oil temperature Lexus GX470 2003 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 GX470 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM60979U)

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xPage
1Automatic transmission second start
indicator light 309
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Unengaged “Park” warning light 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3Automatic transmission fluid temperature
warning light 49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Low washer fluid warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Automatic transmission indicator lights 303 . . . . . .
6Driver’s seat belt reminder light 45
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Turn signal indicator light 25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Brake system warning light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Headlight high beam indicator light 25
. . . . . . . . . . . .
10“ABS” warning light 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Open door warning light 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Tachometer 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Headlight indicator light 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14Cruise control indicator light 312
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Engine oil replacement reminder light 51
. . . . . . . . . .
16Engine coolant temperature gauge 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
17Discharge warning light
50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18Low engine oil pressure warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . .
19Malfunction indicator lamp 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20Slip indicator light 322, 324, 327, 329
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Vehicle skid control system off
indicator light 324 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22Center differential lock indicator light 309
. . . . . . . .
23“VSC TRAC” warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Downhill assist control system
indicator light 326 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Rear height control indicator lights 319
. . . . . . . . . . .
26Security indicator light 12, 175
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27SRS warning light 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Trip meter reset knob 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29Odometer and trip meter 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30Low fuel level warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Fuel gauge 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Finish
GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
50
(j) “VSC TRAC” Warning Light
The light warns that there is a problem somewhere in the
following.
Vehicle skid control system
 Active traction control system
 Downhill assist control system
 Hill− start assist control system
The light will come on when the ignition key turned to “ON”, and
will go off after a few seconds.
It is not a malfunction that the warning light may stay on for 60
seconds after the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the lights.
It is normal if they go out after a few seconds.
There is no problem when the “VSC TRAC” warning light
comes on when the brake actuator temperature becomes high.
If the light comes on while driving, the above mentioned
systems do not work. However, as conventional braking
operates when applied, there is no problem to continue your
driving.
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:
 The warning light does not come on after the ignition key is
turned to “ON”.
 The warning light remains on after the ignition key is turned
to “ON”.
 The warning light comes on while driving.
(k) 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.
(l) 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.

DRIVING TIPS
345
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have a proper freeze protection of engine
coolant.
Your coolant must contain ethylene−glycol type coolant for a
proper corrosion protection of aluminum components. Use
“Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” or equivalent. See
“Checking the engine coolant level” on page 422 for
instructions.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
When it is extremely cold, we recommend to use 60% solution
for your Lexus, to provide protection down to about −50C
(−58 F). Do not use more than 70% solution for better coolant
performance.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter
starting. Page 447 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 420 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.
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.

MAINTENANCE
399
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 430 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 419 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 431 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 298.)
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEED REPAIRING?
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

62Z002
Outside temperature
ENGINE
412 LUBRICATION SYSTEM
Oil capacity Drain and refillwith filter
without filter
6.2 L (6.5 qt., 5.5 lmp.qt.)
5.7 L (6.0 qt., 5.0 lmp.qt.)
Oil gradeAPI grade SL “Energy− Conserving” or ILSAC multigrade engine oil
Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):
NOTE:
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is filled in your Lexus vehicle. Use Lexus approv\
ed “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent to sat isfy
the above grade and viscosity. Please contact your Lexus dealer for further details.

ENGINE
417
FACTS ABOUT ENGINE OILCONSUMPTION
Functions of engine oil
Engine oil has the primary function of lubricating and cooling
the inside of the engine, and plays a major role in maintaining
the engine in proper working order.
Engine oil consumption
It is normal that an engine should consume some engine
oil during normal engine operation. The causes of oil
consumption in a normal engine are as follows.
Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston rings and cylinders.
A thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall when a piston
moves downwards in the cylinder. High negative pressure
generated when the vehicle is decelerating sucks some of
this oil into the combustion chamber. This oil as well as
some part of the oil film left on the cylinder wall is burned by
the high temperature combustion gases during the
combustion process.
 Oil is also used to lubricate the stems of the intake valves.
Some of this oil is sucked into the combustion chamber
together with the intake air and is burned along with the fuel.
High temperature exhaust gases also burn the oil used to
lubricate the exhaust valve stems. The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the
viscosity of the oil, the quality of the oil and the way the
vehicle is driven.
More oil is consumed by high
−speed driving and frequent
acceleration and deceleration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since its pistons, piston rings
and cylinder walls have not become conditioned.
When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in
mind that the oil may have become diluted, making it
difficult to judge the true level accurately.
For example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips and
consumes a normal amount of oil, the dipstick may not show
any drop in the oil level at all, even after 1000 km (600 miles)
or more. This is because the oil is gradually becoming diluted
with fuel or moisture, making it appear that the oil level has not
changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle is then
driven at high speeds, as on an expressway, making it appear
that oil is excessively consumed after driving at high speeds.

ENGINE
419
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off,
check the oil level on the dipstick.
1. To get a true reading, the vehicle should be on a level spot.
After turning off the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to
drain back into the bottom of the engine.
2. Pull the dipstick out, hold a rag under the end and wipe it
clean.
3. Reinsert the dipstick and push it in as far as it will go, or the
reading will not be correct.
 1 Add oil2 O.K.3 Too full
4. Pull the dips tick out and look at the oil level while holding a
rag under the end. If it is between the low level mark (
4
) and
the full level mark ( 5
), it is O.K.
NOTICE
Be careful not to drop the engine oil on the vehicle
components.

ENGINE
420
If the oil level is below or only slightly above the low line,
add engine oil of the same type as already in the engine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine oil a little at a time,
checking the dipstick. We recommend that you use a funnel
when adding oil. The approximate quantity of oil needed to fill
between the low line and the full line on the dipstick is indicated
below for reference.
When the level reaches within the correct range, return the filler
cap and turn the cap clockwise until you hear a click.
Oil quantity. L (qt., lmp. qt.) 1.5 (1.6, 1.3)
NOTICE
 Be careful not to spill the engine oil on the vehicle
components.
 Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
 Check the oil level on the dipstick once again after
adding the oil.
Engine oil selection
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is filled in your Lexus vehicle. Use
Lexus approved “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent to
satisfy the following grade and viscosity.
Oil grade: API grade SL “Energy −Conserving” or ILSAC
multigrade engine oil.
Recommended viscosity: SAE 5W −30
62Z002
Outside temperature
SAE 5W30 is the best choice, for good fuel economy and
good starting in cold weather.
If SAE 5W30 oil is not available, SAE 10W30 may be
used. However, it should be replaced with SAE 5W30 at
the next oil change.