check engine light lexus LS400 1998 Electrical Components / LEXUS 1998 LS400 (OM50498U) User Guide

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
193
IF YOUR ENGINE STALLS WHILE
DRIVING
If your engine stalls while driving . . . .
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move
cautiously off the road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Try starting the engine again.
If the engine will not start, see ”If your vehicle will not start”.
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and
steering will not work, so steering and braking will be much
harder than usual.
IF YOUR VEHICLE WILL NOT
START
(a) Simple checks
Before making these checks, make sure you have followed the
correct starting procedure instructions in ”How to start the engine”
on page 159 and that you have sufficient fuel. Since your vehicle is
equipped with the engine immobiliser system, also check whether
the other keys will start the engine. If they work, your key may be
broken. Have the key checked at your Lexus dealer. If none of your
keys work, the system is possibly broken. Call your Lexus dealer.
See ”Keys” on page 8.If the engine is not turning over or is turning over too slowly
1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior light.
3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is cranked, the
battery is discharged. You may try jump starting. See ”(c) Jump
starting” for further instruction.
If the light is O.K., but the engine still will not start, it needs
adjustment or repair. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or
Customer Service Assistance. (See ”Foreword”.)
NOTICE
Do not pull or pushstart the vehicle. It may damage the
vehicle or cause a collision when the engine starts. Also the
threeway catalytic converter may overheat and become a fire
hazard.
If the engine turns over at its normal speed but will not start
1. The engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking. See
”(b) Starting a flooded engine” for further instructions.
2. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call
a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service
Assistance. (See ”Foreword”.)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
196
CAUTION
When making the connections, to avoid serious injury, do not
lean over the battery or accidentally let the jumper cables or
clamps touch anything except the correct battery terminals or
the ground.
5. Start your engine in the normal way. After starting, run it at about
2000 rpm for several minutes with the accelerator pedal lightly
depressed.
6. Carefully disconnect the cables in the exact reverse order: the
negative cable and then the positive cable.
7. Carefully dispose of the battery cover cloths which may now
contain sulfuric acid.
8. If removed, replace all the battery vent plugs.
If the cause of your battery discharging is not apparent (for example,
lights left on), you should have it checked.
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating,
if you experience a loss of power, or if you hear a loud knocking
or pinging noise, the engine has probably overheated.
When the engine overheats
Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your emergency
flashers. Put the transmission in ”P” and apply the parking brake.
A: If steam is coming from your engine:
Turn off the engine. Leave the hood closed until there is no sign of
steam or coolant. Your engine could have been seriously damaged
already. Call your Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until there
is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is sign of very high
pressure.

MAINTENANCE
215 Tire rotation
Rotate the tires every 12000 km (7500 miles). See page 242 for
additional information.
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 when the primary latch is released.
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, 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 working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
function properly.Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified freeplay. Be alert for changes in
steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive freeplay or
strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters, seatback
recliner, etc. operate smoothly. 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 the proper clearance and
freeplay. Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side when
applied.

ENGINE
226 COOLING SYSTEM
Capacity
Coolant type
10.8 L (11.4 qt., 10.4 lmp.qt.)
Ethylene glycol coolant (Do not use alcohol type.)
FUEL
Fuel type
Octane rating
Only UNLEADED
91 (Research octane number 96) or higher
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plug Make DENSO
NGK
Gap
SK20R11
IFR6A11
1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery Maintenance type battery
Specific gravity reading at 20C (68F):
Charging rates Quick charge
Slow charge
Nonmaintenance battery
Open voltage at 20C (68F):
Charging rates
1.260 Fully charged
1.160 Half charged
1.060 Discharged
15A max.
5A max.
12.7V Fully charged
12.3V Half charged
11.9V Discharged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after the key is removed with
all the lights turned off]
5A max.

ENGINE
231
62L002-1
1
Add oil 2
O.K. 3
Too full
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level on the end. If it is
between the full line (
5
) and the low line ( 4
), it is O.K.
62L003-3
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. 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
Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged. Check the oil
level on the dipstick once again after adding the oil.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
261
ADDING WASHER FLUID
64L017
If the washer tank becomes nearly empty, add washer fluid.
You may use plain water as washer fluid. However, in cold areas
where temperatures range below the freezing point, use washer fluid
containing antifreeze. This product is available at your Lexus dealer
and most auto parts stores. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for
how much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute because it
may damage your vehicle’s paint.
CHECKING THE HEADLIGHT AIM
(Vehicles with discharge headlight only)
64L0732
1
Adjusting bolt (vertical movement)
2
Beam angle gauge and adjusting bolt
(horizontal movement)
Before checking the headlight aim:
1. Be sure that the body around the headlight is not deformed.
2. Park the vehicle on a level spot.
3. The driver gets into the driver’s seat and puts the vehicle in a state
readying for a driving (with a full tank).
4. Bounce the vehicle several times.

