engine oil Lexus ES330 2005 Gauges, Meters and Service Reminder Indicators /

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR LEXUS
iv
New vehicle warranty
Your new vehicle is covered by the following Lexus limited
warranties:
New vehicle warranty
 Emission control systems warranty
 Others
For further information, please refer to the “Owner’s Guide”,
“Owner’s Manual Supplement” or “Warranty Booklet”.
Your responsibility for maintenance
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure the specified
maintenance is performed. Section 5 of this Owner’s Manual
gives details of these maintenance requirements. Included in
Section 6 is general maintenance. For scheduled
maintenance information, please refer to the “Owner’s Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance”.
Important health and safety information about
your Lexus
CAUTION
 WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,
and a wide variety of automobile components
contain or emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects and
other reproductive harm. In addition, oils, fuels and
fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste
produced by component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
 Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash your hands
after handling. Used engine oil contains chemicals
that have caused cancer in laboratory animals.
Always protect your skin by washing thoroughly with
soap and water.

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each Section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xiiPage
1Tachometer
56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Traction control system off indicator light 270 . . . .
3Vehicle stability control system/traction control
system warning light 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Engine oil replacement reminder light 62
. . . . . . . . . .
5Headlight indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6Headlight high beam indicator light 37
. . . . . . . . . . . .
7Turn signal indicator light 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Fog light indicator light 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Cruise control indicator light 266
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10Slip indicator light 270, 273
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Low fuel level warning light 66
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Automatic transmission indicator lights 260 . . . . . .
14Engine coolant temperature gauge 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
15Odometer and trip meter
56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Trip meter reset knob 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18Low washer fluid warning light 66
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Low engine oil level warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20Multiinformation display 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22Low engine oil pressure warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . .
23Brake system warning light 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Antilock brake system warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . .
25Driver’s seat belt reminder light 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26Discharge warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27SRS warning light 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29Malfunction indicator lamp 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each Section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xivPage
1Tachometer
56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Traction control system off indicator light 270 . . . .
3Vehicle stability control system/traction control
system warning light 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Tail light indicator light 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Headlight high beam indicator light 37
. . . . . . . . . . . .
6Turn signal indicator light 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Fog light indicator light 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Cruise control indicator light 266
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Slip indicator light 270, 273
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Low fuel level warning light 66
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Automatic transmission indicator lights 260 . . . . . .
13Engine coolant temperature gauge 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14Odometer and trip meter
56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Trip meter reset knob 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17Low washer fluid warning light 66
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18Low engine oil level warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Multiinformation display 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Low engine oil pressure warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . .
22Brake system warning light 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23Antilock brake system warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . .
24Driver’s seat belt reminder light 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Discharge warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26SRS warning light 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Malfunction indicator lamp 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
58IF THIS INDICATOR OR
BUZZER COMES ON...
DO THIS.
(e)Stop and check.
(f)Stop and check.
(g)Add engine oil.
(h)Replace engine oil.
(i)Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
IF THIS INDICATOR ORBUZZER COMES ON...DO THIS.
(j)orTake vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
(k)Close all doors.
(l)Replace bulb.
(m)Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
(n)Add washer fluid.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
61
If any of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a
malfunction
somewhere in the parts monitored by the warning
light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible
to service the vehicle.
 The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned
to the “ON” position or remains on for more than 6 seconds.
 The light comes on while driving.
(e) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, stop the vehicle, turn off the
engine, and check for the cause. Look first at the engine drive
belt.
 If it is loose or broken, the generator will not charge the
battery properly.
 If the belt is O.K., there is a problem somewhere in the
charging system.
The engine ignition will continue to operate, however, until the
battery is discharged. Turn off the air conditioning, blower,
radio, etc., and drive directly to the nearest Lexus dealer or
repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive belt is broken
or loose.
(f) Low Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil pressure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are driving, pull off the road
to a safe place and stop the engine immediately. Call a Lexus
dealer or qualified repair shop for assistance.
The light may occasionally flicker when the engine is idling or
it may come on briefly after a hard stop. There is no cause for
concern if it then goes out when the engine is accelerated
slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level is extremely low. It
is not designed to indicate low oil level, and the oil level must
be checked using the oil level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the warning light on —
even for one block. It may ruin the engine.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
62
(g) Low Engine Oil Level Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil level is too low. Add oil as
soon as possible. (For instructions, see “Checking the engine
oil level” on page 351.)
While driving on steep inclines or rough roads which causes
the vehicle to substantially sway or on curves, this light may
come on due to the movement of engine oil in the engine.
In normal conditions, due to engine oil consumption, this light
may come on earlier than the specified service interval of the
scheduled maintenance. This is because the engine oil is
consumed to the low level within the scheduled maintenance
interval and does not indicate a problem. (For detailed
information, see “Facts about engine oil consumption” on page
349.)
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oil will
damage the engine.
(h) Engine Oil Replacement Reminder Light (for vehicles sold in U.S.A.)
This light acts as a reminder to replace the engine oil.
This light will come on when the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” position and will go off after about a few seconds.
When you drive for about 7200 km (4500 miles) after the
engine oil replacement, this light illuminates for about 3
seconds and then flashes for about 12 seconds with the
ignition key turned to the “ON” position. If you continue driving
without replacing the engine oil, and if the distance driven
exceeds 8000 km (5000 miles), the light will come on after the
ignition key is turned to the “ON” position. The light will remain
on thereafter.
If the light is flashing, we recommend that you replace the
engine oil at an early opportunity depending on the driving and
road conditions. If the light comes on, replace it as soon as
possible.
The system must be reset after the engine oil replacement.
Reset the system by the following procedure:
1. Turn the ignition key to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position with
the odometer reading shown. (For details, see “Odometer and
trip meter” on page 56.)
2. Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position while holding down
the trip meter reset knob.
Hold down the knob for at least 5 seconds. The odometer
indicates “000000” and the light goes off.
If the system fails to reset, the light will continue flashing.

DRIVING TIPS
283
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
See page 353 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy
summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Lexus dealer — they will be pleased to help.
Check the electronic ignition system for loose
connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt
lock de− icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
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 use your parking brake when there is a possibility
it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into “P” and block the rear
wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water
accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism may
freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release. Keep ice
and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering
difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you
carry some emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains,
window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.

DRIVING TIPS
291

Avoid engine overrevving. Use a gear position suitable
for the road on which you are traveling.
 Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing down.
Stop−and−go driving wastes fuel.
 Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking. Maintain a
steady pace. Try to time the traf fic signals so you only need
to stop as little as possible or take advantage of through
streets to avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper distance from
other vehicles to avoid sudden braking. This will also
reduce wear on your brakes.
 Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever possible.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. This causes
premature wear, overheating and poor fuel economy.
 Maintain a moderate speed on highways. The faster you
drive, the greater the fuel consumption. By reducing your
speed, you will cut down on fuel consumption.
 Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid hitting
the curb and slow down on rough roads. Improper
alignment not only causes faster tire wear but also puts an
extra load on the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.
 Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud etc. This
not only lessens weight but also helps prevent corrosion. 
Keep your vehicle tunedup and in top shape. A dirty air
cleaner, improper valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil and
grease, brakes not adjusted, etc. all lower engine
performance and contribute to poor fuel economy. For
longer life of all parts and lower operating costs, keep all
maintenance work on schedule, and if you often drive under
severe conditions, see that your vehicle receives more
frequent maintenance. (For scheduled maintenance
information, please refer to the “Owner’s Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance”.)
CAUTION
Never turn off the engine to coast down hills. Your
power steering and brake booster will not function
without the engine running. Also, the emission control
system operates properly only when the engine is
running.

MAINTENANCE
328Battery
Check the battery condition by the indicator color. See page
396 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 364 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 351 for
additional
information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in
the “HOT” or “COLD” range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 365 for additional information.
Exhaust system
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 caution” on page 255.)
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlight, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal
lights, and other lights are working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
function properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified freeplay. Be alert for changes
in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive freeplay
or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters,
seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold
securely in any latched position.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors
and anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the
belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.

MAINTENANCE
329
Accelerator pedal
Check
the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal ef fort
or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and freeplay. Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
In 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 “Park” mechanism
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in “P” position and all brakes released.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to time,
unless otherwise specified.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid after
the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes
or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected
immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors, including trunk lid, operate smoothly and
all latches lock securely. Make sure the engine hood
secondary latch secures the hood when the primary latch is
released.