2011 LEXUS RX350 oil

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4

Maintenance and care
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move sud-
denly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death or serious injury,
observe the following precautions:
nWhen working on the engine compartment
lKeep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
lBe careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right after driv-
ing as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
lDo not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the engine
compartment.
lDo not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the battery. Fuel
and battery fumes are flammable.
lBe extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and
corrosive sulfuric acid.
nWhen 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. 4 7 2 )
nSafety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting
in the eyes.
NOTICE
nIf you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to
dirt in the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compartment.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
Engine compartment
Engine oil filler cap
(→P. 466)
Engine oil level dipstick
(→P. 466)
Battery (→P. 4 74 )
Brake fluid reservoir
(→P. 4 7 2 )
Fuse box (→P. 4 9 8 )
Engine coolant reservoir
(→P. 470)
Condenser (→P. 4 7 2 )
Radiator (→P. 4 7 2 )
Electric cooling fans
Washer fluid tank
(→P. 477)

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine oil
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
nChecking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground. After turning off the engine, wait
more than 5 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

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
nAdding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near the
low level mark, add engine oil of
the same type as that already in the
engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before
adding oil.
Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.
About 1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.) is required to raise the oil level from low to full on
the dipstick.
Engine oil
selection→P. 5 9 7
ItemsClean funnel
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
nEngine oil consumption
lThe amount of engine oil consumed depends on the oil viscosity, the quality of
the oil and the way the vehicle is driven.
lMore oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high speeds and fre-
quent acceleration and deceleration.
lA new engine consumes more oil.
lWhen 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.
lOil consumption: Max. 1.1 qt./600 miles (0.9 Imp. qt./600 miles, 1.0 L/1000
km)
lIf your vehicle consumes more than 1.1 qt. (1.0 L, 0.9 Imp. qt.) every 600 miles
(1000 km), contact your Lexus dealer.
nAfter changing the engine oil (U. S. A. only)
The engine oil maintenance data should be reset. Perform the following procedure:
Display the trip meter “A” (→P. 167), then turn the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch off.
While pressing the “ODO/TRIP” button, turn the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch to ON mode.
STEP1
STEP2
Keep the “ODO/TRIP” button pressed for
about 5 seconds. The resetting procedure is
complete when “000000” in the trip meter
flashes once and the message in the multi-
information display disappears.
STEP3

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Maintenance and care
CAUTION
nUsed engine oil
lUsed 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.
lDispose 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.
lDo not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
nTo prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
nWhen replacing the engine oil
lBe careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
lAvoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
lCheck the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
lBe sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
CAUTION
nChemicals in the battery
Batteries contain poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce hydrogen
gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death or serious injury,
take the following precautions while working on or near the battery:
lDo not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.
lDo not smoke or light a match near the battery.
lAvoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
lNever inhale or swallow electrolyte.
lWear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.
lKeep children away from the battery.
nWhere to safely 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 insufficient ventilation.
nHow to recharge the battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The battery may explode if charged at a
quicker rate.
nEmergency measures regarding electrolyte
lIf 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.
lIf electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical atten-
tion immediately.
lIf 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.
lIf 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.

546
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Stop the vehicle immediately.
A buzzer sounds and a warning message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display. The following warning indicates the possibility of damage to
the vehicle that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
Wa r n i n g m e s s a g eDetails
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Indicates abnormal engine oil pressure
The warning light may come on if the engine oil pres-
sure is too low.
(Flashes)
(If equipped)
Indicates the AWD system has overheated