water LEXUS SC300 1999 User Guide

MAINTENANCE
314
Engine compartment
Items listed below should be checked from time to time,
e.g. each time when refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See page 396
for additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the Upper and Lower
lines on the see±through reservoir when the engine is cold.
See page 347 for additional information.
Battery
Your Lexus has a maintenance free battery. You do not have
to add distilled water. For longer life of the battery, however,
see page 380 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 359 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 342 for additional
information.Power steering fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in the
ºHOTº or ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 361 for additional information.
Engine fan fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in
ºHOTº or ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 349 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 in Section 3±1.)

MAINTENANCE
315
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
326

Rag or paper towel

Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):

ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
See ºChecking the engine coolant levelº on page 342 for
instructions.

Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)
Checking the engine fan fluid
Part (if level is low)

Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):

FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Tools:

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)

INTRODUCTION
327
Checking battery condition
Non±maintenance batteries
Tools:

Warm water

Baking soda

Grease

Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Maintenance type batteries
Parts (if level is low):

Distilled water
Tools:

Warm water

Baking soda

Grease

Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)

Coin (for vent plugs)

Funnel (only for adding distilled water)
Checking and replacing the blade type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):

Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Checking the cartridge type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):

Genuine Lexus fuse or equivalent with same amperage
rating as original
Adding washer fluid
Parts:

Water

Washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
Tools:

Funnel

ENGINE
331
Oil capacity
Drain and refillwith filter
without filter
Oil grade
Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):
4.7 L (5.0 qt., 4.2 lmp.qt.)
4.8 L (5.1 qt., 4.2 lmp.qt.)
API SJ, ºEnergy±Conservingº multigrade engine oil or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil
± COOLING SYSTEM
Capacity
Coolant type
11.6 L (12.3 qt., 10.2 lmp.qt.)
ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
With ethylene±glycol type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of aluminum components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
± FUEL
Fuel type
Octane rating
Only UNLEADED
91 (Research octane number 96) or higher

ENGINE
335
Oil capacity
Drain and refillwith filter
without filter
Oil grade
Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):
5.2 L (5.5 qt., 4.5 lmp.qt.)
4.9 L (5.2 qt., 4.4 lmp.qt.)
API SJ, ºEnergy±Conservingº multigrade engine oil or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil
± COOLING SYSTEM
Capacity
Coolant type
8.4 L (8.9 qt., 7.4 lmp.qt.)
ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
With ethylene±glycol type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of aluminum components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
± FUEL
Fuel type
Octane rating
Only UNLEADED
91 (Research octane number 96) or higher

ENGINE
341
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 pr olonged 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
348
Look at the see±through coolant reservoir when the
engine is cold. The coolant level is satisfactory if it is
between theºFULLº and ºLOWº lines on the reservoir.
If the level is low, add ethylene±glycol type coolant for a
proper corrosion protection of aluminum components.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary with engine
temperature. However, if the level is on or below the ºLOWº
line, add coolant. Bring the level up to the ºFULLº line.
Always use ethylene±glycol type coolant for a proper
corrosion protection of aluminum components. See
information in the next column.If the coolant level drops within a short time after
replenishing, there may be a leak in the system. Visually
check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant filler cap, radiator
cap and drain cock and water pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Lexus dealer test the cap
pressure and check for leaks in the cooling system.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not remove the radiator cap
when the engine is hot.

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.

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.