Lexus ES300 2002 Owner's Manuals (in English)

ENGINE
308
CHECKING THE RADIATOR ANDCONDENSER
If either of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not
sure of their condition, take your vehicle to Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
To prevent yourself from burning, be careful not to
touch the radiator or condenser when the engine is hot.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the radiator and condenser, do
not perform the work by yourself.
SPARK PLUGS
Your engine is fitted with iridiumtipped spark plugs.
NOTICE
Use only iridiumtipped spark plugs and do not adjust
gaps for your engine performance and smooth
drivability.

SECTION 6 – 3
309
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications310
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. . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 313
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.
Checking power steering fluid 314
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Checking tire pressure 315
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Rotating tires 316
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Checking and replacing tires 316
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Installing snow tires and chains 319
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Replacing wheels 320
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. . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 321
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Suspension and chassis 321
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CHASSIS
310
SPECIFICATIONS
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLEFluid capacity Drain and refill
Fluid type
3.1 L (3.3 qt., 2.7 lmp. qt.)
Automatic transmission fluid Type TIV*
*Change automatic transmission fluid only as necessary.
Generally, it is necessary to change automatic transmission
fluid only if your vehicle is driven under one of the Special
Operating Conditions listed in your “Owner’s Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance”. When changing the
automatic transmission fluid, use only Toyota Genuine ATF
Type TIV (ATF JWS3309 or NWS6500) to aid in assuring
optimum transaxle performance.NOTICE
Using automatic transmission fluid other than Toyota
Genuine ATF T ype TIV may cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied
by vibration, and ultimately damage the automatic
transmission of your vehicle.

CHASSIS
311
BRAKES
Pedal clearance Fixed type
Adjustable type (in frontmost position)
Pedal free play Fixed type
Adjustable type (in frontmost position)
Brake pad wear limit
Parking brake lining wear limit
Parking brake adjustment
Fluid type
70 mm (2.8 in.) Min. *1
59 mm (2.3 in.) Min. *1
1 6 mm (0.04 0.24 in.)
1 8 mm (0.04 0.31 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
3 6 clicks *
2
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
*1: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with the force of 490 N (50 kgf,\
110 lbf.) with the engine running
*
2: Parking brake adjustment when depressed with the force of 294 N (30 kgf\
, 66 lbf.)
STEERING
Wheel free play
Power steering fluid type
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III

CHASSIS
312 TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire size
Tire inflation pressure Recommended cold tire inflation pressure
Wheel size
Wheel nut torque
P215/60R16 94V
Front 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 29 psi)
Rear 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm2 or bar, 29 psi)
For sustained high speeds above 160 km/h (99 mph), in
countries where such speeds are permitted by law, add 40 kPa
(0.4 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 6 psi) to the front tires and rear tires, but
never exceed the maximum cold tire pressure molded on the
tire sidewall.
16  6 1/2 JJ
103 N·m (10.5 kgf·m, 76 ft·lbf.)
NOTE: For a complete information on tires (e.g. replacing tires or replacing wheels\
), see “Checking tire pressure” through “Aluminum
wheel precautions” on page 315 through 321.

CHASSIS
313
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
To check the fluid level, simply look at the seethrough
reservoir. The level should be between the “MAX” and
“MIN” lines on the tank.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the
brake pads wear. So be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a
serious mechanical problem.
If the level is low, add FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703
brake fluid to the brake reservoir.
Remove and replace the reservoir cap by hand. Add brake
fluid up to the “MAX” line.
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once opened, brake fluid
absorbs moisture from the air, and excess moisture can cause
a dangerous loss of braking efficiency.
CAUTION
Take care when filling the reservoir because brake fluid
can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted
surfaces. If fluid gets in your hands or eyes, flush them
with clean water immediately. If you still feel
uncomfortable with your hands or eyes, go to the
doctor.
NOTICE
If you spill some of the fluid, be sure to wipe it off to
prevent it from damaging the parts or paintwork.

CHASSIS
314
CHECKING POWER STEERINGFLUID
Check the fluid level through the reservoir. If necessary,
add automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III.
If the vehicle has been driven around 80 km/h (50 mph) for 20
minutes (a little more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is hot
(60 C 80 C or 140 F 175F). You may also check the level
when the fluid is cold (about room temperature, 10 C 30 C
or 50 F 85 F) if the engine has not been run for about five
hours.
 1 If cold O.K. 2If cold add 3If hot O.K.
4If hot add
Clean all dirt off the reservoir and look at the fluid level. If the
fluid is cold, the level should be in the “COLD” range. Similarly,
if it is hot, the fluid level should be in the “HOT” range. If th\
e
level is at the low side of the appropriate range, add automatic
transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III to bring the level within
the range.
To remove the reservoir cap, turn it counterclockwise and lift
up. To reinstall it, turn it clockwise. After replacing the reservoir
cap, visually check the steering box case, vane pump and hose
connections for leaks or damage.
CAUTION
The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn
yourself.

