oil level Lexus ES300 2000 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 56. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 282 .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ODO/TRIP knob 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Low fuel level warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low washer fluid warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . .
12 SRS warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 65 . . . . . Page
14 Vehicle skid control system off
indicator light 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Low engine oil level warning light 64 . . . . . . . .
17 Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 35 . . . . . .
19 Headlight indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Slip indicator light 299, 302
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low oil pressure warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Seat belt reminder light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . .
26 Cruise control indicator light 295
. . . . . . . . . . .
27 Vehicle skid control system warning light 65 .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xii
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 56. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 282 .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ODO/TRIP knob 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Low fuel level warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low washer fluid warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . .
12 SRS warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 65 . . . . . Page
14 Vehicle skid control system off
indicator light 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Low engine oil level warning light 64 . . . . . . . .
17 Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 35 . . . . . .
19 Tail light indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Slip indicator light 299, 302
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low oil pressure warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Seat belt reminder light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . .
26 Cruise control indicator light 295
. . . . . . . . . . .
27 Vehicle skid control system warning light 65 .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xiv
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 56. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 282 .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ODO/TRIP knob 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Low fuel level warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low washer fluid warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . .
12 SRS warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 65 . . . . . Page
14 Traction control system off
indicator/warning light 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Low engine oil level warning light 64 . . . . . . . .
17 Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 35 . . . . . .
19 Headlight indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Slip indicator light 299, 302
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low oil pressure warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Seat belt reminder light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . .
26 Cruise control indicator light 295
. . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xvi
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge 56. . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 282 .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ODO/TRIP knob 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Fuel gauge 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Low fuel level warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low washer fluid warning light 67
. . . . . . . . . . .
12 SRS warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Anti±lock brake system warning light 65 . . . . . Page
14 Traction control system off
indicator/warning light 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Low engine oil level warning light 64 . . . . . . . .
17 Open door warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Headlight high beam indicator light 35 . . . . . .
19 Tail light indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Slip indicator light 299, 302
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low oil pressure warning light 64
. . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Seat belt reminder light 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Rear light failure warning light 65
. . . . . . . . . . .
26 Cruise control indicator light 295
. . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
64
(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.
(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 ªChecking
the engine oil levelº on page 402.)
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 ªFuel gaugeº
on page 54 for instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely. (See
ªFuel tank capº on page 105 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 ªc.º, have your
vehicle checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon
as possible.

DRIVING TIPS
319
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 ªTOYOTA Long Life Coolantº or
equivalent. See ªChecking the engine coolant levelº on
page 407 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 443 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
378
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
459 for additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the ªFULLº and
ªLOWº lines on the see±through reservoir when the
engine is cold. See page 407 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 443 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 416
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 402 for
additional information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should
be in the ªHOTº or ªCOLDº range depending on the fluid temperature. See page 418 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.)

61E020
INTRODUCTION
385
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
1 Engine oilfiller cap
2 Brake fluidreservoir
3 Fuse box
4 Battery
5 Fuse box
6 Engine oilleveldipstick
7 Fuse box
8 Washer
fluid tank
9 Enginecoolantreservoir
10 Power
steeringfluid
reservoir

INTRODUCTION
388
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, ªEnergy±Conservingº multigrade
engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil. For
recommended oil viscosity, see page 406.
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 ªChecking the engine coolant levelº on page 407
for instructions.

Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)

SECTION 6 ± 2
392
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications393
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 396
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption 399
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil 401
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 402
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 407
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 411
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .