check oil Lexus ES300 2002 Owner's Manuals (in English)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
49
(e) Stop and check.
(f) Stop and check.
(g) Add engine oil.
(h) Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
(i) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
(j) Close all doors.
(k) Replace bulb.
(l) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
(m) Add washer fluid. (n) Take vehicle to
Lexus dealer.
(o) Low fuel level Fill up tank. warning light
(p) Key reminder buzzer Remove key.
or
w59

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
52
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive belt is broken
or loose.
(f) Low Engine 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.
(g) 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 “Checking the engine
oil level” on page 302.)
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 oil will
damage the engine.
(h) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” position and goes off after the engine starts. This
means that the warning light system is operating properly.
If the lamp remains on, or the lamp comes on while
driving, first check the followings.
 Empty fuel tank
If the fuel tank is empty, refuel immediately.
 Loose fuel tank cap
If the fuel tank cap is loose, securely tighten it.
These cases are temporary malfunctions. The malfunction
indicator lamp will go off after taking several driving trips.

DRIVING TIPS
246
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have a proper freeze protection of engine
coolant.
Your coolant must contain ethyleneglycol type coolant for a
proper corrosion protection of aluminum components. Use
“Toyota Long Life Coolant” or equivalent. See “Checking the
engine coolant level” on page 306 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 50C
(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 pr ovide enough power for winter
starting. Page 329 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.
See page 305 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 deicer 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’s paint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility
it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into “P” 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.

MAINTENANCE
282Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the maintenance schedule. (For
scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the
“Owner’s Manual Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance”.)
See page 316 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.
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlight, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal
lights, and other lights are working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified freeplay. Be alert for changes
in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive
freeplay or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters,
seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly. Ch eck that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold
securely in any latched position.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors
and anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the
belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.

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.

INTRODUCTION
291
Be extremely cautious when working on the battery.
It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
 Warning: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
NOTICE
Remember that battery and ignition cables carry high
currents or voltages. Be careful of accidentally
causing a short circuit.
 Before closing the engine hood, check to see that you
have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc.
 Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or
excessive engine wear could result. Also backfiring
could cause a fire in the engine compartment.
 Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, or the
transmission could be damaged.
 Be careful not to scratch the glass surface with the
wiper frame.
PARTS AND TOOLS
Here is a list of parts and tools you will need to perform
doityourself 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 “EnergyConserving”, SL
“EnergyConserving” or ILSAC multigrade engine oil. For
recommended oil viscosity, see page 305.
Tools:
 Rag or paper towel
 Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
“Toyota Long Life Coolant” or equivalent
See “Checking the engine coolant level” on page 306 for
instructions.
 Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:
 Funnel (only for adding coolant)

SECTION 6 – 2
296
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications297
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Fuel 300
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption 302
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil 303
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 306
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 308
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 308
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. . . . . . . .

ENGINE
303
Importance of engine oil level check
One of the most important points in proper vehicle
maintenance is to keep the engine oil at the optimum level so
that oil function will not be impaired. Therefore, it is essential
that the oil level be checked regularly. Lexus recommends that
the oil level be checked every time you refuel the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly could lead to
serious engine trouble due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check, see “Checking the
engine oil level” on page 304.
USED ENGINE OIL
CAUTION
 Used engine oil contains potentially harmful
contaminants which m ay cause skin disorders such
as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should be
taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact with
it. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash
thoroughly with soap and water.
 Do not leave used oil within the reach of children.
 Dispose of used oil and used oil filters only in a safe
and acceptable manner. Do not dispose of used oil
and used oil filters in household trash, in sewers or
onto the ground. Call your Lexus dealer or a service
station for information concerning recycling or
disposal.

ENGINE
304
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off,
check the oil level on the dipstick.
1. To get a true reading, the vehicle should be on a level spot.
After turning off the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to
drain back into the bottom of the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, and wipe it clean with a rag.
3. Reinsert the dipstick and push it in as far as it will go, or the
reading will not be correct.
 1 Add oil 2O.K. 3Too full
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level on the end. If
it is between the low level mark (
4 ) and the full level mark
( 5 ), it is O.K.

ENGINE
305
If the oil level is below or only slightly above the low mark,
add engine oil of the same type as already in the engine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine oil a little at a time,
checking the dipstick. The approximate quantity of oil needed
to fill between the low level mark and the full level mark on the
dipstick is indicated below for reference.
When the level reaches within the correct range, return the
filler cap and turn the cap clockwise until you hear a click.
Oil quantity. L (qt., lmp. qt.) 1.5 (1.6, 1.3)
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick once again after
adding the oil.
Engine oil selection
Use API grade SJ “EnergyConserving”, SL
“EnergyConserving” or ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
62L0051
Temperature range anticipated before next oil change
SAE 5W30 is the best choice for your vehicle, for good
fuel economy, and good starting in cold weather.
If you use SAE 10W30 engine oil in extremely low
temperatures, the engine may become difficult to start, so
SAE 5W30 engine oil is recommended.