maintenance Lexus GS350 2008 Do-it-yourself maintenance / LEXUS 2008 GS460/350 (OM30A87U) User Guide

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Maintenance and care
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Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior
The following procedures will help protect your vehicle’s interior and keep
it in top condition:
■ Protecting the vehicle interior
Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner. Wipe dirty surfaces
with a cloth dampened with lukewarm water.
■ Cleaning the leather areas
●Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner.
● Wipe any excess dirt and dust wi th a soft cloth dampened with
diluted detergent.
Use a diluted water solution of approximately 5% neutral wool deter-
gent.
● Wring out any excess water from the cloth and thoroughly wipe
off all remaining traces of detergent.
● Wipe the surface with a dry, soft cloth to remove any remaining
moisture. Allow the leather to dry in a shaded and ventilated area.
■ Synthetic leather areas
●Remove loose dirt using a vacuum cleaner.
● Apply a mild soap solution to th e synthetic leather using a sponge
or soft cloth.
● Allow the solution to soak in fo r a few minutes. Remove the dirt
and wipe off the solution with a clean, damp cloth.

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■Cleaning the inside of the rear window
Do not use glass cleaner to clean the rear window, as this may cause damage to the
rear window defogger heater wires. Use a cloth dampened with lukewarm water to
gently wipe the window clean. Wipe the window in strokes running parallel to the
heater wires.
■Caring for leather areas
Lexus recommends cleaning the interior of the vehicle at least twice a year to main-
tain the quality of the vehicle’s interior.
■Shampooing the carpets
There are several commercial foaming-type cleaners available. Use a sponge or
brush to apply the foam. Rub in overlappin g circles. Do not apply water. The excel-
lent results are obtained by keep ing the carpet as dry as possible.
■Seat belts
Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water using a cloth or sponge. Also check the
belts periodically for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.
CAUTION
■Water in the vehicle
●Be careful not to splash or spill liquid on the floor.
●Do not get any of the SRS components or wiring in the vehicle interior wet. 
(  P. 8 1 ) 
Electrical malfunction may cause the airbag s to deploy or not function properly,
resulting in death or serious injury.

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NOTICE
■Cleaning detergents
Do not use the following types of detergent, as they may discolor the vehicle inte-
rior or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces.
●Non-seat portions: Organic substances such as benzene or gasoline, alkaline or
acidic solutions, dye, or bleach.
●Seats: Acidic solutions, such as thinner, benzene, or alcohol.
■Preventing damage to leather surfaces
Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration of leather
surfaces.
●Remove any dust or dirt on leather surfaces immediately.
●Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended pe riods of time. Park
the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.
●Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or that contain wax on the upholstery, as
they may stick to the leather surface if th e vehicle interior heats up significantly.
■Water on the floor
Do not wash the vehicle floor with water. 
Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes into
contact with electrical components under the floor of the vehicle, and may also
cause the body to rust.
■Cleaning the inside of the rear window
Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires or antenna.

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4-2. Maintenance
Maintenance requirements
■Repair and replacement
It is recommended that genuine Lexus parts be used for repair to ensure perfor-
mance of each system. If non-Lexus parts are used in replacement or if a repair
shop other than a Lexus dealer performs repairs, confirm the warranty coverage.
To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and regular main-
tenance is essential. It is the owne r’s responsibility to perform regular
checks. Lexus recommends the following maintenance.
■ General maintenance
Should be performed on a daily basis. This can be done by yourself
or by a Lexus dealer.
■ Scheduled maintenance
Should be performed at specified intervals according to the mainte-
nance schedule.
For details about maintenance items and schedules, refer to the “War-
ranty and Services Guide/Owner’ s Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenance”.
■ Do-it-yourself maintenance
You can perform some maintenance procedures yourself. 
Please be aware that do-it-your self maintenance may affect war-
ranty coverage.
The use of Lexus Repair Manuals is recommended.
For details about warranty coverage, see the separate “Owner’s Guide”,
“Warranty and Services Guide”, “Owner’s Manual Supplement” or
“Warranty Booklet”.

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■Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Lexus dealer
●Lexus technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date with the
latest service information. They are well informed about the operations of all
systems on your vehicle.
●Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has been
performed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise while your
vehicle is under warranty, your Lexus de aler will promptly take care of it.
CAUTION
■Hazardous materials
●Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile com-
ponents contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause can-
cer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a well ventilated area.
●Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by compo-
nent wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid exposure and wash
any affected area immediately.
●12 volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after
handling. ( P. 4 1 7 )
●Used engine oil contains chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer in lab-
oratory animals. Avoid prolonged and repeated contact. Always protect your
skin by washing thorough ly with soap and water.

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General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluid• At the correct level? (P. 4 1 6 )
Engine coolant• At the correct level? ( P. 4 1 4 )
Engine oil• At the correct level? ( P. 4 0 9 )
Exhaust system• No fumes or strange sounds?
Radiator/condenser/hoses• Not blocked with foreign matter? 
( P. 4 1 5 )
Wa s h e r f l u i d• At the correct level? ( P. 4 2 0 )
12 volt battery• Maintenance-free ( P. 4 1 7 )
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed
at the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Services Guide/Owner’s
Manual Supplement”. It is recommend ed that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service
shop for advice.

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Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• Moves smoothly (without uneven pedal effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission
“Park” mechanism• Can the vehicle be hold securely on an incline with the shift lever in “P”?
Brake pedal
• Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clearance and correct amount of free play?
Brakes
• Pulls to one side when applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints• Move smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Function properly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly? ( P. 4 6 7 )
Pa r k i n g b r a ke
• Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on an
incline?
Seat belts
• Does the seat belt system operate smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?

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Vehicle exterior
ItemsCheck points
Doors/trunk• Operate smoothly?
Engine hood• The lock system works properly?
Fluid leaks• Is there any leakage after parking?
Ti r e
• Inflation pressure is correct?
• Tire surfaces not worn or dam-aged?
• Tires rotated according to the
maintenance schedule?
• Wheel nuts are not loose?
CAUTION
■If the engine is running
Turn off the engine and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before performing
maintenance checks.

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Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs
Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which include
OBD (On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system monitors the oper-
ation of the emission control system.
■ If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in
the emission control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test
and may need to be repaired. Contact your Lexus dealer to service
the vehicle.
■ Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test:
●When the 12 volt battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are set during ordinary driving are erased. 
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes may
not be completely set.
● When the fuel tank cap is loose
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on as a temporary mal-
function and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
■ When the malfunction indicator la mp goes off after several driv-
ing trips
The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the
vehicle is driven 40 or more times.
■ If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test
Contact your Lexus dealer to prep are the vehicle for re-testing.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct proce-
dure given in these sections.
ItemsPa r t s a n d t o o l s
12 volt battery condition (P. 4 1 7)
•Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level ( P. 4 1 6 )
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
•Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine coolant level 
(P. 4 1 4 )
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high quality ethylene gly-
col based non-silicate, non-amine,
non-nitrite and non-borate coolant
with long-life hybrid organic acid
technology.
For the U.S.A.: 
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
is pre-mixed with 50% coolant and
50% deionized water.
For Canada: 
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
is pre-mixed with 55% coolant and
45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding cool- ant)