine overheats:
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air conditioning
system.
Check to see if steam is coming out from under the hood.
If you see steam: Stop the engine. Carefully lift the hood after the steam sub-
sides and then restart the engine.
If you do not see steam: Leave the engine running and carefully lift the hood.
Remove the engine compartment cover. ( →P. 4 2 6 )
Check to see if the cooling fan is operating.
If the fan is operating: Wait until the engine coolant temperature gauge begins to
fall and then stop the engine.
If the fan is not operating: Stop the engine immediately and call your Lexus dealer.
After the engine has cooled
down sufficiently, check the
coolant level and inspect the
radiator core (radiator) for any
leaks.STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
GS_U_G.book Page 552 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

5
When trouble arises
553
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
■Overheating
In the following situations, 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 in specting under the hood of your vehicle
●If steam is seen coming from under the food, do not open the food until the steam
has subsided. The engine compartment may be very hot, causing serious injury
such as burns.
●Keep hands and clothing away from the fan and engine drive belt 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.
Add coolant if necessary.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency measure if coolant is
unavailable. ( →P. 5 6 6 )
Have the vehicle checked at your nearest Lexus dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
STEP6
GS_U_G.book Page 553 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

554
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Wait until the engine has cooled down before adding coolant.
When adding coolant, do so slowly. Adding cool coolant to a hot engine too quickly
can cause damage to the engine.
GS_U_G.book Page 554 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

566
6-1. Specifications
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
Cooling system
Ignition system
CapacityGS46011.7 qt. (11.0 L, 9.7 Imp.qt.)
GS3509.6 qt. (9.1 L, 8.0 Imp.qt.)
Coolant type
Use either of the following:• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
• Similar high-quality ethylene glycol-based non-sili-cate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate cool-
ant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology
Do not use plain water alone.
Spark plug
Make DENSOFK20HBR11
Gap0.043 in. (1.1 mm)
NOTICE
■Iridium-tipped spark plugs
Use only iridium-tipped spark plugs. Do not adjust gap when tuning engine.
GS_U_G.book Page 566 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

583
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
Tire related termMeaning
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those standard
items which may be replaced) of automatic transmis-
sion, power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, radio and heater, to the extent that these
items are available as factory-installed equipment
(whether installed or not)
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard equip-
ment, including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and
coolant, and if so equipped, air conditioning and
additional weight optional engine
Maximum loaded vehicle
weight
The sum of:
(a) Curb weight
(b) Accessory weight
(c) Vehicle capacity weight
(d) Production options weight
Normal occupant weight150 lb. (68 kg) times the number of occupants speci-
fied in the second column of Table 1* that follows
Occupant distributionDistribution of occupants in a vehicle as specified in
the third column of Table 1* below
Production options
weight
The combined weight of installed regular production
options weighing over 5 lb. (2.3 kg) in excess of the
standard items which they replace, not previously
considered in curb weight or accessory weight,
including heavy duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack,
heavy duty battery, and special trim
RimA metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly
upon which the tire beads are seated
Rim diameter
(Wheel diameter)Nominal diameter of the bead seat
GS_U_G.book Page 583 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM