Lexus GS300 2000 Chassis

CHASSIS
422
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.
NOTICE
If you spill some of the fluid, be sure to wipe it off
to prevent it from damaging the parts or
paintwork.
CHECKING POWER STEERING
FLUID (GS400)

CHASSIS
423
63G003±1
Check the fluid level through the reservoir. If
necessary, add automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON
II 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 (60C ± 80C or 140F ± 175F). You may
also check the level when the fluid is cold (about room
temperature, 10C ± 30C or 50F ± 85F) if the engine
has not been run for about five hours.

CHASSIS
424
63G006±1

1If hot O.K. 2If hot add 3If cold O.K.
4If cold add
Clean all dirt off the reservoir and look at the fluid level.
If the fluid is cold, the level should be in the ºCOLDº
range. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level should be in the
ºHOTº range. If the 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.

CHASSIS
425
CAUTION
The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn
yourself.

CHASSIS
426
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be
damaged.
CHECKING POWER STEERING
FLUID (GS300)

CHASSIS
427
63G004±1
Check the fluid level on the dipstick. 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 (60C ± 80C or 140F ± 175F). You may
also check the level when the fluid is cold (about room
temperature, 10C ± 30C or 50F ± 85F) if the engine
has not been run for about five hours.

CHASSIS
428
63L003±1

1If cold O.K. 2If hot O.K. 3Add fluid
1. Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
2. Remove the reservoir cap by turning it
counterclockwise and wipe the dipstick clean.
3. Reinstall the reservoir cap.
4. Remove the reservoir cap again and look at the fluid
level. If the fluid is cold, the level should be in the ºCOLDº
range on the dipstick. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level
should be in the ºHOTº range. If the level is at the low
side of either range, add automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON
II or III to bring the level within the range.
5. After replacing the reservoir cap, visually check the
steering box case, vane pump and hose connections for
leaks or damage.

CHASSIS
429
CAUTION
The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn
yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be
damaged.
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE

CHASSIS
430
63G005
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
pressure for the spare tire should be the same with that
for the standard tire. (See page 415 or 418.) 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.

CHASSIS
431 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 handling and ride.
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.