check oil LEXUS LS430 2005 Owners Manual

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
94
(c) Warning messages
13L148
W40W253
When the engine oil pressure becomes too low, the
master warning light comes on, a warning tone sounds
and the above message appears.
If this message appears while you are driving, pull off the road
to a safe place and stop the engine immediately. Call a Lexus
dealer or qualified repair shop for assistance.
The message may appear when the oil level is extremely low.
It is not designed to indicate low oil level, and the oil level must
be checked using the oil level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle while this warning message is
displayed even for one block. It may ruin the engine.
W41W254
When your brake pads have worn down enough to require
replacement, the master warning light flashes and a
warning tone sounds and the above message appears.
If this message appears while you are driving, have the brake
pads checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
W50W255
When the engine oil level is too low, the master warning
light flashes, a warning tone sounds, and the above
message appears.
Add oil as soon as possible. (For instructions, see “Checking
the engine oil level” on page 452.)
While driving on steep inclines or rough roads which causes
the vehicle to substantially sway or on curves, this message
may appear due to the movement of engine oil in the engine.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
96
w283
If the driving range exceeds 4,500 miles after the engine
oil maintenance data is reset, the master warning light
comes on, a warning tone sounds and the above message
appears for about 15 seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to “ON”. (U.S.A. only)
This message indicates that the engine oil should be replaced
soon. If the message appears, it is recommended to inspect
the engine oil with the ignition off. For details about inspection,
see “Checking the engine oil level” on page 452.
If the engine oil level is low, engine oil should be replaced.
Have it replaced at your Lexus dealer.
After the engine oil replacement, reset the engine oil
maintenance data and make sure the “Mileage Reset” appears
in the display.
NOTICE
The warning message in the display is based on the
driving range after the engine oil maintenance data
reset. This is not based on the monitoring of dirty
condition of the engine oil.
w284
If the driving range exceeds 5,000 miles after the engine
oil maintenance data is reset, the master warning light
comes on, a warning tone sounds and the above message
appears. (U.S.A. only)
This message indicates that the engine oil should be replaced
as soon as possible. If the message appears, it is
recommended to inspect the engine oil with the ignition off. For
details about inspection, see “Checking the engine oil level” on
page 452.
If the engine oil level is low, engine oil should be replaced.
Have it replaced at your Lexus dealer.
After the engine oil replacement, reset the engine oil
maintenance data and make sure the “Mileage Reset” appears
in the display.
NOTICE
The warning message in the display is based on the
driving range after the engine oil maintenance data
reset. This is not based on the monitoring of dirty
condition of the engine oil.

DRIVING TIPS
384
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have a proper freeze protection for engine
coolant.
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high
quality ethylene glycol based non−silicate, non −amine,
non− nitrite, and non −borate coolant with long −life hybrid
organic acid technology. (Coolant with long −life hybrid organic
acid technology is a combination of low phosphates and
organic acids.)
See “Checking the engine coolant level” on page 455 for
details of coolant type selection.
For the U.S.A.—“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture
of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. This coolant
provides protection down to about −35C (− 31F).
For Canada—“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of
55% coolant and 45% deionized water. This coolant provides
protection down to about −42C (− 44F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in top shape to pr ovide enough power for winter
starting. Page 496 tells you how to visually inspect the battery.
Your Lexus dealer and most service stations will be pleased to
check the battery charge level. Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
See page 454 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy
summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Lexus dealer
− they will be pleased to help.
Check the electronic ignition system for loose
connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de −icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing.
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.

DRIVING TIPS
393

Keep your vehicle tunedup and in top shape. A dirty air
cleaner, improper valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil and
grease, brakes not adjusted, etc. all lower engine
performance and contribute to poor fuel economy. For
longer life of all parts and lower operating costs, keep all
maintenance work on schedule, and if you often drive under
severe conditions, see that your vehicle receives more
frequent maintenance. (For scheduled maintenance
information, please refer to the “Owner’s Manual
Supplement / Scheduled Maintenance”.)
CAUTION
Never turn off the engine to coast down hills. Your
power steering and brake booster will not function
without the engine running. Also, the emission control
system operates properly only when the engine is
running.
VEHICLE LOAD LIMITS
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating
capacity, towing capacity and cargo capacity . Follow the
load limits shown below. Total load capacity and seating
capacity are also described on the tire and loading
information label. For location of the tire and loading
information label, see “Checking tire inflation pressure”
on page 468.
Total load capacity: 410 kg (900 lb.)
Total load capacity means combined weight of
occupants, cargo and luggage. Tongue load is included
when trailer towing.
Seating capacity: Total 5 (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximum number of
occupants whose estimated average weight is 68 kg
(150 lb.) per person. Depending on the weight of each
person, the seating capacity given may exceed the total
load capacity.
NOTICE
Even if the number of occupants are within the
seating capacity, do not exceed the total load
capacity.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
421
Emergency towing eyelet precautions:

Before emergency towing, check that the eyelet is not
broken or damaged and that the installation bolts are not
loose.
 Fasten the towing cable or chain securely to the eyelet.
 Do not jerk the eyelet. Apply steady and even force.
 To avoid damaging the eyelet, do not pull from the side or
at a vertical angle. Always pull straight ahead.
CAUTION
If the emergency towing eyelet is used to get out when
your vehicle becomes stuck in the mud, sand or other
condition from which the vehicle cannot be driven out
under its own power, make sure to observe the
precautions mentioned below. Otherwise, excessive
stress will be put on the eyelet and the towing cable or
chain may break, causing serious injury or damage.
If the towing vehicle can hardly move, do not forcibly
continue the towing. Contact your Lexus dealer or a
commercial tow truck service for assistance.
Tow the vehicle as straight ahead as possible.
 Keep away from the vehicle during towing.
Tips for towing a stuck vehicle:
The following methods are effective to use when your
vehicle is stuck in the mud, sand or other condition from
which the vehicle cannot be driven out under its own
power. Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. In
addition, keep a way from the vehicles and towing cable or
chain when towing.
 Remove the sand and soil in the front and the back of the
tires.
 Place stones or wood under the tires.

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.

MAINTENANCE
429
Accelerator pedal
Check
the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal ef fort
or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and free play. Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
In a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
Parking 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.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to time,
unless otherwise specified.
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.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary.
Tire inflation pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks, or at
least once a month and adjust as shown on the tire
loading and information label. See page 468 for
additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive
wear. See page 481 for additional information.

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.

INTRODUCTION
439
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):
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
Oil grade: API grade SL “Energy −Conserving” or ILSAC
multigrade engine oil. For recommended oil viscosity, see
page 454.
Tools:
 Rag or paper towel
 Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality
ethylene glycol based non −silicate, non −amine, non −nitrite,
and non −borate coolant with long −life hybrid organic acid
technology. (Coolant with long −life hybrid organic acid
technology is a combination of low phosphates and organic
acids.)
“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).
 Distilled water
Tools:
 Funnel (only for adding coolant)
Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Tools:
 Funnel (only for adding fluid)

SECTION 6 – 2
443
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS316.
Engine
Specifications444
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Fuel 447
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Fuel pump shut off system 449
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Facts about engine oil consumption 450
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Used engine oil 451
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. . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 452
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Checking the engine coolant level 455
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Checking the radiator and condenser 457
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Spark plugs 457
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