maintenance Lexus ES300 1992 Introduction

INTRODUCTION
156
DO-IT-YOURSELF SERVICE
PRECAUTIONS
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure given in this Section.
You should be aware that improper or incomplete servicing
may result in operating problems.
Performing do-it-yourself maintenance during the warranty
period may affect your warranty coverage. Read the separate
Lexus Warranty statement for details and suggestions.
This Section gives instructions only for those items that are
relatively easy for an owner to perform. As explained in
SECTION 5, there are still a number of items that must be
performed by a qualified technician with special tools.
For information on tools and parts for do-it-yourself
maintenance, see “Parts and tools”.
Utmost care should be taken when working on your vehicle to
prevent accidental injury. Here are a few precautions that you
should be especially careful to observe:
CAUTION:

When the engine is running, keep hands, clothing, and
tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
(Removing rings, watches, and ties is advisable.)

Right after driving, the engine, radiator and exhaust
manifold will be hot, so be careful not to touch them. Oil
and fluid may also be hot.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames
around fuel or the battery. The fumes are flammable.

Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It
contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.

Do not get under your vehicle with just the body jack
supporting it. Always use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.

Make sure the ignition is off if you work near the engine
and condenser cooling fan or radiator grille. With the
ignition on, the engine and condenser cooling fan will
automatically start to run if the engine coolant
temperature is high or if the air conditioner is on.

Use eye protection whenever you work on or under
your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or
failing material, fluid spray, etc.
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.

INTRODUCTION
157
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):

Engine oil API grade SG, Energy-Conserving II multigrade
engine oil is recommended. For recommended viscosity,
see page 169.
Tools:

Rag or paper towel

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

Ethylene-glycol coolant

Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)
Checking and replacing the air cleaner
element
Parts (if replacement is necessary):

1 air cleaner element, Lexus 17801-74060 or equivalentTools:

Air compressor (only for cleaning element)
Checking clutch pedal freeplay
Tools:

Measure
Checking brake and clutch fluids
Parts (if level is low):

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

Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking brake pedal freeplay
Tools:

Measure
Checking brake pedal clearance
Tools:

Measure