lexus LS400 1994 Gauges, Meters and Service Reminder Indicators / 1994 LS400: MAINTENANCE

SECTION 5
167
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance requirements168 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General maintenance169 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing?172 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scheduled maintenance173 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MAINTENANCE
168
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Your Lexus vehicle has been designed to have fewer
maintenance requirements with longer service intervals to
save both your time and money. However, each regular
maintenance as well as day-to-day care is more important than
ever before to ensure smooth, trouble-free, safe, and
economical driving.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure the specified
maintenance, including general maintenance services, is
performed. Note that both the new vehicle and emission
control system warranties specify that proper maintenance
and care must be performed. See the Owner’s Guide or
Warranty Booklet for complete warranty information.
General maintenance
General maintenance items are those day-to-day care
practices that are important to your vehicle for proper
operation. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the
general maintenance items are performed regularly.
These checks or inspections can be done either by yourself or
your Lexus dealer.
Scheduled maintenance
The scheduled maintenance items listed in this part are those
requiring servicing at regular intervalsHowever, under severe driving conditions, a separate
maintenance schedule that requires more frequent
maintenance service should be practiced.
It is recommended that any replacement parts used for
maintenance or for the repair of the emission control
system be Lexus supplied.
The owner may elect to use non-Lexus supplied parts for
replacement purposes without invalidating the emission
control system warranty. However, use of replacement
parts which are not of equivalent quality may impair the
effectiveness of the emission control systems.
You may also elect to have maintenance, replacement, or
repair of the emission control devices and system
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual without invalidating this warranty. See Owner’s
Guide or Warranty Booklet for complete warranty
information.
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.

MAINTENANCE
169 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. And
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 do-it-yourself 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 your Owner’s Guide 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.
CAUTION:
Make these checks only where adequate ventilation can
be obtained if you run the engine.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to time,
unless otherwise specified.
Tires
Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks, or at least
once a month and adjust as shown on the tire pressure label.
Check carefully for cuts, damage or excessive wear. See page
212 for additional information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary.

MAINTENANCE
170Tire rotation
Rotate the tires every 12000 km (7500 miles). See page 212
for additional information.
Windshield wiper blades
Check for wear or cracks whenever they do not wipe clean.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid after
the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes
or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected
immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors, including trunk lid, operate smoothly and
all latches lock securely. Make sure the engine hood
secondary latch secures the hood from opening when the
primary latch is released.
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked reqularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal
lights, and other lights are all working. Check headlight aim.Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers function properly.
Horn
Make sure it works.
Windshield glass
Check that it is free from scratches, pits or abrasions.
Windshield wipers and washer
Check operation of the wipers and washer. Make sure the
wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster
Check that the air comes out from the defroster outlet when
operating the air conditioning.
Air conditioning outlets
Check that they deliver sufficient air.
Rear view mirror
Make sure it is mounted securely.
Sun visors
Make sure they move freely and are mounted securely.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified freeplay. See page 209 for
additional information. Be alert for changes in steering
condition, such as hard steering, excessive freeplay or strange
noise.

MAINTENANCE
171 Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters,
seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in any position. Check that the head restraints
move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold securely
in any latched position.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors
and anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the
belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal effort
or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and check that the pedal
has the proper clearance and freeplay. Check the brake
booster function. See page 206 for additional information.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
Parking brake
On a safe incline, step on the parking brake pedal and check
that the vehicle is stopped using only the parking brake. See
page 207 for additional information.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 230 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 cool. See
page 200 for additional information.
Radiator and hoses
Make sure the front of the radiator is clean and not blocked with
leaves, dirt or bugs. Check the hoses for cracks, kinks, rot and
loose connections.
Battery electrolyte level
Check the electrolyte level. Add only distilled water when
replenishing. See page 222 for additional information.

MAINTENANCE
172Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 206 for
additional information.
Engine drive belt
Check belt for fraying, cracks, wear or oiliness.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and
the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 198 for additional
information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in the
“HOT” or “COLD” range depending on the fluid temperature.
See page 208 for additional information.
Automatic transmission fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine idling and the
selector lever in “P”. The level should be in the “HOT” or
“COOL” range according to the fluid temperature. See page
209 for additional information.
Exhaust system
Look for cracks, holes and loose supports. 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 cautions in Section 3-1.)
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 floor, vehicle pulls to one side when
braking

Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal

MAINTENANCE
173 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.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
Driving conditions under which you mainly operate your
vehicle determine which maintenance schedule you
follow.
In order to ensure smooth, trouble-free, safe and economical
driving, Lexus provides two maintenance schedules to be
selected according to your driving conditions: schedules A and
B. The instructions on which schedule to follow are given on
the next page.
The service interval for scheduled maintenance is
determined by the odometer reading or the time interval,
whichever comes first, shown in the schedule.
The maintenance services beyond the last period should
be performed at the same intervals.
The service interval of each item can be obtained from the
maintenance schedule.

