2016 LEXUS IS250 Owners Manual

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Maintenance and care
nRecommended viscosity
SAE 5W-30 is the best choice for
good fuel economy, and good
starting in cold weather.
*: If SAE 5W-30 oil is not avail-
able, SAE 10W-30 oil may be
used. However, it should be
replaced with SAE 5W-30 at
the next oil change.
nHow to read oil container labels
Some oil containers are labeled with ILSAC certification marks that
help you to select the proper oil.
Outside temperature

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nEngine oil consumption
lThe amount of engine oil consumed depends on the oil viscosity, the quality of
the oil and the way the vehicle is driven.
lMore oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high speeds and fre-
quent acceleration and deceleration.
lA new engine consumes more oil.
lWhen judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in mind that the oil may
have become diluted, making it difficult to judge the true level accurately.
lOil consumption: Max. 1.1 qt./600 miles, 0.9 lmp.qt./600 miles (1.0 L per 1000
km)
lIf you consume more than 1.1 qt. (1.0 L, 0.9 lmp.qt.) every 600 miles (1000 km),
contact your Lexus dealer.
nAfter changing the engine oil (U.S.A. only)
The oil change system should be reset. Perform the following procedures:
Switch the display to the odometer (→P. 142) when the engine is running.
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.
While pressing the trip meter reset button, set the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch to the IGNITION ON mode (but do not start the engine
because otherwise the reset mode will be cancelled). Continue to press
and hold the button until the trip meter displays 000000.
CAUTION
nUsed engine oil
lUsed 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.
lDispose 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.
lDo not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
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STEP2
STEP3

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Maintenance and care
Engine coolant
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line.
NOTICE
nTo prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on regular basis.
nWhen replacing the engine oil
lBe careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
lAvoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
lCheck the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
lBe sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
nIf 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.
nCoolant 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. (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
nWhen 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 burns or other injuries.
NOTICE
nWhen adding engine 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.
nIf you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it damaging parts or paint.

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Maintenance and care
Radiator and condenser
Check 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
nChecking 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.
nAdding fluid
CAUTION
nWhen the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser, as they may be hot and you may be burned.
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel
nBrake 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.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
nWhen filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted
surfaces.
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
nIf 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
Battery
Check the battery as follows.
nBattery exterior
Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that there
are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
nChecking battery condition
Check the battery condition using the indicator color.
Blue: Good condition
Red: Not working properly,
have the battery checked by
your Lexus dealer.
White: Charging is necessary.
Have the vehicle inspected by
your Lexus dealer.
nBefore recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Therefore, before recharging:
lIf recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect the
ground cable.
lMake sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and discon-
necting the charger cables to the battery.
nAfter recharging/reconnecting the battery
In some cases, the engine may not start. Follow the procedure bellow to initialize
the system.
Shift the shift lever to “P” (automatic transmission) or depress the brake
pedal with the shift lever in N (manual transmission), and turn the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.
Open and close any of the doors.
Start the engine. (If the engine does not start first time, repeat the proce-
dure.)
If the engine will not start even after multiple attempts at the above method, contact
your Lexus dealer.
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STEP2
STEP3