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7
Maintenance and care
IS200t_EE(OM53D77E)7-2. Maintenance
Scheduled maintenance should be performed at specified intervals according to
the maintenance schedule.
For details about maintenance items and sche
dules, refer to the “Lexus Service Book-
let” or “Lexus Warranty Booklet”.
What about do-it-yourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself if you have a little mechanical
ability and a few basic automotive tools.
Note, however, that some maintenance task s require special tools and skills. These
are best performed by qualified technicians. Even if you’re an experienced do-it-your-
self mechanic, we recommend that repairs and maintenance be conducted by any
authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authoriz ed repairer, or any reliable repairer. Any
authorized Lexus retailer or repairer will keep a record of maintenance, which could
be useful should you ever require Warranty Service. Should you choose to select a
qualified and equipped professional other than an authorized Lexus repairer to ser-
vice or maintain your vehicle, we recommend that you request that a record of main-
tenance be kept.
Maintenance requirements
To ensure safe and economical drivin g, day-to-day care and regular mainte-
nance are essential. Lexus recommends the following maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance
Do-it-yourself maintenance
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4947-2. Maintenance
IS200t_EE(OM53D77E)
■Where to go for maintenance service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition, Lexus recommends that
maintenance service operations as well as ot her inspections and repairs be carried out
by authorized Lexus retailers or Lexus authoriz ed repairers, or any reliable repairers. For
repairs and services covered by your warranty, please visit an authorized Lexus retailer
or repairer, who will use genuine Lexus parts in repairing any difficulties you may
encounter. There can also be advantages in utilizing authorized Lexus retailer or repair-
ers for non-warranty repairs and services, as members of the Lexus network will be able
to expertly assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus author ized repairer, or any reliable repairer will
perform all of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle reliably and economically due
to their experience with Lexus vehicles.
■Does your vehicle need repairs?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs that indicate
service is needed. Some important clues are:
●Engine missing, stumbling or pinging
●Appreciable loss of power
●Strange engine noises
●A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air conditioning sys-
tem after use is normal.)
●Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Drive
with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
●Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear
●Vehicle pulls to one side when driven straight on a level road
●Strange noises related to suspension movement
●Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost touches the floor,
vehicle pulls to one side when braking
●Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal ( P. 93)
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Lexus retailer or
Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer as soon as possible. Your vehicle may
need adjustment or repair.
WARNING
■If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and possible
death or serious injury.
■Handling of the battery
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds
which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after handling. ( P. 505)
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5267-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS200t_EE(OM53D77E)
Remove the air conditioning filter
from the filter case and replace it
with a new one.
The “UP” marks shown on the filter
and the filter case should be pointing up.
■Checking interval
Inspect and replace the air conditioning filt er according to the maintenance schedule. In
dusty areas or areas with heavy traffic flow, early replacement may be required. (For
scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the “Lexus Service Booklet” or
“Lexus Warranty Booklet”.)
■If air flow from the vents decreases dramatically
The filter may be clogged. Check the filter and replace if necessary.
■Air conditioning filter with deodorizing function
When fragrances are placed in your vehicle, the deodorizing effect may become signifi-
cantly weakened in a short period.
When an air conditioning odor comes out cont inuously, replace the air conditioning filter.
5
NOTICE
■When using the air conditioning system
Make sure that a filter is always installed.
Using the air conditioning system without a filter may cause damage to the system.