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4-2. Maintenance
Maintenance requirements
To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and regular
maintenance is essential. Lexus recommends the following mainte-
nance.
Scheduled maintenance
Scheduled maintenance should be performed at specified
intervals according to the maintenance schedule.
For full details of your maintenance schedule, read the “Lexus
Service Booklet” or “Lexus Warranty Booklet”.
Do-it-yourself maintenance
What about do-it-yourself maintenance?
Many maintenance items are easy to do yourself if you have a lit-
tle mechanical ability and a few basic automotive tools.
Note, however, that some maintenance tasks require special tools
and skills. These are best performed by qualified technicians. Even
if you're an experienced do-it-yourself mechanic, we recommend
that repairs and maintenance be conducted by any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional. Any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer will keep a
record of maintenance, which could be useful should you ever
require Warranty Service. Should you choose to select a qualified
and equipped professional other than an authorized Lexus repairer
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Where to go for service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the highest possible condition, Lexus
recommends that all repairs and service operations be carried out by autho-
rized Lexus dealers or repairers or other duly qualified and equipped profes-
sionals. For repairs and services covered by your warranty, please visit an
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, who will use genuine Lexus parts in
repairing any difficulties you may encounter. There can also be advantages
in utilizing authorized Lexus dealers or repairers for non-warranty repairs
and services, as members of the Lexus network will be able to expertly
assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional service department will perform all of the scheduled maintenance
on your vehicle - reliably and economically due to their experience with
Lexus vehicles.
Does your vehicle need repair?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs
that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:
Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air
conditioning after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monox-
ide leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system
checked immediately.)
Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire
wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension movement
Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost
touches the floor, vehicle pulls to one side when braking
Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional, as
soon as possible. Your vehicle may need adjustment or repair.
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ItemsParts and tools
Tire inflation pressure (P. 426)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid (P. 420)
• Water washer fluid containing
antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel
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CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
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 driving 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. 415)
CAUTION
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting in the eyes.
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NOTICE
If you remove the air cleaner
Driving with the air cleaner removed may cause excessive engine wear due
to dirt in the air. Also, a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compart-
ment.
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.
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Engine oil consumption
The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the oil viscosity, the
quality of the oil and the way the vehicle is driven.
More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high speeds and
frequent acceleration and deceleration.
A new engine consumes more oil.
When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in mind that the oil
may have become diluted, making it difficult to judge the true level
accurately.
Oil consumption: Max. 1.0 L per 1,000 km (1.1 qt./600 miles, 0.9 Imp.
qt./600 miles)
If your vehicle consumes more than 1.0 L (1.1 qt., 0.9 Imp. qt.) every
1000 km (600 miles), contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
After changing the engine oil (IS220d and IS200d)
The oil change system should be reset. Perform the following procedures:
Switch the display to the odometer (P. 171) when the engine is
running.
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.
While pressing the trip meter reset button, set the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch to IGNITION ON mode (but do not start the
engine because otherwise the reset mode will be cancelled). Con-
tinue to press and hold the button until the trip meter displays
“000000”.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
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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 dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the
ground.
Call any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional, service station or auto parts store for information
concerning 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 a 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.
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If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant filler cap, radiator cap,
drain cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional, test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high-quality eth-
ylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate
coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50%
deionized water. (Enabled: -35C [-31F])
For more details about engine coolant, contact any authorized Lexus dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
CAUTION
When the engine is hot
Do not remove the radiator cap (IS250), or the coolant reservoir cap (IS220d
and IS200d).
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
When adding engine 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 damage to parts or paint.