CHASSIS
315
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be
damaged.
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire size and the
vehicle capacity weight are given on the label.
You should check the tire pressures every two weeks, or at
least once a month. And don’t forget the spare! The air
pressure for the spare tire should be adjusted according to the
conditions in the table on page 312. Incorrect tire pressure can
reduce tire life and make your vehicle less safe to drive. Low tire pressure results in excessive wear, poor handling,
reduced fuel economy, and the possibility of blowouts from
overheated tires. Also, low tire pressure can cause poor
sealing of the tire bead. If the tire pressure is excessively low,
there is the possibility of wheel deformation and/or tire
separation. So keep your tire pressures at the proper level.
If a tire needs frequent refilling, have it checked by your Lexus
dealer.
High tire pressure produces a harsh ride, handling problems,
excessive wear at the center of the tire tread, and a greater
possibility of tire damage from road hazards.
The following instructions for checking tire pressure should be
observed:

The pressure should be checked only when the tires are
cold. If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours
and has not been driven for more than 1.5 km or 1 mile
since, you will get an accurate cold tire pressure reading.
 Always use a tire pressure gauge. The appearance of the
tire can be misleading. Besides, tire pressures that are
even just a few pounds off can degrade ride and handling.
 Do not bleed or reduce tire pressure after driving. It is
normal for the tire pressure to be higher after driving.
 Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight. The
passengers and luggage weight should be located so that
the vehicle is balanced.
 Be sure to reinstall the tire valve caps. Without the valve
caps, dirt or moisture could get into the valve core and
cause air leakage. If the caps have been lost, have new
ones put on as soon as possible.

CHASSIS
316
ROTATING TIRES
To equalize tire wear and help extend tire life, Lexus
recommends that you rotate your tires according to the
maintenance schedule. (For scheduled maintenance
information, please refer to the “Owner’s Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance”.) However, the
most appropriate timing for tire rotation may vary
according to your driving habits and road surface
conditions.
The wheel assemblies must be rotated as illustrated above.
When rotating tires, check for uneven wear and damage.
Abnormal wear is usually caused by incorrect tire pressure,
improper wheel alignment, outof balance wheels, or severe
braking.
Before storing radial, snow or studded tires, mark the direction
of rotation and be sure to install them in the same direction
when using them again. Tires should be stored in a cool dry
place.
CHECKING AND REPLACING TIRES
When to replace your tires
 1 New tread 2Tread wear indicator 3Worn tread
Replace the tires when the tread wear indicators show.
The location of the tread wear indicators is shown by the
marks such as “TWI” or “
Δ” marks molded on the sidewall
of each tire.
The tires on your Lexus have builtin tread wear indicators to
help you know when the tires need replacement. When the
tread depth wears to 1.6 mm (0.06 in.) or less, the indicators
will appear. If you can see th e indicators in two or more
adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost if the tread wears
down below 4 mm (0.16 in.).

CHASSIS
317
If you have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep
enough to expose the fabric, or bulges indicating internal
damage, the tire should be replaced.
If a tire often goes flat or cannot be properly repaired due to the
size or location of a cut or other damage, it should be
replaced.
If you are not sure, consult with your Lexus dealer.
If an air loss occurs while driving, do not continue driving with
a deflated tire. Driving even a short distance can damage a tire
beyond repair.
Any tires which are over 6 years old must be checked by
a qualified technician even if damage is not obvious.
Tires deteriorate with age even if they have never or seldom
been used.
This also applies to the spare tire and tires stored for future
use.
Uniform tire quality grading
This information has been prepared in accordance with
regulations issued by the National Highway T raffic Safety
Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
It provides the purchasers and/or prospective purchasers
of Lexus vehicles with information on uniform tire quality
grading.
Your Lexus dealer will help answer any questions you may
have as you read this information.
DOT quality grades All passenger car tires must
conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to
these grades. Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example: Treadwear 200
Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1 1/2)
times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variati ons in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B, C The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B and C, and they represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.