2012 Lexus GX460 coolant level

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2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
■The meters and display illuminate when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■Instrument cluster brightness adjustment
The instrument cluster brightness levels when the tail lights are on and off can be
adjusted.
■The brightness of the instrument cluster lights
When the tail lights are on, the brightness will change. However, when the sur-
roundings are bright (daytime, etc.) turning on the tail lights will not change the
instrument cluster brightness.
In addition, the brightness of the instrument cluster lights is automatically adjusted
based on the light sensor detecting how bright the surroundings are.
■When disconnecting and reconnecting battery terminals
The trip meter data will be reset.
If the trip meter was displayed last, the ODO screen will be displayed after reset-
ting.
■Customization
Setting of sensitivity of the ambient light sensor used for dimming the meter lights
can be changed. (Customizable features →P. 7 8 2 )
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
●Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which indi-
cates the maximum engine speed.
●The engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is in the
red zone (H). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place, and check
the engine after it has cooled completely. ( →P. 74 4 )

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2-5. Driving information
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
■Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific gravity of
battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
■ Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe
away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumulated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that
may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.

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4-2. Maintenance
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryCheck the indicator and
connections. (→P. 6 2 3 )
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level?
(→ P. 6 1 9 )
Engine coolantIs the engine coolant at the correct
level? ( →P. 6 1 6 )
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level?
(→ P. 611)
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Power steering fluidIs the power steering fluid at the
correct level? ( →P. 6 2 1 )
Radiator/condenser
The radiator and condenser should
be free from foreign objects.
( →P. 6 1 8 )
Wa s h e r f l u i dIs there sufficient washer fluid?
(→ P. 6 2 7 )
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed
at the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Service Guide” or “Owner’s
Manual Supplement”. It is recommended that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service
shop for advice.

604
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
ItemsParts and tools
Engine coolant level (→P. 6 1 6 )
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high quality ethylene gly-
col based non-silicate, non-amine,
non-nitrite and non-borate coolant
with long-life hybrid organic acid
technology
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
is pre-mixed with 50 % coolant
and 50 % deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
is pre-mixed with 55 % coolant and
45 % deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding cool-
ant)
Engine oil level (→ P. 611)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
•Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)

609
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
Engine compartment
Engine coolant reservoir(→P. 6 1 6 )
Engine oil level dipstick (→P. 6 1 1 )
Engine oil filler cap (→P. 6 1 2 )
Brake fluid reservoir (→P. 6 1 9 )Fuse box ( →P. 6 4 7 )
Battery ( →P. 623)
Radiator ( →P. 6 1 8 )
Condenser ( →P. 6 1 8 )
Electric cooling fan
Washer fluid tank ( →P. 6 2 7 )
Power steering fluid reservoir (→P. 621)

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
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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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
■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.

5
When trouble arises
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5-1. Essential information
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably needs
adjustment or repair. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
■Visible symptoms
● Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points
higher than normal
■ Audible symptoms
● Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine
■ Operational symptoms
● Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, sp ongy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor