2012 Lexus IS F engine coolant

143
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
IS F_U
Selecting gears in the M positionTo enter M mode, shift the shift lever to the M position. Gears can then be
selected by operating the shift lever or paddle shift switches, allowing you
to drive in the gear of your choosing. Upshifting
Downshifting
The gear changes once every time
the shift lever or paddle shift switch
is operated.
The selected gear, from 1 to 8, will
be displayed in the meter cluster.
When in the M position, the gear will not change unless the shift lever or
paddle shift switches are operated.
However, even when in the M position, the gears will be automatically
changed in the following situations:
● When vehicle speed drops (downshift only).
● When the automatic transmission fluid or engine coolant temperature
is low.

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IS F_U
2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters
The units used on the speedometer and the tachometer gauge display may
differ depending on the model/type.

The following gauges, meters and display illuminate when the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature. If the temperature is too high,
the display will flash.
Engine oil temperature gauge
Displays the engine oil temperature. If the temperature is too high, the dis-
play will flash.
Odometer and trip meter
Odometer: Displays the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
Trip meter: Displays the distance the vehicle has been driven since the meter was last reset. Trip meters “A” and “B” can be
used to record and display different distances indepen-
dently.
Multi-information display
→ P. 1 5 7

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2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
IS F_U
CAUTION
■When the temperature of the display is extremely low
Allow the interior of the vehicle to warm up before using the shift position and shift
range/gear display. At extremely low temperatures, the display may respond slowly,
and display changes may be delayed.
For example, there is a lag between the driver’s downshifting and the new gear
number appearing on the display. In this case, wait until the display changes and
take care not to downshift again, causing rapid and excessive engine braking and
possibly an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
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 following may indicate that the engine is overheating. Immediately stop the
vehicle in a safe place. (
→P. 505)
• The display on the engine coolant temperature gauge flashes
• The display on the engine oil temperature gauge flashes

214
2-5. Driving information
IS F_U
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.
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and the same brand.
■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.

386
4-2. Maintenance
IS F_U
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryMaintenance-free. (→P. 4 0 6 )
Brake fluidAt the correct level? ( →P. 404)
Engine coolantAt the correct level? ( →P. 4 0 2 )
Engine oilAt the correct level? ( →P. 399)
Exhaust systemNo fumes or strange sounds?
Radiator/condenser/hosesNot blocked with foreign matter?
(→ P. 4 0 4 )
Wa s h e r f l u i dAt the correct level? ( →P. 4 0 9 )
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed
at the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Services Guide” or “Owners
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.

390
IS F_U
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct proce-
dure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition ( →P. 4 0 6)
•Warm water
• Baking soda
•Grease
•Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level ( →P. 404)
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
•Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake
fluid)
Engine coolant level ( →P. 4 0 2 )
• “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
engine coolant)

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS F_U
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.
■When working on the engine compartment:
●Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
●Be 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.
●Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the engine
compartment.
●Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the battery. Fuel
and battery fumes are flammable.
●Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and
corrosive sulfuric acid.
■When 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 0 4 )
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting
in the eyes.
NOTICE
■If 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.

396
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS F_U
Engine compartment
Battery (→P. 4 0 6 )
Engine oil level dipstick (→P. 399)
Engine oil filler cap (→P. 399)
Brake fluid reservoir (→P. 404)
Fuse boxes ( →P. 4 3 1 )Washer fluid tank
(→P. 4 0 9 )
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( →P. 404)
Radiator ( →P. 404)
Engine coolant reservoir (→P. 4 0 2 )