
3736-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 6
Maintenance and care
Fuse boxes ( P.401)
Engine oil filler cap ( P.376)
Engine coolant reservoir ( P.377)
Intercooler coolant reservoir ( P.377)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P.375)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P.379)
Washer fluid tank ( P.379)
Radiator ( P.378)
Intercooler radiator ( P.378)
Electric cooling fan
Condenser ( P.378)
Intercooler sub radiator ( P.378)For AWD models:
The engine oil level dipstick is locate d on the opposite side of the engine.Engine compartment
Components
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L

3796-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 6
Maintenance and care ■
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 type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703
brake fluid
FMVSS No.116 DOT 4 or SAE J1704
brake fluid
Item Clean funnel
■
Brake fluid can absorb moisture from
the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause
a dangerous loss of braking efficiency. Use
only newly opened brake fluid. If any washer does not work or the
warning message appears on the
multi-information display, the washer
tank may be empty. Add washer fluid.WARNING■
When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator, condenser,
intercooler radiator or intercooler sub
radiator as they may be hot and cause
serious injuries, such as burns.
Checking and adding the brake
fluid WARNING■
When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your
hands and eyes and damage painted sur-
faces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in 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 out
or when the fluid leve l in the accumulator
is high.
If the reservoir need s frequent refilling,
there may be a serious problem.
Adding the washer fluid
WARNING
■
When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the engine
is hot or running as washer fluid contains
alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on
the engine, etc.

4137-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 7
When trouble arises Fluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air condi-
tioning after use is normal.)
Flat-looking tires or uneven tire
wear
Engine coolant temperature gauge
needle continually points higher
than normal.
Changes in exhaust sound
Excessive tire squeal when corner-
ing
Strange noises related to the sus-
pension system
Pinging or other noises related to
the engine
Engine missing, stumbling or run-
ning 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, spongy
feeling, pedal almost touches the
floor
If you think something is
wrong If you notice any of the following
symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Con-
tact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms

4157-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 7
When trouble arises ■
Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)
■
Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)
■
High coolant temperature warning light *
(warning buzzer)
*
: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer soundsCalmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights comes on or
flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, bu t then goes off, this does not necessar-
ily indicate a malfunction in the system. However, if this continues to occur,
have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
Actions to the warning lights or warning buzzers Warning light Details/Actions(U.S.A.)
or (red)
(Canada) Indicates that:
The brake fluid level is low; or
The brake system is malfunctioning
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
Indicates that the brake pads are worn out (only the right-side pads can
be detected)
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
Warning light Details/Actions
(yellow) Indicates a malfunction in:
The electronically controlled brake sy stem (vehicles with Lexus Safety
System + A); or
The parking brake system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Warning light Details/Actions
Indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too high
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Handling method ( P.440)

4518-1. Specifications
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 8
Vehicle specifications matching quality to satisfy th e above specification. Please contact your Lexus dealer for
further details.
2WD models
AWD models *
: Your Lexus vehicle is filled with “Toyota Genu ine Differential Gear Oil” at the factory.
Use Lexus approved “Toyota Ge nuine Differential Gear Oil” or an equivalent oil of
matching quality to satisfy th e above specification. Please contact your Lexus dealer for
further details.
*1
: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with a force of 11 2 lbf (500 N, 51 kgf) while
the engine is running.
When performing the brake pedal inspection, also be sure to check that the brake sys-
tem warning light is not illuminated when th e engine is running. (If the brake system Rear differential Oil capacity 0.90 qt. (0.85 L, 0.75 Imp. qt.)
Oil type and viscosity *
Toyota Genuine Differential gear oil LT 75W-85
GL-5 or equivalent
Oil capacity 1.42 qt. (1.35 L, 1.19 Imp. qt.)
Oil type and viscosity *
Toyota Genuine Differential gear oil LT 75W-85
GL-5 or equivalent
Brakes Pedal clearance *1
4.8 in. (121 mm) Min. *3
4.8 in. (122 mm) Min. *4
Pedal free play 0.04 0.24 in. (1 6 mm)
Brake pad wear limit 0.04 in. (1 mm)
Parking brake lining wear limit 0.04 in. (1 mm)
Parking brake indicator *2
When pushing the parking brake switch for 1 to 2
seconds: comes on
When pulling the parking brake switch for 1 to 2
seconds: turns off
Fluid type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703
FMVSS No.116 DOT 4 or SAE J1704

