oil level Lexus ES300 1999 Owner's Manuals (in English)

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
x
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 52. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Turn signal indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic transmission indicator lights 261 .
5 Overdrive off indicator light 264
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Odometer and trip meter 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 ODO/TRIP knob 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Fuel gauge 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Vehicle skid control system warning light 63 .
10 Cruise control indicator light 274
. . . . . . . . . . .
11 Rear light failure warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . .
12 Seat belt reminder light 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Brake system warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Discharge warning light
61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Low oil pressure warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . .
16 Slip indicator light 278
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Headlight indicator light 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 31 . . . . . .
19 Open door warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Low engine oil level warning light 62 . . . . . . . .
21 Malfunction indicator lamp 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Vehicle skid control system off
indicator light 282 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Anti±lock brake system warning light 62 . . . . .
24 SRS warning light 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Low washer fluid warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . .
26 Low fuel level warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xii
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 52. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Turn signal indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic transmission indicator lights 261 .
5 Overdrive off indicator light 264
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Odometer and trip meter 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 ODO/TRIP knob 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Fuel gauge 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Vehicle skid control system warning light 63 .
10 Cruise control indicator light 274
. . . . . . . . . . .
11 Rear light failure warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . .
12 Seat belt reminder light 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Brake system warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Discharge warning light
61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Low oil pressure warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . .
16 Slip indicator light 278
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Tail light indicator light 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 31 . . . . . .
19 Open door warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Low engine oil level warning light 62 . . . . . . . .
21 Malfunction indicator lamp 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Vehicle skid control system off
indicator light 282 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Anti±lock brake system warning light 62 . . . . .
24 SRS warning light 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Low washer fluid warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . .
26 Low fuel level warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xiv
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 52. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Turn signal indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic transmission indicator lights 261 .
5 Overdrive off indicator light 264
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Odometer and trip meter 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 ODO/TRIP knob 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Fuel gauge 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Cruise control indicator light 274
. . . . . . . . . . .
10 Rear light failure warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . .
11 Seat belt reminder light 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Brake system warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
13 Discharge warning light
61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Low oil pressure warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . .
15 Slip indicator light 278
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Headlight indicator light 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Headlight high beam indicator light 31 . . . . . .
18 Open door warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Low engine oil level warning light 62 . . . . . . . .
20 Malfunction indicator lamp 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Traction control system off
indicator/warning light 63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Anti±lock brake system warning light 62 . . . . .
23 SRS warning light 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Low washer fluid warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . .
25 Low fuel level warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xvi
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 52. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Turn signal indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic transmission indicator lights 261 .
5 Overdrive off indicator light 264
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Odometer and trip meter 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 ODO/TRIP knob 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Fuel gauge 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Cruise control indicator light 274
. . . . . . . . . . .
10 Rear light failure warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . .
11 Seat belt reminder light 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Brake system warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
13 Discharge warning light
61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Low oil pressure warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . .
15 Slip indicator light 278
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Tail light indicator light 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Headlight high beam indicator light 31 . . . . . .
18 Open door warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Low engine oil level warning light 62 . . . . . . . .
20 Malfunction indicator lamp 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Traction control system off
indicator/warning light 63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Anti±lock brake system warning light 62 . . . . .
23 SRS warning light 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Low washer fluid warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . .
25 Low fuel level warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
61
(d) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, stop the vehicle, turn
off the engine, and check for the cause. Look first at the
engine drive belt.
If it is loose or broken, the generator will not charge
the battery properly.
 If the belt is O.K., there is a problem somewhere in the
charging system.
The engine ignition will continue to operate, however,
until the battery is discharged. Turn off the air
conditioning, blower, radio, etc., and drive directly to the
nearest Lexus dealer or repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive belt is broken or loose.
(e) Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil pressure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are driving, pull off the
road to a safe place and stop the engine immediately.
Call a Lexus dealer or qualified repair shop for
assistance.
The light may occasionally flicker when the engine is
idling or it may come on briefly after a hard stop. There
is no cause for concern if it then goes out when the
engine is accelerated slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level is extremely
low. It is not designed to indicate low oil level, and the
oil level must be checked using the oil level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the warning light on± even for one block. It may ruin the engine.

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.

DRIVING TIPS
297
Do not continue normal driving when the
brakes are wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will
require a longer stopping distance, and it may
pull to one side when the brakes are applied.
Also, the parking brake will not hold the vehicle
securely.WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have a proper freeze protection of
engine coolant.
Your coolant must contain ethylene±glycol type coolant
for a proper corrosion protection of aluminum
components. Use ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or
equivalent. See ºChecking the engine coolant levelº on
page 383 for instructions.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
When it is extremely cold, we recommend to use 60%
solution for your Lexus, to provide protection down to
about ±50 C (±58 F). Do not use more than 70%
solution for better coolant performance.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so
it must be in top shape to provide enough power for
winter starting. Page 415 tells you how to visually
inspect the battery. Your Lexus dealer and most service
stations will be pleased to check the battery charge
level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the
cold weather.

MAINTENANCE
355
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
432 for additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the ºFULLº and
ºLOWº lines on the see±through reservoir when the
engine is cold. See page 383 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 415 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 391
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 378 for
additional information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should
be in the ºHOTº or ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid temperature. See page 393 for additional information.
Exhaust system
Look
for cracks, holes and loose supports. 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.)

61E004a
INTRODUCTION
362
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
1 Engine oilfiller cap
2 Brake fluidreservoir
3 Fuse box(U.S.A. andCanada)
4 Battery
5 Fuse box
6 Engine oil
leveldipstick
7 Fuse box
(U.S.A. andCanada)
8 Washer
fluid tank
9 Enginecoolantreservoir
10 Power

INTRODUCTION
365
NOTICE

Remember that battery and ignition cablescarry high currents or voltages. Be careful ofaccidentally causing a short circuit.

Before closing the engine hood, check to seethat you have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc.

Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or
excessive engine wear could result. Alsobackfiring could cause a fire in the enginecompartment.

Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, orthe transmission could be damaged.

Be careful not to scratch the glass surface withthe wiper frame.
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):

Use API grade SJ, ºEnergy±Conservingº multigrade
engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil. For
recommended oil viscosity, see page 382.
Tools:

Rag or paper towel

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

ªToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
See ºChecking the engine coolant levelº on page 383
for instructions.

Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)