Lexus ES300 1995 Introduction

SECTION 6 – 1
161
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Introduction
Vehicle identification162 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment overview163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Do-it-yourself service precautions164 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts and tools165 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
Vehicle identification number
Certification label
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the legal
identifier for your vehicle. This number is on the left top of
the instrument panel and can be seen through the
windshield from outside.The vehicle identification number (VIN) is also on the
Certification Label.
This is the primary identification number for your Lexus. It is
used in registering the ownership of your vehicle.
The engine number is stamped on the engine block as
shown.

INTRODUCTION
Power steering
fluid reservoir
Engine coolant reservoir
Engine oil filler cap
Windshield washer
fluid tank (For U.S.A.)
Windshield washer and
headlight cleaner fluid
tank (For Canada)
Engine oil level dipstick
Battery
Fuse box
(Canada only)
Fuse boxes
(U.S.A. and Canada)
Brake fluid reservoir
163
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW

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164
DO−IT−YOURSELF SERVICE
PRECAUTIONS
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure given in this Section.
You should be aware that improper or incomplete servicing
may result in operating problems.
Performing do-it-yourself maintenance during the warranty
period may affect your warranty coverage. Read the separate
Lexus Warranty statement for details and suggestions.
This Section gives instructions only for those items that are
relatively easy for an owner to perform. As explained in Section
5, there are still a number of items that must be performed by
a qualified technician with special tools.
For information on tools and parts for do-it-yourself
maintenance, see “Parts and tools”.
Utmost care should be taken when working on your vehicle to
prevent accidental injury. Here are a few precautions that you
should be especially careful to observe:
CAUTION:

When the engine is running, keep hands, clothing, and
tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
(Removing rings, watches, and ties is advisable.)

Right after driving, the engine compartment − the
engine, radiator, exhaust manifold and power steering
fluid reservoir, etc. − will be hot. So be careful not to
touch them. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames near
fuel or the battery. Their fumes are flammable.

Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It
contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.

Do not get under your vehicle with just the body jack
supporting it. Always use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.

Use eye protection whenever you work on or under
your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc.
NOTICE:

Remember that battery and ignition cables carry high
currents or voltages. Be careful of accidentally
causing a short circuit.

Before closing the engine hood, check to see that you
have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc.

Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or
excessive engine wear could result. Also backfiring
could cause a fire in the engine compartment.

Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, or the
transmission could be damaged.

Be careful not to scratch the glass surface with the
wiper frame.

Do not replace the wiper blade at the retracted
position as it may damage your vehicle’s paint.

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165
PARTS AND TOOLS
Here is a list of parts and tools you will need to perform
do-it-yourself maintenance. Remember all Lexus parts are
designed in metric sizes, so your tools must be metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):

API SH, Energy-Conserving II multigrade engine oil or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil. For recommended oil
viscosity, see page 174.
Tools:

Rag or paper towel

Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):

Ethylene-glycol coolant

Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)
Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):

FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking power steering fluid
Parts (if level is low):

Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
®-II
Tools:

Rag or paper towel

Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking battery condition
Tools:

Warm water

Baking soda

Grease

Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)

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166
Checking and replacing the blade type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):

Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Checking the cartridge type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):

Genuine Lexus fuse or equivalent with same amperage
rating as original
Adding washer fluid
Parts:

Water

Washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
Tools:

Funnel