engine coolant Lexus GS430 2006 Scheduled Maintenance Guide / LEXUS 2006 GS430/GS300 FROM JAN. 2005 PROD. OWNER'S MANUAL (OM30649U)

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each Section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xivPage
1
Tachometer 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Headlight high beam indicator light 47
. . . . . . . . . . .
3 Turn signal indicator light 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Headlight indicator light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Slip indicator light 418, 420
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Fog light indicator light 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Driver’s seat belt reminder light 75
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 SRS warning light 76
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Open door warning light 79
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Automatic transmission indicator lights 353 . . . . . .
11 Fuel gauge 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Fuel filler door indicator 128
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Low fuel level warning light 80
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Engine coolant temperature gauge 68
. . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Discharge warning light 77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Brake system warning light (yellow) 75
. . . . . . . . . . . Page
17 Malfunction indicator lamp
77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Adaptive frontlighting system off
indicator light 46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Antilock brake system warning light 78
. . . . . . . . . .
20 Precollision system warning light 80
. . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Brake system warning light (red) 74
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Master warning light 78
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Electric power steering system warning light 80 . .
24 Multiinformation display 82
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Odometer and trip meter 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Low tire pressure warning light 79
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Intuitive parking assist indicator light 366
. . . . . . . .
28 Snow mode indicator light 364
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 Cruise control indicator light 392
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30 Power mode indicator light 364
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31 Damping mode indicator light 417
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each Section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xviPage
1
Tachometer 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Headlight high beam indicator light 47
. . . . . . . . . . .
3 Turn signal indicator light 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Tail light indicator light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Slip indicator light 418, 420
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Fog light indicator light 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Driver’s seat belt reminder light 75
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 SRS warning light 76
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Open door warning light 79
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Automatic transmission indicator lights 353 . . . . . .
11 Fuel gauge 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Fuel filler door indicator 128
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Low fuel level warning light 80
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Engine coolant temperature gauge 68
. . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Discharge warning light 77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Brake system warning light (yellow) 75
. . . . . . . . . . . Page
17 Malfunction indicator lamp
77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Adaptive frontlighting system off
indicator light 46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Antilock brake system warning light 78
. . . . . . . . . .
20 Precollision system warning light 80
. . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Brake system warning light (red) 74
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Master warning light 78
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Electric power steering system warning light 80 . .
24 Multiinformation display 82
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Odometer and trip meter 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Low tire pressure warning light 79
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Intuitive parking assist indicator light 366
. . . . . . . .
28 Snow mode indicator light 364
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 Cruise control indicator light 392
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30 Power mode indicator light 364
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31 Damping mode indicator light 417
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 1 – 3
67
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder
indicators
Fuel gauge68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Odometer and trip meter 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light sensitive optitron meter 71
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 72
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi−information display 82
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel light control 96
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
68
FUEL GAUGE
G13001
Low fuel level warning light
The gauge indicates the approximate quantity of fuel
remaining in the tank when the engine switch is selected
in “IGON” mode.
It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4 full.
If the fuel level approaches ”E” or the low fuel level warning light\
comes on, fill the fuel tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the tank,
the fuel gauge needle may fluctuate or the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than usual.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the malfunction indicator
lamp comes on. Fill the fuel tank immediately.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times. If the
indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible. See the inner back cover for fuel capacity and recommended
fuel selection.
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
G13002
 Normal range
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature when
the engine switch is selected in “IGON” mode. The
engine operating temperature will vary with changes in
weather and engine load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your vehicle
and allow the engine to cool.
Your vehicle may overheat during severe operating conditions,
such as:
 Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
 Reducing speed or stopping after high speed driving.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
69

Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in
stop−and−go traffic.
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in the engine cooling
system as this may cause the engine to overheat. The
thermostat is designed to control the flow of coolant
to keep the temperature of the engine within the
specified operating range.
 Do not continue driving with an overheated engine.
See ”If your vehicle overheats” on page 467.
TACHOMETER
G13003
The tachometer indicates engine speed in thousands of
rpm (revolutions per minute). Use it while driving to
prevent engine overrevving.
Driving with the engine running too fast causes excessive
engine wear and poor fuel economy. Remember, in most
cases the slower the engine speed, the greater the fuel
economy.
NOTICE
Do not let the indicator needle get into the red zone. This
may cause severe engine damage.

