engine Lexus ES300 2003 Owner's Manuals (in English)

CHASSIS
323
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 − 80C or 140F − 175F). You may also check the level
when the fluid is cold (about room temperature, 10 C − 30C
or 50F − 85F) 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.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
335
SPECIFICATIONS
FUSE LOCATIONS
64E092
 1 2 Engine compartment
3 Driver’s side instrument panel FUSES
64E119
1
Engine compartment

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
336
64E101
2Engine compartment
64E102
3Driver’s side instrument panel

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
343
NOTICE
Make sure the engine and all accessories are turned
off before performing maintenance.
 When checking the battery, remove the ground cable
first and reinstall it last.
 Be careful not to cause a short circuit with tools.
 Take care no solution gets into the battery when
washing it.
If the battery is disconnected or run down
The moon roof may not operate automatically and the jam
protection function will not function correctly after you
reconnect, replace or recharge the battery. In any of these
cases, you should normalize the moon roof. To normalize the
moon roof, see page 92.
Checking battery condition
Checking by indicator
Check the battery condition by the indicator color.
1 BLUE − Good condition
2
WHITE − Charging necessary. Have the battery checked
by your Lexus dealer.
3 RED − Have the battery checked by your Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
Do not refill the battery with water.

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344
BATTERY RECHARGINGPRECAUTIONS
During recharging, the battery is producing hydrogen
gas.
Therefore, before recharging:
1. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be
sure to disconnect the ground cable.
2. Make sure the power switch on the recharger is off when
connecting the charger cables to the battery and when
disconnecting them.
CAUTION
Always charge the battery in an unconfined area. Do
not charge the battery in a garage or closed room
where there is not sufficient ventilation.
 Only do a slow charge (5 A or less). Charging at a
quicker rate is dangerous. The battery may explode
causing personal injuries.
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running.
Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.
CHECKING AND REPLACING THE BLADE TYPE FUSES
Engine compartment
Engine compartment 1
Pullout tool 2Spare fuses

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
347
CHECKING THE CARTRIDGE TYPEFUSES
Engine compartment
Driver’s side instrument panel
If the headlights or other electrical components do not
work and the blade type fuses are O.K., check the
cartridge type fuses. If any of the cartridge type fuses are
blown, they must be replaced.
If there is an overload in the circuits from the battery, the fuses
are designed to blow before the entire wiring harness is
damaged.
CAUTION
Always use a genuine Lexus fuse or equivalent for
replacement. Never install an ordinary wire even for
a temporary fix. This may cause extensive damage and
possibly a fire.

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348
NOTICE
Before replacing the fuses, have the cause of electrical
overload determined and repaired by your Lexus dealer.
ADDING WASHER FLUID
If the washer tank becomes nearly empty, add washer
fluid.
You may use plain water as washer fluid. However, in cold
areas where temperatures range below the freezing point, use
washer fluid containing antifreeze. This product is available at
your Lexus dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow the
manufacturer’s directions for how much to mix with water.
NOTICE
 Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute
because it may damage your vehicle’s paint.
 Do not fill washer fluid over the “NORMAL” level.