Page 246 of 390

2466-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Light bulbs 
( P.272)
• Bulb with same num-
ber and wattage rat-
ing as original
• Phillips-head screw- driver
• Flathead screw- driver
• Wrench
Radiator, con-
denser and inter-
cooler radiator 
(  P.254)
Tire inflation pres-
sure ( P.263)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air 
source
Washer fluid 
( P.256)
• Water or washer 
fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter 
use)
• Funnel (used only for  adding water or 
washer fluid)
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many 
mechanisms and fluids that may move 
suddenly, become hot, or become elec-
trically energized. To avoid death or seri-
ous injury, observe the following 
precautions.
■When working on the engine com-
partment
●Keep hands, clothi ng and tools away 
from the moving fans  and engine drive 
belt.
●Be careful not to touch the engine, 
radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right 
after driving as they may be hot. Oil 
and other fluids may also be hot.
ItemsParts and tools●Do not leave anything that may burn 
easily, such as paper and 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 cool-
ing fans or radiator grille
Be sure the engine switch is off.
With the engine switch in IGNITION 
ON mode, the electric cooling fans may 
automatically start to run if the air condi-
tioning is on and/or the coolant tempera-
ture is high. ( P.254)
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or 
falling material, fluid spray, etc. from get-
ting in your 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. 
     
        
        Page 249 of 390
2496-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
RC350/RC300 AWDFuse boxes ( P.269)
Battery ( P.255)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P.250)
Engine coolant reservoir ( P.252)
Engine oil filler cap ( P.250)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P.254)
Washer fluid tank ( P.256)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P.254)
Radiator ( P.254)
Engine compartment
Components
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J 
     
        
        Page 250 of 390
2506-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC300Fuse boxes ( P.269)
Battery ( P.255)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P.250)
Engine oil filler cap ( P.250)
Engine coolant reservoir ( P.252)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P.254)
Washer fluid tank ( P.256)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P.254)
Intercooler radiator ( P.254)
Radiator ( P.254)
Intercooler coolant reservoir ( P.252)
With the engine at operating tempera-
ture and turned off, check the oil level 
on the dipstick.
■Checking the engine oil
1 Park the vehicle on level ground. 
After warming up the engine and 
turning it off, wait more than 5 min-
utes for the oil to drain back into the 
bottom of the engine.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
Checking and adding the engine 
oil 
     
        
        Page 252 of 390

2526-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC300
1
Remove the oil filler cap by turning 
it counterclockwise.
2
Add engine oil slowly, checking the 
dipstick.
3
Install the oil filler cap by turning it 
clockwise.
■Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be con-
sumed while driving. In the following situa-
tions, oil consumption may increase, and 
engine oil may need to be refilled in 
between oil maintenance intervals.
●When the engine is new, for example 
directly after purchasing the vehicle or 
after replacing the engine
●If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate 
viscosity is used
●When driving at high engine speeds or 
with a heavy load, or when driving while 
accelerating or decelerating frequently
●When leaving the engine idling for a long 
time, or when driving frequently through 
heavy traffic
■After changing the engine oil
The engine oil maintenance data should be 
reset. Perform the following procedures:
1
Select   on the multi-information dis-
play. ( P.74)
2
Press the   or   meter control 
switch on the steering wheel to select 
“Vehicle Settings” then “Oil Mainte-
nance”. (To confirm setting, press  .) 3
Select “Yes” and then press  .
4
A message is displayed on the 
multi-information display.
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is 
between the “FULL” and “LOW” lines 
WARNING
■Used engine oil
●Used engine oil contains potentially 
harmful contaminants which may 
cause skin disorders such as inflamma-
tion and skin cancer, so care should be 
taken to avoid prolonged and 
repeated contact. To remove used 
engine oil from your skin, wash thor-
oughly with soap and water.
●Dispose of used oil and filters only in a 
safe and acceptable manner. Do not 
dispose of used oil and filters in house-
hold trash, in sewers or onto the 
ground. Call your Lexus dealer, ser-
vice station or auto parts store for 
information concerning recycling or 
disposal.
●Do not leave used engine oil within the 
reach of children.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
■When replacing the engine oil
●Be careful not to spill engine oil on the 
vehicle components.
●Avoid overfilling, or the engine could 
be damaged.
●Check the oil level on the dipstick 
every time you refill the vehicle.
●Be sure the engine o il filler cap is prop-
erly tightened.
Checking the coolant 
     
        
        Page 253 of 390

2536-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
on the reservoir when the engine is 
cold.
■Engine coolant reservoir
RC350/RC300 AWD
RC300Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the “LOW” line, 
add coolant up to the “FULL” line. ( P.311)
■Intercooler coolant reservoir 
(RC300)
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is 
between the “F” and “L” lines on the 
reservoir when the engine is cold. Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” line
If the level is on or 
below the “L” line, add 
coolant up to the “F” line. ( P.311)
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” 
or a similar high qua lity 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 mix-
ture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized 
water. (Minimum temperature: -31°F 
[-35°C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mix-
ture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized 
water. (Minimum temperature: -44°F 
[-42°C])
For more details about coolant, contact 
your Lexus dealer.
■If the coolant level drops within a short 
time of replenishing
Visually check the radi ator, hoses, engine 
and intercooler 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.
A
B
C
A
B
C 
     
        
        Page 254 of 390

2546-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Check the radiator, condenser and 
intercooler radiator and clear away 
any foreign objects.
If any of the above parts are extremely 
dirty or you are not sure of their condi-
tion, have your vehicle inspected by 
your Lexus dealer.
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be 
between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines 
on the tank.
RC350/RC300 AWD
RC300
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and 
prepare the necessary item.
 Fluid type
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 
brake fluid
SAE J1704 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 4 
brake fluid
Item
Clean funnel
WARNING
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the engine coolant reser-
voir cap, intercooler coolant reservoir 
cap and coolant inlet cap. ( P.314)
The cooling system may be under pres-
sure and may spray hot coolant if the cap 
is removed, causing serious injuries, such 
as burns.
NOTICE
■When adding 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 pre-
vent it from damagi ng parts or paint.
Checking the radiator, con-
denser and intercooler radiator 
(if equipped)
WARNING
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator, condenser or 
intercooler radiator as they may be hot 
and cause serious injuries, such as burns.
Checking and adding the brake 
fluid 
     
        
        Page 284 of 390

2827-2. Steps to take in an emergency
4Tighten down the towing eyelet 
securely using a wheel nut wrench 
or hard metal bar.
5 Securely attach cables or chains to 
the towing eyelet. 
Take care not to damage the vehi-
cle body.
6 Enter the vehicle being towed and 
start the engine. 
If the engine does not start, turn the 
engine switch to IGNITION ON 
mode.
7 Shift the shift lever to N and release 
the parking brake. 
When the shift lever cannot be 
shifted:  P.130
■While towing
If the engine is not running, the power assist 
for the brakes and steering will not function, 
making steering and braking more difficult.
■Wheel nut wrench
Wheel nut wrench is installed in trunk. 
(  P.296)
 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 
continually points higher than nor-
mal.
 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
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 
     
        
        Page 286 of 390

2847-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■Brake system warning light
■High coolant temperature warning light* (warning buzzer)
*: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.
■Charging system warning light*
*: Except F SPORT models: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.
F SPORT models: This light  illuminates on the meter.
If a warning light turns on  or a warning buzzer sounds
Calmly 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 lightDetails/Actions
(U.S.A.)
or
(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.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too high
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Handling method ( P.311)
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a  safe place and contact your Lexus 
dealer.