fuel cap Lexus ES300 1999 Owner's Manuals (in English)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
51


Low fuel level warning light
The gauge is displayed when the ignition switch is
on and indicates the approximate quantity of fuel
remaining in the tank.
It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4 full.
This fuel gauge has a non±return type needle which
remains at the last indicated position when the ignition
switch is turned off.
If the fuel level approaches ºEº or the low fuel level
warning light comes on, fill the fuel tank as soon as
possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the
tank, the fuel gauge needle may fluctuate or the low fuel
level warning light may come on earlier than usual.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the malfunction
indicator lamp comes on. Fill the fuel tank immediately.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times.
If the indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible.
See the inner back cover for fuel capacity and
recommended fuel selection.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
62
(f) Low Engine Oil Level Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil level is too low. Add
oil as soon as possible. (For instructions, see ºChecking
the engine oil levelº on page 378.)
While driving on steep inclines or rough roads which
causes the vehicle to substantially sway or on curves,
this light may come on due to the movement of engine
oil in the engine.
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oilwill damage the engine.
(g) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See ºFuel gaugeº
on page 50 for instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely. (See
ºFuel tank capº on page 100 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your engine or
automatic transmission electrical system.
If it comes on while you are driving in case ºc.º, have your
vehicle checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon
as possible.
(h) ºABSº Warning Light
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in
your anti±lock brake system.
If the light comes on while you are driving, have your
vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to
ºONº, and will go off after about a few seconds.
When the ºABSº warning light is on (and the brake
system warning light is off), the brake system operates
conventionally but anti±lock brake system is not
assisting brake performance so that the wheels could
lock up during a sudden brake or braking on slippery
road surfaces.
(i) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the doors are completely
closed.
(j) Rear Light Failure Warning Light
If this light comes on when the headlight switch is turned
on (at the first or second clickstop), it indicates that one
or more of the tail lights are burned out.
If it comes on when the brake pedal is depressed, one
or more stop lights are burned out.
Have defective bulbs replaced as soon as possible.

SECTION 1 ± 5
95
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Exterior equipment
Hood96
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . .
Trunk lid 98
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.
Fuel tank cap 100
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Moon roof 103
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
100
15E005±2

1Main switch 2Operative 3Inoperative
If you do not want to activate the trunk lid opener
system, turn off the main switch in the glovebox. To
turn it on, push in the main switch.
To protect things put in the trunk, when you have your
vehicle parked, turn off the trunk lid opener system and
lock the glovebox.
FUEL TANK CAP

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
102
CAUTION
Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames
when refuelling. The fumes are flammable.
 When opening the cap, do not remove the cap
quickly. In hot weather, fuel under pressure could
cause injury by spraying out of the filler neck if the
cap is suddenly removed.
15E007
2. To remove the fuel tank cap, turn the cap slowly
counterclockwise, then pause slightly before
removing it. The removed cap can be stored on the
back side of the fuel filler door.
It is not unusual to hear a slight swoosh when the cap is
opened. When installing the cap, turn the cap clockwise
until you hear a click.
If the cap is not tightened securely, the malfunction
indicator lamp comes on. Make sure the cap is tightened
securely.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times.
If the indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible.

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
103
CAUTION
Make sure the cap is tightened securely to prevent
fuel spillage in case of an accident.
 Use only a genuine Lexus fuel tank cap for
replacement. It has a built±in check valve to reduce
fuel tank vacuum.
In case the opener is not actuated
15E008±1
Pull the manual lever in the trunk toward the back.
This is used in case the fuel filler door cannot be opened
due to a discharged battery or other trouble.MOON ROOF

DRIVING TIPS
296
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is
fully released and that the parking brake reminder
light is off.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear,
and poor fuel economy.
 To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed
and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and not work
properly. See page 267.
 Be careful when accelerating, upshifting,
downshifting or braking on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed, such as sudden
acceleration or engine braking, could cause the
vehicle to spin or skid.
 Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the
legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140 km/h
(85 mph) unless your vehicle has high±speed
capability tires. Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may
result in tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine
whether the tires on your vehicle are high±speed
capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.

62L005±1
Temperature range anticipated before next oil change
ENGINE
371
Oil capacity
Drain and refillwith filter
without filter
Oil grade
Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):
4.7 L (5.0 qt., 4.1 lmp.qt.)
4.5 L (4.8 qt., 4.0 lmp.qt.)
API SJ, ºEnergy±Conservingº multigrade engine oil or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil
± COOLING SYSTEM
Capacity
Coolant type
8.8 L (9.3 qt., 7.7 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.
± FUELFuel type
Octane Rating
Only UNLEADED
87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher

ENGINE
375
Gasolines quality
In a very few cases, you may experience driveability
problems caused by the particular gasoline that you are
using. If you continue to have unacceptable driveability,
try changing gasoline brands. If that does not rectify
your problem, then consult your Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
Do not use gasohol other than stated above. It will cause fuel system damage or vehicleperformance problems.
If drivability problems are encountered (poorhot starting, vaporizing, engine knock, etc.),discontinue its use.
Take care not to spill gasohol during refueling.Gasohol may cause paint damage.
Fuel tank capacity
70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 lmp.gal.)
FACTS ABOUT ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION
Functions of engine oil
Engine oil has the primary function of lubricating and
cooling the inside of the engine, and plays a major role
in maintaining the engine in proper working order.
Engine oil consumption
It is normal that an engine should consume some
engine oil during normal engine operation. The
causes of oil consumption in a normal engine are as
follows.
Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston rings and
cylinders. A thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall
when a piston moves downwards in the cylinder.
High negative pressure generated when the vehicle
is decelerating sucks some of this oil into the
combustion chamber. This oil as well as some part of
the oil film left on the cylinder wall is burned by the
high temperature combustion gases during the
combustion process.
 Oil is also used to lubricate the stems of the intake
valves. Some of this oil is sucked into the combustion
chamber together with the intake air and is burned
along with the fuel. High temperature exhaust gases
also burn the oil used to lubricate the exhaust valve
stems.

ENGINE
383
Oil identification marks
62L006±1

API Service Symbol
ILSAC Certification
Mark
Either or both API registered marks are added to some
oil containers to help you select the oil you should use.
 The API Service Symbol is located anywhere on the
outside of the container.
The top portion of the label shows the oil quality by
API (American Petroleum Institute) designation such
as SJ. The center portion of the label shows the SAE
viscosity grade such as SAE 5W±30.
ºEnergy±Conservingº, shown in the lower portion,
indicates that the oil has fuel±saving capabilities.
 The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization
and Approval Committee) Certification Mark is
displayed on the front of the container.
CHECKING THE ENGINE
COOLANT LEVEL