warning LEXUS LS430 2005 Manual Online

STARTING AND DRIVING
377
Precollision safety failure warning
31L589
If there is a problem somewhere in the precollision safety
system, the master warning light comes on, a warning
tone sounds, and either of the following messages may
appear.
w278
The above message appears in the following conditions:
The millimeter wave radar sensor or the grille cover is
dirty.
Clean the grille or sensor with a soft cloth to remove the dirt.
 The precollision seat belts are activated repeatedly for
a short time.
The system turns of f temporarily for overheating protection,
but turns back on after a while.
w277
If there is a problem somewhere in the precollision safety
system, the above message appears.
If the above message appears, the pre −collision safety system
may not operate. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.

MAINTENANCE
428Battery
Your Lexus has a maintenance free battery. You do not have
to add distilled water. For longer life of the battery, however,
see page 496 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 466 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 452 for additional
information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in
the “HOT” or “COLD” range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 467 for additional information.
Exhaust system
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” on page 297.)
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 ha s the specified free play. Be alert for changes
in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive free
play 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.

INTRODUCTION
438
Warning: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.NOTICE
Remember that battery and ignition cables carry high
currents or voltages. Be careful of accidentally
causing a short circuit.
 Add only “T oyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar
high quality ethylene glycol based nonsilicate,
nonamine, nonnitrite, and nonborate coolant with
longlife hybrid organic acid technology to fill the
radiator. “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a
mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water (for
the U.S.A.) or 55% coolant and 45% deionized water
(for Canada).
 If you spill some of the coolant, be sure to wash it off
with water to prevent it from damaging the parts or
paint.
 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.
 If you spill the fluid, be sure to wash it off with water
to prevent it from damaging the parts or paint.
 Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, transfer
oil and power steering fluid, or the transmission and
power steering could be damaged.
 Be careful not to scratch the glass surface with the
wiper frame.

CHASSIS
475
Uniform tire quality grading
This information has been prepared in accordance
with regulations issued by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration of the U.S. Department
of Transportation. It provides the purchasers and/or
prospective purchasers of Lexus vehicles with
information on uniform tire quality grading.
Your Lexus dealer will help answer any questions
you may have as you read this information.
DOT quality grades All passenger vehicle tires
must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades. Quality grades can be
found where applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section width. For
example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature
A
Treadwear − The treadwear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified government
test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear
one and a half (1 − 1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate. Traction
AA, A, B, C − The traction grades, from highest
to lowest, are AA, A, B and C, and they represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on braking (straight ahead) traction tests and
does not include cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature A, B, C − The temperature grades are A
(the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’ s resistance
to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade
C corresponds to a level of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grades for this tire are
established for a tire that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

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.

CHASSIS
484
Chain installation
Install the chains on the rear tires as tightly as possible.
Do not use tire chains on the front tires. Retighten chains
after driving 0.5 1.0 km (1/4 1/2 mile).
When installing chains on your tires, carefully follow the
instructions of the chain manufacturer.
CAUTION
Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) or the chain
manufacturer’s recommended speed limit,
whichever is lower.
 Drive carefully avoiding bumps, holes, and sharp
turns, which may cause the vehicle to bounce.
 Avoid sharp turns or lockedwheel braking, as use of
chains may adversely affect vehicle handling.
 When driving with chains installed, be sure to drive
carefully. Slow down before entering curves to avoid
losing control of the vehicle. Otherwise an accident
may occur.
If the chains are installed, the tire pressure warning
system may not operate properly. See “Tire pressure
warning system” on page 370.
REPLACING WHEELS
When to replace your wheels
If you have wheel damage such as bending, cracks or
heavy corrosion, the wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace a damaged wheel, the tire may slip off the
wheel or cause loss of handling control.
Wheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure
that they are equivalent to those removed in load capacity,
diameter, rim width, and offset.
Correct replacement wheels are available at your Lexus
dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type may adversely affect
handling, wheel and bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer/odometer calibration, stopping ability, headlight
aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and tire or snow
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
Replacement with used wheels is not recommended as they
may have been subjected to rough treatment or high mileage
and could fail without warning. Also, bent wheels which have
been straightened may have hidden structural damage and
therefore should not be used. Never use an inner tube in a
leaking wheel which is designed for a tubeless tire.

CHASSIS
485
CAUTION
Observe the following instruction. Otherwise, an
accident may occur resulting in death or serious
injuries.
Do not use wheels other than the manufacturer’s
recommended size, as this may cause dangerous
handling characteristics resulting in loss of control.
Initial adjustment of the tire pressure warning system is
necessary after you have replaced your wheels. See “Tire
pressure warning system” on page 370.
ALUMINUM WHEEL PRECAUTIONS
 When installing aluminum wheels, check that the wheel
nuts are tight after driving your vehicle the first 1600 km
(1000 miles).
 If you have rotated, repaired, or changed your tires, check
that the wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1600 km (1000
miles).
 When using tire chains, be careful not to damage the
aluminum wheels.
 Use only Lexus wheel nuts and wrench designed for your
aluminum wheels.
 When balancing your wheels, use only Lexus balance
weights or equivalent and a plastic or rubber hammer.
 As with any wheel, periodically check your aluminum
wheels for damage. If damaged, replace immediately.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
497
If electrolyte gets on your skin, thoroughly wash the
contacted area. If you feel a pain or burn, get medical
attention immediately.
 If electrolyte gets on your clothes, there is a
possibility of its soaking through to your skin, so
immediately take off the exposed clothing and follow
the procedure above, if necessary.
 If you accidentally swallow electrolyte, drink a large
quantity of water or milk. Follow with milk of
magnesia, beaten ra w egg or vegetable oil. Then go
immediately for emergency help.
 Warning: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.Checking battery exterior
64L085a
 1
Terminals 2Holddown clamp
Check the battery for corroded or loose connections,
cracks, or loose holddown clamps.
1. If the battery is corroded, wash it off with a solution of warm
water and baking soda. Coat the terminals with grease to
prevent further corrosion.
2. If the connections are loose, tighten the clamp bolts − but do
not overtighten.
3. Tighten the hold −down clamp only e nough to keep the
battery firmly in place. Overtightening may damage the battery
case.