Lexus ES300 2001 Owner's Manuals (in English)

ENGINE
414
Engine oil selection
Use API SJ, ªEnergy±Conservingº multigrade engine oil
or ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
62L005±1
Temperature range anticipated before next oil change
SAE 5W±30 is the best choice for your vehicle, for
good fuel economy, and good starting in cold
weather.
If you use SAE 10W±30 engine oil in extremely low
temperatures, the engine may become difficult to
start, so SAE 5W±30 engine oil is recommended.

ENGINE
415
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.
ªEnergy±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

ENGINE
416
62E006b

1Reservoir cap 2Upper line 3Lower line
Look at the see±through coolant reservoir when the
engine is cold. The coolant level is satisfactory if it
is between the ªFULLº and ªLOWº lines on the
reservoir. If the level is low, add ethylene±glycol
type coolant for a proper corrosion protection of
aluminum components.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary with engine
temperature. However, if the level is on or below the
ªLOWº line, add coolant. Bring the level up to the ªFULLº
line.
Always use ethylene±glycol type coolant for a proper
corrosion protection of aluminum components. See
information in the next column. If the coolant level drops within a short time after
replenishing,
there may be a leak in the system. V isually
check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant filler cap,
radiator cap and drain cock and water pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Lexus dealer test the
cap pressure and check for leaks in the cooling system.

ENGINE
417
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not remove the radiator
cap when the engine is hot.

ENGINE
418
Coolant type selection
Use of improper coolants may damage your engine
cooling system. Your coolant must contain
ethylene±glycol type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of your engine that contains aluminum
components. Use ªToyota Long Life Coolantº or
equivalent.
In addition to preventing freezing and subsequent
damage to the engine, this type of coolant will also
prevent corrosion. Further supplemental inhibitors or
additives are neither needed nor recommended.
Read the coolant container for information on freeze
protection. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how
much to mix with plain water (preferably demineralized
water or distilled water). The total capacity of the cooling
system is given on page 402.
We recommend to use 50% solution for your Lexus, to
provide protection down to about ±35C (±31F). When
it is extremely cold, to provide protection down to about
±50 C (±58F), 60% solution is recommended. Do not
use more than 70% solution for better coolant
performance.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.

ENGINE
419
SPARK PLUGS
62E016
Your engine is fitted with iridium±tipped spark
plugs.
NOTICE
Use only iridium±tipped spark plugs and do notadjust gaps for your engine performance andsmooth drivability.

SECTION 6 ± 3
420
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications421
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 424
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid 426
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 431
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 432
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 433
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 437
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 440
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 440
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 441
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHASSIS
421
SPECIFICATIONS
± AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLEFluid capacity Drain and refill
Fluid type
3.5 L (3.7 qt., 3.1 lmp. qt.)
Automatic transmission fluid Type T±IV*
*Change automatic transmission fluid only as
necessary. Generally, it is necessary to change
automatic transmission fluid only if your vehicle is driven
under one of the Special Operating Conditions listed in
your ªOwner's Manual Supplement/Maintenance
Scheduleº. When changing the automatic transmission
fluid, use only Toyota Genuine ATF Type T±IV (ATF
JWS3309 or NWS6500) to aid in assuring optimum
transaxle performance.NOTICE
Using automatic transmission fluid other than Toyota Genuine ATF Type T±IV may causedeterioration in shift quality, locking up of yourtransmission accompanied by vibration, andultimately damage the automatic transmission ofyour vehicle.

CHASSIS
422± BRAKES
Pedal clearance
Pedal free play
Brake pad wear limit
Parking brake lining wear limit
Parking brake adjustment
Fluid type
55 mm (2.2 in.) Min. *1
1 ± 6 mm (0.04 ± 0.24 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
3 ± 6 clicks *
2
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
*1: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with the force of 490 N (50 kgf,\
110 lbf.) with the engine running
*
2: Parking brake adjustment when depressed with the force of 294 N (30 kgf\
, 66 lbf.)
± STEERING
Wheel free play
Power steering fluid type
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III

CHASSIS
423
± TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire size
Recommended cold tire inflation pressure Vehicle load up to 4 occupants
Vehicle loaded up to vehicle capacity weight
Spare tire
Trailer towing (conventional and snow tires)
Wheel size
Wheel nut torque
Type A: P205/65R15 92V
Type B: P205/60R16 91V
180 kPa (1.8 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 26 psi) (Both front and
rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and
rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and
rear)
Type A: 15
6 JJ
Type B: 16
6 JJ
103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.)
NOTE: For a complete information on tires (e.g. replacing tires or replacing \
wheels), see ªChecking tire pressureº
through ªAluminum wheel precautionsº on page 431 through 440.