MAINTENANCE
174
Which schedule to follow?
If you mainly operate your vehicle under one or more of the
severe conditions below:

Towing a trailer, using a camper or car top carrier

Operating on dusty, rough, muddy or salt-spread roads

Repeated short trips less than 8 km (5 miles) and outside
temperatures remain below freezing

Extensive idling and / or low speed driving for a long
distance such as police, taxi or door-to-door delivery useIf you mainly operate your vehicle under:
CONDITIONS OTHER THAN THOSE LISTED ON THE LEFT
Follow SCHEDULE AFollow SCHEDULE B

MAINTENANCE
175 SCHEDULE A
Maintenance operations:
A = Check and adjust as necessary; I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary; R = Replace, change or lubricate.
Service interval(Use odometer reading or
months, whichever comes first.)Maintenance services beyond 96,000 km (60,000 miles) should continue to be performed at the same intervals shown for each maintenance schedule.
Miles x 1,00013.757.511.251518.7522.526.253033.7537.541.254548.7552.556.2560MonthsMaintenance items km x 1,0001.66121824303642485460667278849096
ENGINE COMPONENTS AND EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS
Timing beltSee note (1)
Valve clearanceAA: Every 72 months
Drive belt See note (2)II: See note (2)
Engine oil and oil filterRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR: Every 6 months
Engine coolant See note (3)RR: See note (3)
Exhaust pipes and mountingsIIIII: Every 24 months
Air cleaner filterSee note (4)IIIIIIIRIIIIIIIRI: Every 6 months
R: Every 36 months
Fuel lines and connections See note (5)III: Every 36 months
Fuel tank cap gasketRR: Every 72 months
Spark plugsRR: Every 72 months
Charcoal canisterII: Every 72 months
Maintenance services indicated by a star () are required under the terms of the Emission Control Systems Warranty. See Owner’s Guide or Warranty Booklet for complete
warranty information.
 For vehicles sold in California and New York only
NOTE:
(1) If you operate your vehicle under conditions of extensive idling and / or low speed driving for a long distance such as police, taxi or door to door delivery use, replace
every 96,000 km (60,000 miles).
(2) After 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 72 months, inspect every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months.
(3) After 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 36 months, replace every 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months.
(4) Applicable when operating mainly on dusty roads. If not applicable, follow schedule B.
(5) Includes inspection of vapor vent system.

MAINTENANCE
176SCHEDULE A
Maintenance operations:
A = Check and adjust as necessary; I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary; R = Replace, change or lubricate.
Service interval(Use odometer reading or
months, whichever comes first.)Maintenance services beyond 96,000 km (60,000 miles) should continue to be performed at the same intervals shown for each maintenance schedule.
Miles x 1,00013.757.511.251518.7522.526.253033.7537.541.254548.7552.556.2560MonthsMaintenance items km x 1,0001.66121824303642485460667278849096
CHASSIS AND BODY
Brake linings and drumsIIIIIIIII: Every 12 months
Brake pads and discsIIIIIIIII: Every 12 months
Brake fluidIIRIRR: Every 36 months
Brake line pipes and hosesIIIII: Every 24 months
Steering linkageIIIIIIIII: Every 12 months
SRSAfter inspection at 10 years, inspect every 2 years.
Steering gear box See note (6)IIIIII: Every 24 months
Ball joints and dust coversIIIIIIIII: Every 12 months
Automatic transmission and differentialIRRRRR: Every 24 months
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body
See note (7)IIIIIIIIII: Every 12 months
Body inspection (paint, corrosion)IIIIIIIIII: Every 12 months
Air conditioning filter See note (8)RRRRR: Every 12 months
ROAD TESTIIIIIIIIII: Every 12 months
NOTE:
(6) Inspect the steering gear housing for oil leakage only.
(7) Applicable when operating mainly on rough and / or muddy roads. If not, follow schedule B.
(8) Not applicable in dusty areas.