4971-1. What to do if... (Troubleshooting)
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 497Alphabetical Index
Alphabetical Index A
A/C
Air conditioning filter ...............................398
Front automatic air conditioning system
...........................................................................313
Micro dust and pollen filter.....................319
Rear automatic air conditioning system
......................................................................... 323
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System).............. 294
Warning light ................................................. 417
Active stabilizer suspension system .... 295
Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) .. 181
Adaptive Variable Suspension System295
AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) .. 181
Air conditioning filter ................................. 398
Air conditioning system
Air conditioning filter ...............................398
Front automatic air conditioning system
...........................................................................313
Micro dust and pollen filter.....................319
Rear automatic air conditioning system
......................................................................... 323
Airbags
Airbag operating conditions..................... 31
Airbag precautions for your child ........ 34
Correct driving posture .............................23
Curtain shield airbag operating condi-
tions ...................................................................32
Curtain shield airbag precautions ....... 34
Front passenger occupa nt classification
system ............................................................. 40
General airbag precautions ................... 34
Locations of airbags.................................... 29
Modification and disposal of airbags ..37
Side airbag operating conditions ..........32
Side airbag precautions ............................ 34
Side and curtain shield airbags operating
conditions.......................................................32
Side and curtain shield airbags precau-
tions .................................................................. 34
SRS airbags ..................................................... 29 SRS warning light........................................ 416
Alarm ................................................................... 65
Warning buzzer .......................................... 415
Anchor brackets ..................................... 46, 55
Antennas (smart acc ess system with
push-button start)..........................................111
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS).............. 294
Warning light .................................................417
Approach warning...................................... 243
Armrest............................................................ 344
Assist grips ..................................................... 344
Audio system-linked display ...................... 85
Automatic headlight leveling system ... 180
Automatic High Beam ................................182
Automatic light control system................ 179
Automatic transmission .............................. 167
M mode ............................................................ 172
Paddle shift switches ...... .......... ..........171, 172
Snow mode...................................................... 171
Auxiliary boxes ................................... 339, 341
Average fuel economy................................. 82
Average vehicle speed ................................ 82
B
Back-up lights
Replacing light bulbs ............................... 404
Battery
Battery checking ....................................... 380
If the battery is discharged ....................435
Preparing and checking before winter
......................................................................... 300
Warning light ................................................ 416
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)....................... 250
Boost gauge...................................................... 83
Brake
Brake hold ....................................................... 177
Fluid........................................................ 379, 451
Parking brake ................................................174
Warning light ................................................ 415
Brake assist .................................................... 294
Break-in tips.................................................... 155

500 Alphabetical Index
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 If the electronic key does not operate
properly....................................................... 433
If the engine will not start .......................430
If the fuel filler door cannot be opened
......................................................................... 432
If the vehicle is trapped in rising water
......................................................................... 407
If you have a flat tire .................................. 429
If you lose your keys................................. 432
If you think something is wrong ........... 413
If your vehicle becomes stuck............. 443
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ................................................406
If your vehicle needs to be towed .....409
If your vehicle overheats ........................440
Engine
ACCESSORY mode ...............................166
Compartment ............................................. 373
Engine compartment cover ................. 374
Engine switch.................................................164
Fuel pump shut off system ...................... 414
Hood.................................................................. 371
How to start the engine............................164
Identification number ............................... 447
If the engine will not start .......................430
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ................................................406
Ignition switch (engine switch) .............164
Overheating.................................................440
Tachometer ............................................. 73, 76
Engine compartment cover .................... 374
Engine coolant
Capacity ......................................................... 449
Checking ........................................................377
Preparing and checking before winter
........................................................................ 300
Engine coolant temperature gauge 73, 76
Engine immobilizer system ........................ 63
Engine oil
Capacity .........................................................448
Checking ....................................................... 375 Preparing and checking before winter
......................................................................... 300
Warning light ................................................ 416
Engine oil maintenance data ...................377
Engine switch ..................................................164
Auto power off function........................... 166
Changing the engine switch modes . 166
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ................................................ 406
EPS (Electric Power Steering) .............. 295
Warning light ................................................ 418
Event data recorder (E DR) ............................7 F
FCTA (Front Cross Traffic Alert) ......... 222
First-aid kit storage belt ..............................341
Flat tire
Tire pressure warning system ............ 384
Floor mats ...........................................................22
Fluid
Automatic transmission ......................... 450
Brake ................................................................. 451
Washer ........................................................... 379
Footwell light ...................................................331
Front automatic air conditioning system
............................................................................313
Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA) ......... 222
Front passenger occupant classification
system .............................................................. 40
Front seats
Adjustment ....................................................... 119
Cleaning .......................................................... 361
Correct driving posture ............................ 23
Driving position memory ........................ 130
Head restraints............................................. 135
Memory recall function............................ 133
Power easy access system .................... 130
Refresh system ..............................................124
Seat heaters ..................................................326
Seat position memory .............................. 130
Seat ventilators ............................................326