2012 Lexus ES350 radiator

383
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
ES350_U
■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 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.USA: “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 engine coolant, contact your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the radiator cap.
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 not straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of water
and anti freeze 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.

384
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
ES350_U
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.
Brake fluid■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
■ Adding fluid
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause serious inju-
ries, such as burns.
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency. Use
only newly opened brake fluid.

480
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350_U
If your vehicle overheats
If your engine overheats:
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the automatic 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.
Check to see if the cooling fan is operating.
If the fan is operating: Wait until the temperature of the engine (shown on the
instrument cluster) begins to fall and then stop the engine.
If the fan is not operating: Stop the engine immediately and call your local Lexus
dealer.
After the engine has cooled
down sufficiently, check the
engine coolant level and inspect
the radiator core (radiator) for
any leaks.
If the engine compartment
cover needs to be removed:
→P. 3 7 8
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350_U
CAUTION
■To prevent an accident or injury when inspecting under the hood of your vehicle
●If steam is seen coming from under the hood, do not open the hood 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 other belts 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.
NOTICE
■When adding engine coolant
Wait until the engine has cooled down before adding engine coolant.
When adding coolant, do so slowly. Adding cool coolant to a hot engine too quickly
can cause damage to the engine.

545
Alphabetical index
ES350_U
Radar cruise control ............................. 164
Radiator.................................................... 384
Radio* ......................................................... 217
Radio data system*................................ 218
RDS*............................................................ 218
Rear side marker lightsReplacing light bulbs ....................... 420
Wattage ................................................. 495
Rear sunshade....................................... 333
Rear turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs ....................... 420
Wattage ................................................. 495
Rear window defogger ........................ 213
Replacing Electronic key battery ..................... 407
Fuses ........................................................ 409
Light bulbs ............................................ 420
Reporting safety defects for
U.S. owners ..........................................522
Reset the maintenance
data ......................................................... 365 Safety Connect..................................... 350
Seat belts
Adjusting the seat belt ........................60
Automatic Locking Retractor...........61
Child restraint system installation............................................108
Cleaning and maintaining the seat belts .....................................362
Emergency Locking Retractor ........61
How to wear your seat belt .............59
How your child should wear the seat belt .......................................... 62
Pregnant women, proper seat belt use ...........................61
Reminder light .......................................441
Seat belt extenders .............................. 62
Seat belt pretensioners ......................60
Seat heaters ................................ 328, 330
Seat position memory ............................ 55
Seat ventilators ......................................330
Seating capacity ..................................... 195RS
*: For vehicles with a navigation system, refer to the “Navigation System Owner’s Manual”.