coolant level Lexus ES300 1997 Maintenance

MAINTENANCE
183 Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal
effort or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and freeplay. Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the pedal has the proper travel and that, on a safe
incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.
Automatic transmission ªParkº mechanism
Check the lock release button of the selector lever for proper
and smooth operation. On a safe incline, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in ªPº position
and all brakes released.
Engine compartment
Items listed below should be checked from time to time,
e.g. each time when refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See page 230
for additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant is between the ªFULLº and ªLOWº
lines on the see±through reservior when the engine is cold.
See page 204 for additional information.
Battery
Your Lexus has a maintenance free battery. You do not have
to add distilled water. For longer life of the battery, however,
see page 222 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 208 for
additional information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and
the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 201 for
additional information.

MAINTENANCE
184Power steering fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in the
ªHOTº or ªCOLDº range depending on the fluid temperature.
See page 209 for additional information.
Exhaust system
Look for cracks, holes and loose supports. If you notice any
change in the sound of the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes,
have the cause located and corrected immediately. (See
engine exhaust cautions in Section 3±1.)
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEED
REPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performances and sounds,
and visual tip±offs that indicates 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 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 driving straight on a level
road

Strange noises related to suspension movement

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal,
pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to one side when
braking

Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal