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

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viiiPage
1
Tachometer 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Traction control system off indicator light 234 . . . .
3 Vehicle skid control system/traction control
system warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Headlight indicator light 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Headlight high beam indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . .
6 Turn signal indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Fog light indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Cruise control indicator light 230
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Slip indicator light 234, 236
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low fuel level warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Automatic transmission indicator lights 223 . . . . . .
13 Engine coolant temperature gauge 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Odometer and trip meter
48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Trip meter reset knob 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Fuel gauge 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Low washer fluid warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Low engine oil level warning light 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Multiinformation display 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Rear light failure warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low engine oil pressure warning light 52
. . . . . . . . .
22 Brake system warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Antilock brake system warning light 53
. . . . . . . . . .
24 Driver’s seat belt reminder light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Discharge warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 SRS warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Open door warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Malfunction indicator lamp 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xPage
1
Tachometer 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Traction control system off indicator light 234 . . . .
3 Vehicle skid control system/traction control
system warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Tail light indicator light 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Headlight high beam indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . .
6 Turn signal indicator light 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Fog light indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Cruise control indicator light 230
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Slip indicator light 234, 236
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Automatic headlight leveling system
warning light 55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low fuel level warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Automatic transmission indicator lights 223 . . . . . .
13 Engine coolant temperature gauge 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Odometer and trip meter
48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Trip meter reset knob 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Fuel gauge 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Low washer fluid warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Low engine oil level warning light 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Multiinformation display 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Rear light failure warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Low engine oil pressure warning light 52
. . . . . . . . .
22 Brake system warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Antilock brake system warning light 53
. . . . . . . . . .
24 Driver’s seat belt reminder light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Discharge warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 SRS warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Open door warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Malfunction indicator lamp 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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.

DRIVING TIPS
255

Keep your vehicle tunedup 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 “Owner’s Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance”.)
CAUTION
Never turn off the engine to coast down hills. Your
power steering and brake booster will not function
without the engine running. Also, the emission control
system operates properly only when the engine is
running.

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
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.