lexus LS400 1996 Engine / 1996 LS400: INTRODUCTION

183
SECTION 6 ± 1
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Introduction
Vehicle identification 184
Engine compartment overview 185
Do±it±yourself service precautions 186
Parts and tools 187

INTRODUCTION
184
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the legal
identifier for your vehicle. This number is on the left top
of the instrument panel and can be seen through the
windshield from outside.
This is the primary identification number for your Lexus. It is
used in registering the ownership of your vehicle.
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is also on the
Certification Label.
The engine number is stamped on the engine block as
shown.

INTRODUCTION
185
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Brake fluid reservoir
Fuse box
Battery
Washer fluid tank
Engine oil level dipstick
Engine oil filler cap
Power steering fluid
reservoir
Engine coolant reservoir

INTRODUCTION
186
DO±IT±YOURSELF SERVICE
PRECAUTIONS
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow
the correct procedure given in this Section.
You should be aware that improper or incomplete servicing
may result in operating problems.
Performing do±it±yourself maintenance during the warranty
period may affect your warranty coverage. Read the
separate Lexus Warranty statement for details and
suggestions.
This Section gives instructions only for those items that are
relatively easy for an owner to perform. As explained in
Section 5, there are still a number of items that must be
performed by a qualified technician with special tools.
For information on tools and parts for do±it±yourself
maintenance, see ªParts and toolsº.
Utmost care should be taken when working on your vehicle
to prevent accidental injury. Here are a few precautions that
you should be especially careful to observe:
CAUTION!


When the engine is running, keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt. (Removing rings, watches, and ties is
advisable.)

Right after driving, the engine compartment ± the
engine, radiator, exhaust manifold and power
steering fluid reservoir, etc. ± will be hot. So be
careful not to touch them. Oil and other fluids may
also be hot.

Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames
around fuel or the battery. Their fumes are
flammable.

Be extremely cautious when working on the
battery. It contains poisonous and corrosive
sulfuric acid.

Do not get under your vehicle with just the body
jack supporting it. Always use automotive jack
stands or other solid supports.

Be sure the ignition is off if you work near the
electric cooling fan or radiator grille. With the
ignition on, the electric cooling fan may
automatically start to run if the air conditioning is
on and/or if the coolant temperature is high.

Use eye protection whenever you work on or under
your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc.

INTRODUCTION
187
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, or the
transmission 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):

API SH, Energy±Conserving II multigrade engine oil or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil. For recommended oil
viscosity, see page 196.
Tools:

Rag or paper towel

Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):

Ethylene±glycol coolant

Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)

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188
Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):

FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking power steering fluid
Parts (if level is low):

Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON II or III
Tools:

Rag or paper towel

Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking battery condition
Non±maintenance batteries
Tools:

Warm water

Baking soda

Grease

Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Maintenance type batteries
Parts (if level is low):

Distilled waterTools:

Warm water

Baking soda

Grease

Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)

Coin (for vent plugs)

Funnel (only for adding distilled water)
Checking and replacing the blade type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):

Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Checking the cartridge type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):

Genuine Lexus fuse or equivalent with same amperage
rating as original
Adding washer fluid
Parts:

Water

Washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
Tools:

Funnel