2012 Lexus GX460 Owner's Manual

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
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 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.
●Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on 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 retightened.

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Engine coolantThe coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “F” and “L” lines on the
reservoir when the engine is cold. Reservoir cap
Full
Low
If the level is on or below the “L”
line, add coolant up to the “F” line.
■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. (Minimum temperature: -31 °F [-35 °C])
Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55 % coolant and 45 % deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -44 °F [-42 ° C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Lexus dealer.

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Maintenance and care
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■If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant reservoir caps, drain cock and
water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Lexus dealer test the cap and check for leaks in
the cooling system.
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 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 damage to parts or paint.

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Radiator and condenserCheck the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts is 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 touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause serious inju-
ries, such as burns.

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Maintenance and care
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
Brake fluid■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
■ Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary item.
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel

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■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.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted
surfaces.
If fluid gets on your eyes, flush the affected area with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■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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Maintenance and care
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Power steering fluid■ Fluid level
The fluid level should be within the appropriate range.
Full (when cold)
Add fluid (when cold)
Full (when hot)
Add fluid (when hot)
Hot: The vehicles has been driven around 50 mph (80 km/h) for 20 minutes, or slightly longer in frig id temperatures. (Fluid temper-
ature, 140 °F - 175 ° F [60 °C - 80 ° C]).
Cold: The engine has not been run for about 5 hours. (Room tempera- ture, 50 °F - 85 °F [10 ° C - 30 °C]).

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Checking the fluid level
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
Remove the cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinstall the cap and remove it again.
Check the fluid level.
Fluid typeAutomatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
ItemsRag or paper, clean funnel (only for adding fluid)
CAUTION
■When checking the reservoir
Take care as the reservoir may be hot.
NOTICE
■When adding fluid
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering may be damaged.
■After replacing the reservoir cap
Check the steering box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or dam-
age.
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