2012 Lexus ES350 check engine

5
When trouble arises
467
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350_U
■When using the compact spare tire
As the compact spare tire is not equipped with the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter, low inflation pressure of the spare tire will not be warned. Also, if you
replace the compact spare tire after the tire pressure warning light comes on, the
light remains on.
■If you have a flat front tire on a road covered with snow or ice (vehicles with com-
pact spare tire)
Install the compact spare tire on the rear of the vehicle. Perform the following steps
and fit tire chains to the front tires.Replace a rear tire with the compact spare tire.
Replace the flat front tire with the tire removed from the rear of the vehi-
cle.
Fit tire chains to the front tires.
■After completing the tire change
The tire pressure warning system must be reset. ( →P. 3 9 2 )
CAUTION
■Using the tire jack
Improper use of the tire jack may lead to death or serious injuries due to the vehicle
suddenly falling off the jack.
●Do not use the tire jack for any purpose other than replacing tires or installing and
removing tire chains.
●Only use the tire jack that comes with this vehicle for replacing a flat tire.
Do not use it on other vehicles, and do not use other tire jacks for replacing tires
on this vehicle.
●Always check that the tire jack is securely set to the jack point.
●Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle supported by a jack.
●Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is supported by the jack.
●Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in it.
●When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or under the jack.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

5
When trouble arises
471
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350_U
Emergency start functionWhen the engine does not start, the following steps can be used as an
interim measure to start the engine if the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
is functioning normally. Set the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Set the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to the ACCESSORY
mode.
Push and hold the “ENGINE START STOP” switch about 15 sec-
onds while depressing the brake pedal firmly.
Even if the engine can be started using the above steps, the system may
be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.
■ The starter motor does not turn ov er, the interior lights and head-
lights do not turn on, or the horn does not sound.
One of the following may be the cause of the problem.
● One or both of the battery terminals may be disconnected.
● The battery may be discharged. ( →P. 4 7 7 )
● There may be a malfunction in the steering lock system.
Contact your Lexus dealer if the problem cannot be repaired, or if
repair procedures are unknown.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

478
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350_U
■Starting the engine when the battery is discharged
The engine cannot be started by push-starting.
■Avoiding a discharged battery
●Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the engine is turned off.
●Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is running at a
low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic, etc.
■Charging the battery
The electricity stored in the battery will discharge gradually even when the vehi-
cle is not in use, due to natural discharge and the draining effects of certain
electrical appliances. If the vehicle is left for a long time, the battery may dis-
charge, and the engine may be unable to start. (The battery recharges automat-
ically during driving.)
Start the engine of the second vehicle. Increase the engine
speed slightly and maintain at that level for approximately 5
minutes to recharge the battery of your vehicle.
Open and close any of the doors with the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch OFF.
Maintain the engine speed of the second vehicle and turn the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch to the IGNITION ON mode,
then start the vehicle’s engine.
Once the vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper
cables in the exact reverse order in which they were con-
nected.
Once the engine starts, have the vehicle checked at your Lexus dealer
as soon as possible.STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP6

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

5
When trouble arises
481
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350_U
■Overheating
If you observe the following, 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.
Add engine coolant if neces-
sary.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency measure if engine coolant
is unavailable. (→P. 4 9 0 )
Install the reservoir cap.
Make sure that the engine cool-
ant reservoir hose is positioned
as shown in the illustration.
Have the vehicle checked at your nearest Lexus dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
STEP5
STEP6

489
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
ES350_U
Lubrication system
*: The engine oil capacity is a reference quantity to be used when exchang- ing. Warm up and turn off the engine, wait more than 5 minutes, and
check the oil level on the dipstick.
■ Engine oil selection
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is used in your Lexus vehicle. Use Lexus
approved “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent to satisfy the follow-
ing grade and viscosity.
Oil grade: ILSAC multigrade engine oil
Recommended viscosity: SAE 5W-30
SAE 5W-30 is the best choice for
good fuel economy and good
starting in cold weather.
If SAE 5W-30 is not available,
SAE 10W-30 oil may be used.
However, it should be replaced
with SAE 5W-30 at the next oil
change.
Oil capacity
(Drain and refill 
reference*)
without filter 6.0 qt. (5.7 L, 5.0 Imp. qt.)
with filter6.4 qt. (6.1 L, 5.3 Imp. qt.)
Outside temperature

491
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
ES350_U
Ignition system
Electrical system
Spark plug
MakeDENSO
Gap
FK20HR11
0.043 in. (1.1 mm)
NOTICE
■Iridium-tipped spark plugs
Use only above spark plugs. Do not adjust gaps for your engine performance or
smooth driveability.
Battery
Open voltage at
68 °F (20 °C):12.6  12.8 V Fully charged
12.2 
12.4 V Half charged
11.8 
12.0 V Discharged
(Voltage is checked 20 minutes after
the engine and all the lights are turned
off)
Charging rates5 A max.

542
Alphabetical index
ES350_U
Emergency flashersSwitch ......................................................430
Engine Compartment ......................................377
Engine switch.........................................128
Hood........................................................ 374
How to start the engine....................128
Identification number....................... 487
If the engine will not start ............... 470
Ignition switch........................................128
Overheating........................................ 480
Engine compartment cover .............378
Engine coolant Capacity.................................................490
Checking ............................................... 382
Preparing and checking
before winter ......................................196
Engine coolant temperature
gauge ....................................................... 138
Engine immobilizer system................... 81
Engine oil Capacity.................................................489
Checking ............................................... 379
Preparing and checking
before winter ......................................196
Event data recorder ...............................20
Floor mat .................................................. 337
Fluid Brake........................................................384
Power steering fluid .........................385
Washer ...................................................389
Fog lights Switch ........................................................154
Wattage.................................................. 495 Foot well lighting.....................................312
Front fog lights
Switch........................................................ 154
Wattage ................................................. 495
Front passenger occupant classification system ............................ 99
Front passenger's seat belt reminder light .......................................441
Front seats Adjustment .............................................. 50
Driving position memory ................... 51
Seat position memory........................ 55
Front side marker lights Replacing light bulbs ....................... 420
Wattage ................................................. 495
Front turn signal lights
Replacing light bulbs ....................... 420
Wattage ................................................. 495
Fuel Capacity ................................................488
Fuel gauge .............................................. 138
Fuel pump shut off system ............ 438
Gas station information ................. 552
Information ........................................... 496
Refueling ....................................................78
Fuel door ..................................................... 78
Fuel filler door ........................................... 78
Fuel pump shut off system.................438
Fuses .......................................................... 409
Garage door opener .......................... 340
Gas station information ..................... 552
Gauges ...................................................... 138
Glove box ..................................................316
Glove box light ........................................316
Grocery bag hooks .............................338
F
G