Reservoir Lexus ES300 2002 Owner's Manuals (in English)

MAINTENANCE
283
Accelerator pedal
Check
the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal ef fort
or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and freeplay. Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the pedal has the proper travel and that, on a safe
incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.
Automatic transmission “Park” mechanism
Check the lock release button of the selector lever for proper
and smooth operation. On a safe incline, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in “P” position
and all brakes released.
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 336 for
additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the seethrough reservoir when the engine is cold. See page
306 for additional information.
Radiator, condenser and hoses
Check that the front of the radiator and condenser are clean
and not blocked with leaves, dirt, or insects. See page 308 for
additional information.
Battery
Check the battery condition by the indicator color. See page
329 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 313 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 304 for additional
information.

MAINTENANCE
284Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in
the “HOT” or “COLD” range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 314 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 caution” on page 219.)
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEED
REPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and
visual tipoffs that indicate service is needed. Some important
clues are:
 Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
 Appreciable loss of power
 Strange engine noises
 A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from
the air conditioning after use is normal.)
 Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous
carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
 Flatlooking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering,
uneven tire wear
 Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level
road
 Strange noises related to suspension movement
 Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal,
pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to one side when
braking
 Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal

INTRODUCTION
289
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
1 Power steering fluid
reservoir
2 Engine oil filler cap
3 Brake fluid reservoir
4 Fuse box
5 Battery
6 Fuse box
7 Radiator
8 Condenser
9 Electric cooling fans
10 Engine oil level
dipstick
11 Washer fluid tank
12 Engine coolant
reservoir

INTRODUCTION
290
DOITYOURSELF SERVICEPRECAUTIONS
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure given in this section.
You should be aware that improper or incomplete servicing
may result in operating problems.
Performing doityourself maintenance during the warranty
period may affect your warranty coverage. Read the separate
Lexus Warranty statement for details and suggestions.
This section gives instructions only for those items that are
relatively easy for an owner to perform. As explained in
Section 5, there are still a number of items that must be
performed by a qualified technician with special tools.
For information on tools and parts for doityourself
maintenance, see “Parts and tools” on page 291.
Utmost care should be taken when working on your vehicle to
prevent accidental injury. Here are a few precautions that you
should be especially careful to observe:
CAUTION
 When the engine is running, keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive
belt. (Removing rings, watches, and ties is
advisable.)
 Right after driving, the engine compartment the
engine, radiator, exhaust manifold and power
steering fluid reservoir, etc. will be hot. So be
careful not to touch them. Oil and other fluids may
also be hot.
 Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames
around fuel or the battery. Their fumes are
flammable.
 Do not get under your vehicle with just the body jack
supporting it. Always use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.
 Be sure that the ignition is off if you work near the
electric cooling fans or radiator grille. With the
ignition on, the electric cooling fans will
automatically start to run if the engine coolant
temperature is high and/or the air conditioning is on.
 Use eye protection whenever you work on or under
your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc.

ENGINE
306
Oil identification marks
SOIL11
API Service SymbolILSAC 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 SL.
The center portion of the label shows the SAE viscosity
grade such as SAE 5W30. “EnergyConserving”, shown
in the lower portion, indicates that the oil has fuelsaving
capabilities.
 The ILSAC (International L ubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee) Certification Mark is displayed on the
front of the container.
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
 1Reservoir cap 2Upper line 3Lower line
Look at the seethrough coolant reservoir when the
engine is cold. The coolant level is satisfactory if it is
between the “F” and “L” lines on the reservoir. If the level
is low, add ethyleneglycol 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 “L” line,
add coolant. Bring the level up to the “F” line.
Always use ethyleneglycol type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of aluminum components. See information in the
next column.

CHASSIS
313
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
To check the fluid level, simply look at the seethrough
reservoir. The level should be between the “MAX” and
“MIN” lines on the tank.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the
brake pads wear. So be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a
serious mechanical problem.
If the level is low, add FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703
brake fluid to the brake reservoir.
Remove and replace the reservoir cap by hand. Add brake
fluid up to the “MAX” line.
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once opened, brake fluid
absorbs moisture from the air, and excess moisture can cause
a dangerous loss of braking efficiency.
CAUTION
Take care when filling the reservoir because brake fluid
can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted
surfaces. If fluid gets in your hands or eyes, flush them
with clean water immediately. If you still feel
uncomfortable with your hands or eyes, go to the
doctor.
NOTICE
If you spill some of the fluid, be sure to wipe it off to
prevent it from damaging the parts or paintwork.

CHASSIS
314
CHECKING POWER STEERINGFLUID
Check the fluid level through the reservoir. If necessary,
add automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III.
If the vehicle has been driven around 80 km/h (50 mph) for 20
minutes (a little more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is hot
(60 C 80 C or 140 F 175F). You may also check the level
when the fluid is cold (about room temperature, 10 C 30 C
or 50 F 85 F) if the engine has not been run for about five
hours.
 1 If cold O.K. 2If cold add 3If hot O.K.
4If hot add
Clean all dirt off the reservoir and look at the fluid level. If the
fluid is cold, the level should be in the “COLD” range. Similarly,
if it is hot, the fluid level should be in the “HOT” range. If th\
e
level is at the low side of the appropriate range, add automatic
transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III to bring the level within
the range.
To remove the reservoir cap, turn it counterclockwise and lift
up. To reinstall it, turn it clockwise. After replacing the reservoir
cap, visually check the steering box case, vane pump and hose
connections for leaks or damage.
CAUTION
The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn
yourself.