check transmission fluid lexus LS400 1998 Engine / LEXUS 1998 LS400 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM50498U)

DRIVING TIPS
183 Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
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.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility it could
freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ”P” and block the front
wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water accumulated
in and around the parking brake mechanism may freeze the parking
brake, making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering difficult.
During bad winter driving, stop and check under the fenders
occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you carry
some emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains,
window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel, jumper
cables, etc.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passengercarrying vehicle.
Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling,
performance, braking, durability and driving economy (fuel
consumption, etc.). Your safety and satisfaction depend on the
proper use of correct equipment and cautious driving habits. For
your safety and the safety of others, you must not overload your
vehicle or trailer. Lexus warranties do not apply to damage or
malfunction caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
Ask your local Lexus dealer for further details before towing.
NOTICE
When towing a trailer, be sure to consult your Lexus dealer for
further information on additional requirements.
Weight limits
Before towing, make sure the total trailer weight, gross vehicle
weight, gross axle weight and trailer tongue load are all within
the limits.
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weighing station, building
supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
197 B: 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.
Avoid 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.
NOTICE
For vehicles equipped with the height control switch, be sure to
turn the ignition switch off before jacking. If this is not done, the
vehicle height adjustment function will operate, which may
cause body damage.
CAUTION
When jacking, be sure to observe the following to reduce the
possibility of personal injury:
Follow jacking instructions.
Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is
supported by the jack.

MAINTENANCE
216Parking brake
Check that the pedal 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
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 261 for
additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the Upper and Lower lines
on the seethrough reservoir when the engine is cold. See page 233
for additional information.
Battery
Your Lexus has a maintenance free battery. You do not have to add
distilled water. For longer life of the battery, however, see page 253
for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 239 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 230 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 240
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 31.)

INTRODUCTION
222Remember 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
doityourself 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):
Use API grade SH, ”EnergyConserving II” or SJ,
”EnergyConserving” multigrade engine oil or ILSAC
multigrade engine oil. For recommended oil viscosity, see page
232.
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
Ethyleneglycol coolant
Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:
Funnel (only for adding coolant)

INTRODUCTION
223
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
Nonmaintenance 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

CHASSIS
240
CHECKING POWER STEERING
FLUID
63L0021
Check the fluid level on the dipstick. If necessary, add automatic
transmission fluid DEXRONII or III.
If the vehicle has been driven around 80 km/h (50 mph) for 20
minutes (a little more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is hot (60C
8 0C or 140F 175F). You may also check the level when the
fluid is cold (about room temperature, 10C 30C or 50F 85F)
if the engine has not been run for about five hours.
63L0031
1
If cold O.K. 2
If hot O.K. 3
Add fluid
1. Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
2. Remove the filler cap by turning it counterclockwise and wipe the
dipstick clean.
3. Reinstall the filler cap.
4. Remove the filler cap again and look at the fluid level. If the fluid
is cold, the level should be in the ”COLD” range on the dipstick.
Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level should be in the ”HOT” range.
If the level is at the low side of either range, add automatic
transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III to bring the level within the
range.
5. After replacing the filler cap, visually check the steering box case,
vane pump and hose connections for leaks or damage.

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. . . . . . . . . .

GAS STATION INFORMATION
Fuel selection:
Select premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91
(Research Octane Number 96) or higher for optimum engine
performance. However, if such premium type cannot be
obtained, you may temporarily use unleaded gasoline with an
Octane Rating as low as 87 (Research Octane Number 91).
Fuel tank capacity:
85 L (22.5 gal., 18.7 lmp.gal.)
Engine oil:
API SH, ”EnergyConserving II” or SJ, ”EnergyConserving”
multigrade engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended oil viscosity SAE 5W30 if normal
temperatures are below 38C (100F)
Oil capacity: L (qt., lmp.qt.)
Drain and refill
with filter 5.6 (5.9, 4.9)
without filter 5.3 (5.6, 4.7)
See page 230 for detailed information.
Engine coolant:
Capacity: 10.8 L (11.4 qt, 10.4 lmp.qt.)
Coolant type Ethylene glycol coolant (Do not use alcohol
coolant.)
For checking the engine coolant, see page 233.
For changing the engine coolant, see the label on the coolant
reservoir.Automatic transmission:
Fluid type Automatic transmission fluid Type TIV or
equivalent
Tire information:
See page 241 through 247 for detailed information.
Tire pressure:
Tire size: P225/60R16 97V
cold tires
kPa (kgf/cm
2
or bar, psi)
Vehicle loaded up
Vehicle load up to vehicle capacity
up to occupants weight
Front tires 200 (2.0, 29) 220 (2.2, 32). . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear tires 200 (2.0, 29) 220 (2.2, 32). . . . . . . . . . . . .
For sustained high speeds above 160 km/h (100 mph), in
countries where such speeds are permitted by law, add 80 kPa
(0.9 kgf/cm
2, 0.8 bar, 12 psi) to the front tires and rear tires, but
never exceed the maximum cold tire pressure molded on the tire
sidewall.
LS400 (U) 98