checking oil Lexus GX470 2003 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 GX470 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM60A45U)

DRIVING TIPS
344
Always perform a maintenance inspection after each
day of offroad driving that has taken you through
rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled
maintenance information, refer to the “Owner’s
Manual Supplement / Scheduled Maintenance”.
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure your coolant is properly protected against
freezing.
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.

INTRODUCTION
407
NOTICE
Remember that battery and ignition cables carry high
currents or voltages. Be careful of accidentally
causing a short circuit.
 Before closing the engine hood, check to see that you
have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc.
 Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or
excessive engine wear could result. Also backfiring
could cause a fire in the engine compartment.
 Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid and
power steering fluid, or the transmission and power
steering could be damaged.
 Be careful not to scratch the glass surface with the
wiper frame.
PARTS AND TOOLS
Here is a list of parts and tools you will need to perform
do−it−yourself maintenance. Remember all Lexus parts are
designed in metric sizes, so your tools must be metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
See page 420 for details about engine oil selection.
Tools:
 Rag or paper towel
 Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
“Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” or equivalent
See “Checking the engine coolant level” on page 422 for
instructions.
 Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:
 Funnel (only for adding coolant)

SECTION 6 – 2
410
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications411
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Fuel 414
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Fuel pump shut off system 416
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Facts about engine oil consumption 417
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Used engine oil 418
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. . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 419
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Checking the engine coolant level 422
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Checking the radiator and condenser 423
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Spark plugs 424
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ENGINE
418
Importance of engine oil level check
One of the most important points in proper vehicle
maintenance is to keep the engine oil at the optimum level so
that oil function will not be impaired. Therefore, it is essential
that the oil level be checked regularly. Lexus recommends that
the oil level be checked every time you refuel the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly could lead to
serious engine trouble due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check, see “Checking the
engine oil level” described below.
USED ENGINE OIL
CAUTION
 Used engine oil contains potentially harmful
contaminants which may cause skin disorders such
as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should be
taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact with
it. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash
thoroughly with soap and water.
 Dispose of used oil and used oil filters only in a safe
and acceptable manner. Do not dispose of used oil
and used oil filters in household trash, in sewers or
onto the ground. Call your Lexus dealer or a service
station for information concerning recycling or
disposal.
 Do not leave used oil within the reach of children.

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
ground. 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.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
448
If electrolyte gets on your skin, thoroughly wash the
contacted area. If you feel a pain or burn, get medical
attention immediately.
 If electrolyte gets on your clothes, there is a
possibility of its soaking through to your skin, so
immediately take off the exposed clothing and follow
the procedure above, if necessary.
 If you accidentally to swallow electrolyte, drink a
large quantity of water or milk. Follow with milk of
magnesia, beaten raw egg or vegetable oil. Then go
immediately for emergency help.
 Warning: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.Checking battery exterior
 1 Terminals2 Holddown clamp
Check the battery for corroded or loose connections,
cracks, or loose holddown clamps.
1. If the battery is corroded, wash it off with a solution of warm
water and baking soda. Coat the terminals with grease to
prevent further corrosion.
2. If the connections are loose, tighten the clamp bolts − but
do not overtighten.
3. Tighten the hold −down clamp only enough to keep the
battery firmly in place. Overtightening may damage the battery
case.

GAS STATION INFORMATION
Fuel selection:
Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or
higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of
premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91
(Research Octane Number 96) or higher is recommended.
 Fuel tank capacity:
87 L (2 3 gal., 19.1 lmp.gal.)
 Engine oil:
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
Oil grade: API grade SL “Energy −Conserving” or ILSAC
multigrade engine oil.
Recommended oil viscosity: SAE 5W −30
Oil capacity:
Drain and refill with filter 6.2 L (6.5 qt., 5.5 lmp.qt .)
without filter 5.7 L (6.0 qt., 5.0 lmp.qt .)
See page 419 for detailed information. 
Engine coolant:
Capacity: 12.9 L (13.6 qt., 11.4 lmp.qt .)
Coolant type − ”Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” or
equivalent
With ethylene −glycol type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of aluminum components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
For checking the engine coolant, see page 422.
 Automatic transmission:
Fluid type − “Toyota Genuine ATF Type T −IV”
See page 428 for detailed information.
 Tire information:
See pages 432 through 440 for detailed information.
 Tire pressure:
Tire size: P265/65R17 110S
Tire pressure: 220kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)