replace Lexus ES300 1998 s (in English) User Guide

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
172
40E012
9. Lower the vehicle completely and tighten the wheel nuts.
Turn the jack handle counterclockwise to lower the vehicle.
Use only the wheel nut wrench to tighten the nuts. Do not use other tools \
or
any additional leverage other than your hands, such as a hammer, pipe or your
foot. Make sure the wrench is securely engaged over the nut.
Tighten each nut a little at a time in the order shown. Repeat the process unti\
l
all the nuts are tight.
CAUTION
 When lowering the vehicle, make sure all portions of your
body and all other persons around will not be injured as the
vehicle is lowered to the ground.
 As soon as possible after changing wheels, have the wheel
nuts tightened by torque wrench at 103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76
ft´lbf.).
10. After changing the wheel, check the air pressure of the replaced tire.
Stow all the tools, jack and flat tire securely.
If the pressure of the replaced tire is low, drive slowly to the nearest service
station and fill to the correct pressure.
Do not forget to reinstall the tire valve cap as dirt and moisture could get into
the valve core and possible cause air leakage. If the cap is missing, put a new
one on as soon as possible.
This is the same procedure for changing or rotating your tires.
CAUTION
Before driving, make sure all the tools, jack and flat tire are
securely in place in their storage location to reduce the
possibility of personal injury during a collision or sudden
braking.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
178
IF YOU LOSE YOUR KEYS OR LOCKYOURSELF OUT
Many Lexus dealers can make a new key if you can give them the key
number. Since your vehicle is equipped with the engine immobiliser
system, the dealer will also need your master key.
See the suggestion given in ºKeysº on page 7.
If your keys are locked in the vehicle and you cannot get a duplicate, m\
any
Lexus dealers can still open the door for you, using their special tools. If you
must break a window to get in, we suggest breaking the smallest side window
because it is the least expensive to replace. Be extremely cautious to avoid
cuts from the glass.
Even if you lose only one key, contact your Lexus dealer to make a new key.
If you lose all your master keys, you cannot make new keys; the whole syst\
em
must be replaced.

MAINTENANCE
180
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Your Lexus vehicle has been designed to have fewer maintenance
requirements with longer service intervals to save both your time and money.
However, each regular maintenance as well as day±to±day care is more
important than ever before to ensure smooth, trouble±free, safe, and
economical driving.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure the specified maintenance,
including general maintenance services, is performed. Note that both the new
vehicle and emission control system warranties specify that proper
maintenance and care must be performed. See the Owner's Guide, Owner's
Manual Supplement or Warranty Booklet for complete warranty information.
General maintenance
General maintenance items are those day±to±day care practices that are
important to your vehicle for proper operation. It is the owner's responsibility
to ensure that the general maintenance items are performed regularly.
These checks or inspections can be done either by yourself or your Lexus
dealer.
Scheduled maintenance
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the ºOwner's Manual
Supplement/Maintenance Scheduleº are those required to be serviced at
regular intervals. For details of your maintenance schedule, read the separate ºOwner's Manual
Supplement/Maintenance Scheduleº.
It is recommended that any replacement parts used for maintenance or
for the repair of the emission control system be Lexus supplied.
The owner may elect to use non±Lexus supplied parts for replacement
purposes without invalidating the emission control system warranty.
However, use of replacement parts which are not of equivalent quality
may impair the effectiveness of the emission control systems.
You may also elect to have maintenance, replacement, or repair of the
emission
control devices and system performed by any automotive r epair
establishment or individual without invalidating this warranty. See
Owner's Guide, Owner's Manual Supplement or Warranty Booklet for
complete warranty information.
Where to go for service?
Lexus technicians are well±trained specialists and are kept up to date wit\
h the
latest service information through technical bulletins, service tips, and
in±dealership training programs. They are well informed about the operation
of all the systems on your vehicle.
You can be confident that your Lexus dealer's service department performs
the best job to meet the maintenance requirements of your vehicle.

INTRODUCTION191
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

CHASSIS205
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
63E001
To check the fluid level, simply look at the see±through reservoir. The
level should be between the ºMAXº and ºMINº lines on the tank.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pa\
ds wear.
So be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious mec\
hanical
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 eyes and damage painted surfaces. If fluid gets in
your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water.
NOTICE
If you spill some of the fluid, be sure to wash it off with water to prevent
it from damaging the parts or paintwork.

