coolant level Lexus GX470 2003 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 GX470 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM60A45U)

Page 10 of 483

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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page 357 of 483

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.

Page 377 of 483

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
364B: 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.
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move
cautiously off the road to a safe place − well away from the
traffic. A void stopping on the center divider of a highway. Park
on a level spot with firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Firmly set the parking brake and put the transmission in “P”.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side away from
traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.
CAUTION
When jacking, be sure to observe the following to
reduce the possibility of personal injury:
 Turn off the active height control suspension by
pushing the active height control switch.
 Follow jacking instructions.
 Do not put any part of your body under a vehicle
supported by a jack. Personal injury may occur.
 Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is
supported by the jack.
 Stop the vehicle on a level firm ground, firmly set the
parking brake and put the transmission in “P”. Block
the wheel diagonally opposite to the one being
changed if necessary.

Page 411 of 483

MAINTENANCE
398Parking brake
Check that the lever has the proper travel and that, on a safe
incline,
your vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake
applied.
Automatic transmission “Park” mechanism
Check the lock release button of the selector lever for proper
and smooth operation. On a safe incline, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in “P” position
and all brakes released.
Engine compartment
Items listed below should be checked from time to time,
e.g. each time when refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See page 454 for
additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the see− through reservoir when the engine is cold. See page
422 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 423 for
additional information.
Battery
Check the battery condition by the indicator color. See page
447 for additional information.

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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

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61PY004
INTRODUCTION
404
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
1Engine oil level
dipstick
2Engine oil filler cap
3Brake fluid reservoir
4Fuse box
5Battery
6Condenser
7Electric cooling fan
8Radiator
9Engine coolant
reservoir
10Washer fluid tank
11Power steering fluid
reservoir

Page 420 of 483

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)

Page 423 of 483

SECTION 6 – 2
410
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications411
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Fuel 414
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 416
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption 417
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil 418
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 419
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 422
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 423
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 424
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . .

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ENGINE
422
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANTLEVEL
 1 Reservoir cap 2 “F” (upper) line 3 “L” (lower) line
Look at the seethrough coolant reservoir when the
engine is cold. The coolant level is satisfactory if it is
between the“F” and “L” lines on the reservoir. If the level
is low, add ethyleneglycol type coolant for a proper
corrosion protection of aluminum components.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary with engine
temperature. However, if the level is on or below the “L” line,
add coolant. Bring the level up to the “F” line.
Always use ethylene −glycol type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of aluminum components. See information in the
next column. If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing,
there
may be a leak in the system. Visually check the radiator,
hoses, engine coolant filler cap, radiator cap and drain cock
and water pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Lexus dealer test the radiator
cap pressure and check for leaks in the cooling system.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not remove the radiator
cap when the engine is hot.
Coolant type selection
Use of improper coolants may damage your engine cooling
system. Your coolant must contain ethylene −glycol type
coolant for proper corrosion protection of your engine that
contains aluminum components. We have used “Toyota
Genuine Lo ng Life Coolant” in your Lexus vehicle. In order to
avoid technical problems, we strongly recommend using
“Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” or equivalent.
In addition to preventing freezing and subsequent damage to
the engine, this type of coolant will also prevent corrosion.
Further supplemental inhibitors or additives are neither
needed nor recommended.
Read the coolant container for information on freeze
protection. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how much
to mix with plain water (preferably demineralized water or
distilled water). The total capacity of the cooling system is
given on page 413.