STARTING AND DRIVING
355
G31023
 1Power position 2Normal position
3Snow position
2. Set the driving pattern selector switch to the normal
position.
Your transmission has a driving pattern selector switch which
allows you to select power, normal or snow mode to suit your
driving condition. For ordinary driving, Lexus recommends
that you use the normal mode to improve fuel economy.
3. For more powerful acceleration and sporty driving, use
the power position.
In the power mode, the “ECT PWR” light in the instrument
cluster is on and the most suitable shift pattern is selected
depending on the driver’s operation of accelerator and brake
pedal and on the vehicle condition. See “Automatic shifting
point change control” on page 356.
For snow mode, see “Electronic Throttle Control System”
on page 364.
G31024
 1 Brake pedal 2“D” (Drive) position
4. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the
selector lever to “D”.
Always use the “D” position to improve fuel economy and quiet
driving. Only in this position, shifting into the overdrive gear is
possible. However, while the engine coolant temperature is
low, the transmission will not shift into the overdrive gear even
in the “D” position. (See “(c) Using engine braking” and “(f)
Good driving practice” for exceptions.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while
shifting.

DRIVING TIPS
452
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure your coolant is properly protected against
freezing.
Only use ”Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high
quality ethylene glycol based non−silicate, non −amine,
non− nitrite, and non −borate coolant with long −life hybrid
organic acid technology. (Coolant with long −life hybrid organic
acid technology is a combination of low phosphates and
organic acids.)
See “Checking the engine coolant level” on page 527 for
details of coolant type selection.
For the U.S.A.—“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture
of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. This coolant
provides protection down to about −35C (− 31F).
For Canada—“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of
55% coolant and 45% deionized water. This coolant provides
protection down to about −42C (− 44F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in top shape to pr ovide enough power for winter
starting. Page 571 tells you how to visually inspect the battery.
Your Lexus dealer and most service stations will be pleased to
check the battery charge level. Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
See page 525 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 front
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.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
467
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, if you experience a loss of power, or if you
hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine has
probably overheated.
When the engine overheats
Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your
emergency flashers. Put the transmission in ”P” and apply the
parking brake.
A: If steam is coming from your engine:
Turn off the engine. Leave the hood closed until there is no sign
of steam or coolant. Your engine could have been seriously
damaged already. Call your Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until
there is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is sign of
very high pressure.
B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning.
Check the following.
 Is the cooling fan operating?
 Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
 Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
 Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the
engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out
under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the
acceptable range, turn off the engine and call your Lexus
dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant
temperature has cooled to normal, continue driving your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your
vehicle overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible
by your Lexus dealer.

MAINTENANCE
493
Where to go for service?
Lexus technicians are well −trained specialists and are kept up
to date with the latest service information through technical
bulletins, service tips, and in −dealership training programs.
They are well informed about the operation of all the systems
on your vehicle.
You can be confident that your Lexus dealer’s service
department performs the best job to meet the maintenance
requirements of your vehicle.
Your copy of the repair order is proof that all required
maintenance has been performed for warranty coverage. If
any problems should arise with your vehicle while under
warranty, your Lexus dealer will promptly take care of it. Again,
be sure to keep a copy of the repair order for any service
performed on your Lexus.
What about doityourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself, if you
have a little mechanical ability and a few basic automotive
tools. Simple instructions for how to perform them are
presented in Section 6.
If you are a skilled do −it− yourself mechanic, the Lexus service
manuals are recommended. Please be aware that
do− it−yourself maintenance can affect your warranty
coverage. See “Owner’s Guide”, “Owner’s Manual
Supplement” or “Warranty Booklet” for the details.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified. It is recommended that
any problem you notice be brought to the attention of your
Lexus dealer or qualified service shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only with adequate ventilation if you
run the engine.
Engine compartment
Items listed below should be checked from time to time,
e.g. each time when refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is suf ficient fluid in the tank. See page 579 for
additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the Upper and Lower
lines on the see−through reservoir when the engine is cold.
See page 527 for additional information.
Radiator, condenser and hoses
Check that the front of the radiator and condenser are clean
and not blocked with leaves, dirt, or insects. See page 529 for
additional information.

MAINTENANCE
496
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEEDREPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and
visual tip −offs that indicate service is needed. Some important
clues are:
 Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
 Appreciable loss of power
 Strange engine noises
 A fluid leak under the vehicle (however, water dripping from
the air conditioning after use is normal.)
 Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous
carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
 Flat−looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering,
uneven tire wear
 Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level
road
 Strange noises related to suspension movement
 Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal,
pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to one side when
braking
 Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs adjustment or
repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the vehicle unchecked. It
could result in serious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.