CHASSIS
208
ROTATING TIRES
63E005±1
To equalize tire wear and help extend tire life, Lexus recommends that
you rotate your tires approximately every 12000 km (7500 miles).
However, the most appropriate timing for tire rotation may vary
according to your driving habits and road surface conditions.
The wheel assemblies must be rotated as illustrated above.
When rotating tires, check for uneven wear and damage. Abnormal wear is\
usually caused by incorrect tire pressure, improper wheel alignment, out\
±of
balance wheels, or severe braking.
Before storing radial, snow or studded tires, mark the direction of rotation an\
d
be sure to install them in the same direction when using them again. Tire\
s
should be stored in a cool dry place.
CHECKING AND REPLACING TIRES
When to replace your tires
63E006

1 New tread 2Tread wear indicator 3Worn tread
Replace the tires when the tread wear indicators show. The location of
the tread wear indicators is shown by the marks such as 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.).

CHASSIS209
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 o\
r location
of a cut or other damage, it should be replaced. If you are not sure, c\
onsult
with your Lexus dealer.
If an air loss occurs while driving, do not continue driving with a deflat\
ed 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.
Uniform tire quality grading
This information has been prepared in accordance with regulations
issued by the National Highway Traffic 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 g\
raded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of the\
ir
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 A, B, C ± The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are 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.

CHASSIS
210
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straigh\
t
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 performan\
ce
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 required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade of this tire established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.
Tire selection
When replacing a tire, use only the same size and construction as
originally installed and with the same or greater load capacity.
Using any other size or type of tire may seriously affect handling, ride,
speedometer/odometer calibration, ground clearance, and clearance between
the body and tires or snow chains.
Do not mix radial, belted, or conventional tires on your vehicle.
Do not use tires or wheels other than the manufacturer's recommended
size.
It can cause dangerous handling characteristics, resulting in loss of co\
ntrol.
If you need to change from conventional tires to radial tires or vice ve\
rsa,
replace them as a set.
INSTALLING SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
When to use snow tires or chains
Snow tires or chains are recommended when driving on snow or ice.
On wet or dry roads, conventional or radial tires provide better traction \
than
snow or studded tires.
Snow tire selection
If you need snow tires, select the same size, construction and load capacity
as the original tires on your Lexus.
Do not use tires other than stated above. Since your vehicle has radial t\
ires
as original equipment, make sure your snow tires also have radial
construction. Do not install studded tires without first checking local
regulations for possible restrictions.
Snow tire installation
Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.
Installing snow tires on the front wheels only can lead to an excessive
difference in road grip capability between the front and rear tires which could
cause loss of vehicle control.

CHASSIS
212
REPLACING WHEELS
When to replace your wheels
If you have wheel damage such as bending, cracks or heavy corrosion, the
wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace damaged wheels, a tire may slip off a wheel or they may
cause loss of handling control.
Replacement with used wheels is not recommended as they may have been
subjected to rough treatment or high mileage and could fail without warning.
Also, bent wheels which have been straightened may have hidden structural
damage and therefore should not be used. Never use an inner tube in a leaking
wheel which is designed for a tubeless tire.
Wheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that they are
equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter, rim width, and
offset.
Correct replacement wheels are available at your Lexus dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type may adversely affect handling, wheel and
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer/odometer calibration, stopping
ability, headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and tire or
snow chain clearance to the body and chassis.
ALUMINUM WHEEL PRECAUTIONS
 After driving your vehicle the first 1600 km (1000 miles), check that the
wheel nuts are tight.
 If you have rotated, repaired, or changed your tires, check that the whe\
el
nuts are still tight after driving 1600 km (1000 miles).
 When using tire chains, be careful not to damage the aluminum wheels.
 Use only the Lexus wheel nuts and wrench designed for your aluminum
wheels.
 When balancing your wheels, use only Lexus balance weights or
equivalent and a plastic or rubber hammer.
 As with any wheel, periodically check your aluminum wheels for damage.
If damaged, replace immediately.
SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS
CAUTION
Do not modify the suspension/chassis with lift kits, spacers,
springs, etc. It can cause dangerous handling characteristics,
resulting in loss of control.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
226
CHECKING THE CARTRIDGE TYPEFUSES
64E011±1
64E015±1

Engine compartment
64E014

Driver's side instrument panel
If the headlights or other electrical components do not work and the blade\
type fu ses are O.K., check the cartridge type fuses. If any of the cartridge
type fuses are blown, they must be replaced.