check engine lexus LS400 1994 Gauges, Meters and Service Reminder Indicators / 1994 LS400: ENGINE

SECTION 6 – 2
191
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications192 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel195 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption196 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil197 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level198 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing the air cleaner filter201 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ENGINE
197 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 under driving conditions such as high
speeds 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.
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 troubles due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check, see “Checking the
engine oil level” on page 198.
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.
Do not leave used oil within the reach of children.
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.

ENGINE
198
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL
LEVEL
Low line
Add oilO.K.
Too full
Full line
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 out the dipstick, and wipe it clean with a rag.
3. Reinsert the dipstick and push it in as far as it will go, or the
reading will not be correct.
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level on the end. If it
is between the full line and the low line, it is O.K.
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 in small quantities
at a time, checking the dipstick. The approximate quantity of
oil needed to fill between the low line and the full line on the
dipstick is indicated below.
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., Imp. qt.) 1.5 (1.6., 1.3)
NOTICE:
Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick once again after
adding the oil.

ENGINE
200The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee) Certification Mark is displayed on the
front of the container.
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Reservoir cap
Upper line
Lower line
Park the vehicle at a level spot and look at the see-through
coolant reservoir when the engine is cool. The coolant
level is satisfactory if it is between the upper and lower
lines on the tank. If the level is low, add ethylene-glycol
type coolant.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary with engine coolant
temperature. However, if the level is on or below the lower line,
add coolant to bring the level up to the upper line.Use only ethylene-glycol type coolant. It will prevent freezing
and corrosion. Neither supplemental inhibitors nor additives
are needed nor recommended. (For information on ethylene-
glycol coolant, see also “Engine coolant selection” on this
page.)
If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing,
there may be a leak in the system. Visually check the radiator,
hoses, reservoir cap, drain cock and water pump.
If no leak can be found, have the cap pressure tested at your
Lexus dealer.
CAUTION:
To prevent burning yourself, do not remove the reservoir
cap when the engine is hot.
Engine coolant selection
Your coolant must contain ethylene-glycol antifreeze. In
addition to preventing freezing and subsequent damage to the
engine, this will also prevent corrosion. Further supplemental
inhibitors or additives are neither needed nor recommended.
Read the antifreeze container for information on freeze
protection. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how much
to mix with water. The total capacity of the cooling system is
given on page 193. We recommend 50% solution be used for
your Lexus, or a sufficient quantity to provide protection to
about −35
C (−31
F).
NOTICE:
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.

ENGINE
201
CHECKING AND REPLACING THE
AIR CLEANER FILTER
Air cleaner coverCool air ductBattery cover
1. Remove the battery cover, cool air duct and air cleaner
cover.
2. To inspect the filter, loosen the clamp, pull off the
connector and remove the retainer bolt. Then release the
clips and take out the filter.
Pull the tab to release each wire clip.
Inspect the outer surface of the filter. If it is dirty, it should be
replaced. If it is just moderately dusty, it may be cleaned by
blowing compressed air from the upper surface. Do not wash
or oil the filter.