engine oil Lexus ES300 2001 Owner's Manuals (in English)

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viii
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge56
. . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 286
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 284 . . . . . .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ªODO/TRIPº 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 301, 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Vehicle skid control system warning light 65 . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
x
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge56
. . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 286
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 284 . . . . . .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ªODO/TRIPº 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 301, 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 gauge56
. . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 286
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 284 . . . . . .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ªODO/TRIPº 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 301, 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xiv
Page
1 Engine coolant temperature gauge56
. . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Overdrive off indicator light 286
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Turn signal indicator light 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 284 . . . . . .
7 Odometer and trip meter 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 ªODO/TRIPº 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 301, 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
61
(a) If parking brake
is off, stop
immediately and
contact Lexus
dealer.
(b) Fasten seat belt.
(Indicator and buzzer)
(c) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer
immediately.
(d) Stop and check.
(e) Stop and check. (f) Add engine oil.
(g) Take vehicle to
Lexus dealer.
(h) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
(i) Close all doors.
(j) Replace bulb.
(k) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
(l) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
(m) Add washer fluid.
or
or
and
w069

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 410.)
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 108 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
321
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 415 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 451 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.

DRIVING TIPS
322See page 414 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a
heavy summer oil in your vehicle during winter months
may cause harder starting. If you are not sure about
which oil to use, call your Lexus dealer ± they will be
pleased to help.
Check the electronic ignition system for loose
connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de±icer or glycerine into the locks to keep
them from freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most
auto parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions
for how much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other
substitute because it may damage your vehicle'spaint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a
possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ªPº and block
the rear wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow
or water accumulated in and around the parking brake
mechanism may freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the
fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make
steering difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and
check under the fenders occasionally.

DRIVING TIPS
339

Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing
down. Stop±and±go driving wastes fuel.
 Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a steady pace. Try to time the traffic si gnals
so you only need to stop as little as possible or take
advantage of through streets to avoid traffic lights.
Keep a proper distance from other vehicles to avoid
sudden braking. This will also reduce wear on your
brakes.
 Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever
possible.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. This
causes premature wear, overheating and poor fuel
economy.
 Maintain a moderate speed on highways. The
faster you drive, the greater the fuel consumption. By
reducing your speed, you will cut down on fuel
consumption.
 Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid
hitting the curb and slow down on rough roads.
Improper alignment not only causes faster tire wear
but also puts an extra load on the engine, which, in
turn, wastes fuel.
 Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud
etc. This not only lessens weight but also helps
prevent corrosion. 
Keep your vehicle tuned±up and in top shape. A
dirty air cleaner, improper valve clearance, dirty
plugs, dirty oil and grease, brakes not adjusted, etc.
all lower engine performance and contribute to poor
fuel economy. For longer life of all parts and lower
operating costs, keep all maintenance work on
schedule, and if you often drive under severe
conditions, see that your vehicle receives more
frequent maintenance. (For scheduled maintenance
information, please refer to the ªOwner's Manual
Supplement/Maintenance Scheduleº.)

MAINTENANCE
382
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Listed below are the general maintenance items that
should be performed at the intervals specified. It is
recommended that any problem you notice be brought
to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service
shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only where adequate ventilation can
be obtained if you run the engine.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to
time, unless otherwise specified.
Tire pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks, or at
least once a month and adjust as shown on the tire
pressure label. See page 431 for a dditional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive
wear. See page 433 for additional information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary. Tire rotation
Rotate
the tires according to the maintenance schedule.
(For scheduled maintenance information, please refer to
the ªOwner's Manual Supplement/Maintenance
Scheduleº.) See page 432 for additional information.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other
fluid after the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you
smell fuel fumes or notice any leak, have the cause
found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors, including trunk lid, operate
smoothly and all latches lock securely. Make sure the
engine hood secondary latch secures the hood when the
primary latch is released.