maintenance LEXUS LS430 2005 Owner's Manual

ENGINE
447
321.FUEL
Fuel type
Your vehicle must use only unleaded gasoline.
To help prevent gas station mixups, your Lexus has a smaller
fuel tank opening. The special nozzle on pumps with unleaded
fuel will fit it, but the larger standard nozzle on pumps with
leaded gas will not.
At a minimum, the gasoline you use should meet the
specifications of ASTM D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB
3.5−M93 in Canada.
NOTICE
Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of leaded gasoline will
cause the threeway catalytic converter to lose its
effectiveness and the emission control system to function
improperly. Also, this can increase maintenance costs.
Octane rating
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). Use of unleaded fuel with an octane number or rating lower
than stated above will cause persistent heavy knocking. If
severe, this will lead to engine damage.
If your engine knocks ...
If you detect heavy knocking even when using the
recommended fuel, or if you hear steady knocking while
holding a steady speed on level roads, consult your Lexus
dealer.
However, occasionally, you may notice light knocking for a
short
time while accelerating or driving up hills. This is normal
and there is no need for concern.
Gasoline containing detergent additives
Lexus recommends the use of gasoline that contains
detergent a dditives to avoid buildup of engine deposits.
However, all gasoline sold in the U.S. contains detergent
additives to keep clean and/or clean intake systems.
Quality gasoline
Automotive manufacturers in the U.S., Europe and Japan
have developed a specificat ion for quality fuel named
WorldWide Fuel Charter (WWFC) that is expected to be
applied world wide. The WWFC consists of four
categories that depend on required emission levels. In the
U.S., category 3 has been adopted. The WWFC improves
air quality by providing for better emissions in vehicle
fleets, and customer satisfaction through better vehicle
performance.

ENGINE
451
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 trouble due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check, see “Checking the
engine oil level” described below.
325.USED ENGINE OIL
CAUTION
 Used engine oil contains potentially harmful
contaminants which m ay 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.

CHASSIS
461
– AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Fluid capacity Drain and refill
2.4 L (2.5 qt., 2.1 lmp.qt.)
Fluid typeToyota Genuine ATF WS*
*Change automatic transmission fluid only as necessary.
Generally, it is necessary to change automatic transmission
fluid only if your vehicle is driven under one of the Special
Operating Conditions listed in your “Owner’s Manual
Supplement / Scheduled Maintenance”. When changing the
automatic transmission fluid, use only “Toyota Genuine ATF
WS” (ATF JWS 3324 or NWS 9638) to aid in assuring
maximum transmission performance.NOTICE
Using automatic transmission fluid other than “Toyota
Genuine ATF WS” may cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied
by vibration, and ultimately damage the automatic
transmission of your vehicle.

CHASSIS
480
ROTATING TIRES
63L020a
To equalize tire wear and help extend tire life, Lexus
recommends that you rotate your tires according to
the maintenance schedule. (For scheduled
maintenance information, please refer to the
“Owner’s Manual Supplement / Scheduled
Maintenance”.) However, the most appropriate
timing for tire rotation may vary according to your
driving habits and road surface conditions.
The wheel assemblies must be rotated as illustrated
above.
When rotating tires, check for uneven wear and
damage. Abnormal wear is usually caused by incorrect
tire inflation pressure, improper wheel alignment,
out−of−balance wheels, or severe braking. Before storing radial, snow or studded tires, mark the
direction of rotation and be sure to install them in the
same
direction when using them again. Tires should be
stored in a cool dry place.
Initial adjustment of th e tire pressure warning
system is necessary after you have rotated your
tires. See “Tire pressure warning system” on page
370.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
498
NOTICE
Make sure the engine and all accessories are turned
off before performing maintenance.
 When checking the battery, remove the ground cable
first and reinstall it last.
 Be careful not to cause a short circuit with tools.
 Take care no solution gets into the battery when
washing it.
Checking battery condition
Checking by indicator
64L086a
Check the battery condition by the indicator color.
1
BLUE − Good condition.
2
WHITE − Charging necessary. Have the battery checked
by your Lexus dealer.
3 RED − Have the battery checked by your Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
Do not refill the battery with water.