low LEXUS SC300 1999 Owners Manual

ENGINE
349
Coolant type selection
Use of improper coolants may damage your engine cooling
system. Your coolant must contain ethylene±glycol type
coolant for a proper corrosion protection of your engine that
contains aluminum components. Use ºToyota Long Life
Coolantº or equivalent.
In addition to preventing freezing and subsequent damage to
the engine, this type of coolant will also prevent corrosion.
Further supplemental inhibitors or additives are neither
needed nor recommended.
Read the coolant container for information on freeze
protection. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how
much to mix with plain water (preferably demineralized
water or distilled water). The total capacity of the cooling
system is given on page 331.
We recommend to use 50% solution for your Lexus, to
provide protection down to about ±35C (±31F). When it is
extremely cold, to provide protection down to about ±50 C
(±58 F), 60% solution is recommended. Do not use more
than 70% solution for better coolant performance.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
CHECKING THE ENGINE FAN FLUID (SC400 ONLY)
Park the vehicle at a level spot and look at the see±thr ough
reservoir. If necessary, add automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON
 II or III.

ENGINE
350
If the fluid is hot (70C ± 90C or 158F ±194F), the level
should be in the ºHOTº range. Similarly, if it is cold (10 C
± 30 C or 50F ± 86F), the level should be in the ºCOLDº
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.
CAUTION
The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn yourself.
NOTICE
When adding the engine fan fluid, avoid overfilling.
SPARK PLUGS
SC400

CHASSIS
355
SPECIFICATIONS (SC400)
± AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONFluid capacity Drain and refill
Fluid type
1.9 L (2.0 qt., 1.7 lmp.qt.)
Automatic transmission fluid Type T ± IV or equivalent
± DIFFERENTIAL
Oil capacity
Oil type
Oil viscosity
1.35 L (1.42 qt., 1.19 lmp.qt.)
Hypoid gear oil API GL±5
Above ±18C (0F): SAE90
Below ±18C (0F): SAE80W or SAE80W±90
± BRAKES
Pedal clearance *
1
Pedal freeplay
Brake pad wear limit
Parking brake lining wear limit *
2
Parking brake adjustment
Fluid type
89 mm (3.5 in.) Min.
1 ± 6 mm (0.04 ± 0.24 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
5 ± 8 clicks
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
*1: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with the pressure of 490 N (50 k\
gf, 110 lbf.) with the engine running
*
2: Parking brake adjustment when pulled with the force of 196 N (20 kgf, 4\
4 lbf.)

CHASSIS
357
SPECIFICATIONS (SC300)
± AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONFluid capacity Drain and refill
Fluid type
1.6 L (1.7 qt., 1.4 lmp.qt.)
Automatic transmission fluid D±II or DEXRONIII
(DEXRONII)
± DIFFERENTIAL
Oil capacity
Oil type
Oil viscosity
1.35 L (1.42 qt., 1.19 lmp.qt.)
Hypoid gear oil API GL±5
Above ±18C (0F): SAE90
Below ±18C (0F): SAE80W or SAE80W±90
± BRAKES
Pedal clearance *
1
Pedal freeplay
Brake pad wear limit
Parking brake lining wear limit *
2
Parking brake adjustment
Fluid type
89 mm (3.5 in.) Min.
1 ± 6 mm (0.04 ± 0.24 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
5 ± 8 clicks
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
*1: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with the pressure of 490 N (50 k\
gf, 110 lbf.) with the engine running
*
2: Parking brake adjustment when pulled with the force of 196 N (20 kgf, 4\
4 lbf.)

CHASSIS
360It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the
brake pads wear. So be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a
serious mechanical problem.
If the level is low, add FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid to the brake reservoir.
Remove and replace the reservoir cover by hand. Add brake
fluid up to the ºMAXº line.
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once opened, brake fluid
absorbs moisture from the air, and excess moisture can cause
a dangerous loss of braking efficiency.
CAUTION
Take care when filling the reservoir because brake fluid can
harm your hands or eyes and damage painted surfaces. If
fluid gets in your hands or eyes, flush them with clean water.
NOTICE

If you spill some of the fluid, be sure to wipe it off to
prevent it from damaging the parts or paintwork.
 For vehicles with traction control system only:Idle
the engine while pouring brake fluid into the reservoir.

CHASSIS
362If 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 ± 80C or 140F ± 175F). You may also check
the level when the fluid is cold (about room temperature,
10 C ± 30C or 50F ± 85 F) if the engine has not been run
for about five hours.
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 ºCOLDº range on
the dipstick. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level should be in
the ºHOTº 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.

CHASSIS
364The recommended cold tire pressures, tire size and the
vehicle capacity weight are given on the label.
You should check the tire pressures every two weeks, or at
least
once a month. And don't forget the spare! The pressure
for the spare tire should be same with that for the standard tire.
(See page 356 or 358.) Incorrect tire pressure can reduce tire
life and make your vehicle less safe to drive.
Low tire pressure results in excessive wear, poor handling,
reduced fuel economy, and the possibility of blowouts from
overheated tires. Also, low tire pressure can cause poor
sealing of the tire bead. If the tire pressure is excessively low,
there is the possibility of wheel deformation and/or tire
separation. So keep your tire pressures at the proper level. If
a tire needs frequent refilling, have it checked by your Lexus
dealer. High tire pressure produces a harsh ride, handling problems,
excessive wear at the center of the tire tread, and a greater
possibility of tire damage from road hazards.
The following instructions for checking tire pressure should
be observed:

The pressure should be checked only when the tires are
cold. If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours
and has not been driven for more than 1.5 km or 1 mile
since, you will get an accurate cold tire pressure reading.
 Always use a tire pr essure gauge. The appearance of the
tire can be misleading. Besides, tire pressures that are even
just a few pounds off can degrade handling and ride.
 Do not bleed or reduce tire pressure after driving. It is
normal for the tire pressure to be higher after driving.
 Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight. The
passengers and luggage weight should be located so that
the vehicle is balanced.
 Be sure to reinstall the tire valve caps. Without the valve
caps, dirt or moisture could get into the valve core and
cause air leakage. If the caps have been lost, have new
ones put on as soon as possible.

CHASSIS
366
Replace the tires when the tread wear indicators show.
The location of the tread wear indicators is shown by the
ºTWIº or º
Dº marks molded on the sidewall of each tire.
The tires on your Lexus have built±in tread wear indicators to
help you know when the tires need replacement. When the
tread depth wears to 1.6 mm (0.06 in.) or less, the indicators
will appear. If you can see the indicators in two or more
adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost if the tread wears
down below 4 mm (0.16 in.).
If you have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep
enough to expose the fabric, or bulges indicating internal
damage, the tire should be replaced. If a tire often goes flat or cannot be properly repaired due to
the size or location of a cut or other damage, it should be
replaced. If you are not sure, consult with your Lexus dealer.
If an air loss occurs while driving, do not continue driving
with a deflated tire. Driving even a short distance can damage
a tire beyond repair.
Any tires which are over 6 years old must be checked by
a qualified technician even if damage is not obvious.
Tires deteriorate with age even if they have never or seldom
been used.
This also applies to the spare tire and tires stored for future
use.

CHASSIS
367
Uniform tire quality grading
This information has been prepared in accordance with
regulations issued by the National Highway T raffic 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. These quality grades are molded on the
sidewall. 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 th eir 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

CHASSIS
370
CAUTION
Snow tires should be inflated as described below, but never
above the maximum cold tire pressure shown on the tire
sidewall.
225/55R16 ... 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
 Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph) with any type of snow
tires.
Tire chain selection
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary
according to location or type of road. Always check the
local regulations before installing chains.
Use SAE Class ºSº type radial tire chains, with the exception
of radial cable chains or V±bar type chains.
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.