INDEX (A C)
278
A
”ABS” warning light 178
Adding washer fluid 261. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustment
Driver’s seat lumbar support 73. . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seat cushion angle and height 72. . . . . .
Front seat position 71. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seatback angle 72
Seat belts 80. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbags (SRS) 86. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 247. . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system 177. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antitheft steering column lock 157. . . . . . . . . .
Appearance care
Cleaning the interior 273
Protecting your Lexus from corrosion 270. . .
Washing and waxing 271
Audio system 132. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic air conditioning controls 121. . . . . . .
Automatic transmission
Driving with an automatic
transmission 160. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift pattern 160. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting speed 163. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary catch, Engine hood 62. . . . . . . . . . . . .
B
Battery
Checking battery condition 253. . . . . . . . . . . .
Recharging precautions 257. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 157. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Belts
Seat belts 80. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit warning light 178. . . . . . .
Brake system warning light 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes
Antilock brake system 177. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Booster 176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking tips 176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level 239. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pad wear limit warning light 178. . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 158. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake reminder light 37. . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakin period 181. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness control 46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C
Carbon monoxide caution 156. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette tape player 140
Car audio operating tips 148. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center vents 130. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing the
blade type fuses 258. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 239. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the cartridge type fuses 260. . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 230. . . . . . . . . . . .
Child restraint 98. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child restraint precautions 98. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Childprotector, Rear door 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter and ashtray 52. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the interior 273. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 51. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cold weather, Operation 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact disc player 143. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Converter, Threeway catalytic 155. . . . . . . . . .

INDEX (E G)
280
Checking the coolant level 233. . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant temperature gauge 34. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emission control device 155. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment 220 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 156. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood release 62. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil consumption 229. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil level 230. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 196. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 226. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting procedure 159. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Threeway catalytic converter 155. . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant, Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . .
Engine immobiliser system 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil, Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 34. . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 156. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F
Facts about engine oil consumption 229. . . . . . .
Flasher, Headlight 5, 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire
After changing wheels 204. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing tires 202. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 197 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack point 201. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking precautions 197. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking up 201. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loosening wheel nuts 201 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lowering vehicle 203. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reinstalling wheel ornament 204. . . . . . . . . . .
Removing wheel ornament 200. . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel block 200. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel nuts 201. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor mat 58. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level
Brake 239. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 240. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid 261. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign countries, Operation in 181. . . . . . . . . . Front seat
Lumbar support 73. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Position 71. . . . . . . . . .
Seat cushion angle and height 72. . . . . . . . . . .
Seatback angle 72. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel
Filler door opener 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel economy 189. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel information 227. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gauge 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MTBE 228. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 181. . . . . . . . . .
Tank cap 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse
Blade type fuses 258. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cartridge type fuses 260. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 249. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse box 220. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G
Garage door opener 54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gas station information Inside back cover. . . . .
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature 34. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glovebox 54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 166 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

INDEX (M Q)
282
M
Maintenance
Doityourself maintenance 221. . . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing? 217. . . . . .
General maintenance 214
Maintenance requirements 213. . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts and tools 222. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to go for service? 213. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction indicator lamp 39. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi information display 41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maximum allowable speed 164. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors
Antiglare inside rear view 79. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Folding rear view 79. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside rear view 77. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power rear view 78. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vanity 48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Moon roof 66. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MTBE 228. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
N
New vehicle breakin 181
O
Odometer 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil
Checking the engine oil 230. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consumption 229. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 240. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Viscosity and grade 232. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Opener
Trunk lid 63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel filler door 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 181. . . . . . . . . . .
Outside rear view mirrors 77. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating, Engine 196 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview
Engine compartment 220
P
Parking brake
Operation 158. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reminder light 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts 222. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal lights 50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Polishing 271. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power door locks 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power outlet 53. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power rear view mirror control 78. . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering fluid level 240. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power window switches 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting your Lexus from corrosion 270. . . . .
Q
Quick index Back cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .