check engine LEXUS RX330 2006 Service Manual

MAINTENANCE
532
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 and loading information label. See page 570 for
additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or
excessive wear. See page 585 for additional
information.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the maintenance
schedule. (For scheduled maintenance information,
please refer to the “Owner’s Manual Supplement /
Scheduled Maintenance”.) See “Rotating tires” on
page 584.DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEEDREPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and
visual tip −offs that indicate service is needed. Some important
clues are:
 Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
 Appreciable loss of power
 Strange engine noises
 A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from
the air conditioning after use is normal.)
 Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous
carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
 Flat−looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering,
uneven tire wear
 Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level
road
 Strange noises related to suspension movement
 Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal,
pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to one side when
braking
 Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs adjustment or
repair.

INTRODUCTION
540
Removing the engine compartment cover
Before jump starting or checking the power steering fluid,
etc. in the engine compartment, remove the engine
compartment cover as follows:
1. Push the core of the clips and remove the clips.
2. Remove the cover.
Be careful not to lose the removed plastic clips.
After checking the items, install the engine compartment
covers and insert the plastic clips in their original
positions.
When inserting the clips, do as shown above.
NOTICE
After installing the engine compartment cover, make
sure the cover is securely in its original position.

INTRODUCTION
542
Use eye protection whenever you work on or under
your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc.
 Take care when filling the brake fluid reservoir
because brake fluid can harm your eyes and damage
painted surfaces. If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your
eyes with clean water immediately. If you still feel
uncomfortable with your eyes, go to the doctor.
 Be extremely cautious when working on the battery.
It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.NOTICE
Remember 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.
 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 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
543
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
See page 558 for details about engine oil selection.
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.
“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). 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:
 Rag or paper towel
 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)

SECTION 6 – 2
547
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications548
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Fuel 551
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 553
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption 554
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil 555
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 556
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 559
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 561
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 562
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . .

ENGINE
550— COOLING SYSTEM
Capacity
9.5 L (10.0 qt., 8.4 Imp. qt.)
Coolant type“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene glyco\
l
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.)
Do not use plain water alone.
NOTE:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is used in your Lexus vehicle at factory fil\
l. In order to avoid technical problems, 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.) Please contact your Lexus dealer for further deta\
ils.
— IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plug — Make DENSO NGK
— Gap
SK20R11
IFR6A11
1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
— ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery Open voltage at 20C (68F):
Charging rates
12.6 — 12.8 V Fully charged
12.2 — 12.4 V Half charged
11.8 — 12.0 V Discharged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after the key is removed with all the
lights turned off]
5 A max.

ENGINE
555
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” on page 556.
USED ENGINE OIL
CAUTION
 Used engine oil contains potentially harmful
contaminants which may 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.

ENGINE
556
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off,
check the oil level on the dipstick.
1. To get a correct reading, the vehicle should be on level
ground. After turning off the engine, wait a few minutes for the
oil to drain back into the bottom of the engine.
2. Pull the dipstick out, hold a rag under the end and wipe it
clean.
3. Reinsert the dipstick and push it in as far as it will go, or the
reading will not be correct.
1Add oil2O.K.3Too full
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level while holding a
rag under the end. If it is between the low level mark (
4) and
the full level mark (5), it is O.K.
NOTICE
Be careful not to drop engine oil on the vehicle
components.

ENGINE
557
If the oil level is below or only slightly above the low mark,
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. We recommend that you use a funnel
when adding oil. The approximate quantity of oil needed to
raise the level between low mark and full mark on the dipstick
is indicated as follows:
1.5 L (1.6 qt., 1.3 Imp. qt.)
For the engine oil capacity, see “Specifications” on page 548.
When the level reaches within the correct range, return the filler
cap and turn the cap clockwise until you hear a click.
NOTICE
 Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle
components.
 Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick once again after
adding the oil.

ENGINE
559
To ensure excellent lubrication performance for your engine,
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is available, which has been
specifically tested and approved for all Lexus engines.
Please contact your Lexus dealer for further details about
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil”.
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
1Reservoir cap2 “FULL” (upper) line
3“LOW” (lower) line
Look at the seethrough coolant reservoir when the
engine is cold. The coolant level is satisfactory if it is
between the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on the reservoir. If
the level is low, add the coolant. (For the coolant type, see
“Coolant type selection” described below.)
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary with engine
temperature. However, if the level is on or below the “LOW”
line, add coolant. Bring the level up to the “FULL” line.