check engine Lexus ES300 2003 s (in English) Owner's Guide

ENGINE
307
COOLING SYSTEM
Capacity
9.2 L (9.7 qt., 8.2 lmp. qt.)
Coolant type“Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” or equivalent
With ethylene −glycol type coolant for a proper corrosion protection of
aluminum components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
NOTE:
“Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” is filled in your Lexus vehicle. In\
order to avoid technical problems, we strongly recommen d
using “Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” or equivalent. Please contact your \
Lexus dealer for further details.
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plug − Make DENSO
NGK
− Gap
SK20R11
IFR6A11
1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery Open voltage at 20C (68F):
Charging rates
12.7 V Fully charged
12.3 V Half charged
11.9 V Discharged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after the key is removed with all the
lights turned off]
5 A max.

ENGINE
311
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 312.
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
312
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 the dipstick out, hold a rag under the end and wipe it
clean.
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 while holding a
rag under the end. If it is between the low level mark (
4 ) and
the full level mark ( 5 ), it is O.K.
NOTICE
Be careful not to drop the engine oil on the vehicle
components.

ENGINE
313
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. We recommend that you use a funnel
when adding oil. 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
Be careful not to spill the engine oil on the vehicle
components.
 Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick once again after
adding the oil.

ENGINE
315
To ensure excellent lubrication performance for your engine,
the “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” range is available, which has
been specifically tested and approved for all Lexus engines.
Please contact your Lexus dealer for further details of the
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” range.
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 ethylene −glycol type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of aluminum components. See information in the
next column.

ENGINE
316If 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.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not remove the radiator
cap when the engine is hot.
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. We have used “Toyota
Genuine Long Life Coolant” in your Lexus vehicle. In order to
avoid technical problems, we strongly recommend using
“Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” 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 307. 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 −50C (−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.
The engine cooling system is integral to maximizing
performance of your Lexus vehicle. In line with this, it is
strongly recommended that you use “Toyota Genuine Long
Life Coolant” for protecting the system, as it is an
ethylene− glycol based premium antifreeze coolant with
excellent corrosion protection properties that has been
specifically formulated for use in Lexus vehicles.
Please contact your Lexus dealer for further details of the
“Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” range.

ENGINE
317
CHECKING THE RADIATOR ANDCONDENSER
If either of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not
sure of their condition, take your vehicle to Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, be careful not to touch the
radiator, condenser or intercooler when the engine is
hot.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the radiator and condenser, do
not perform the work by yourself.
SPARK PLUGS
Your engine is fitted with iridiumtipped spark plugs.
NOTICE
Use only iridiumtipped spark plugs and do not adjust
gaps for your engine performance and smooth
drivability.

CHASSIS
323
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 − 80C or 140F − 175F). You may also check the level
when the fluid is cold (about room temperature, 10 C − 30C
or 50F − 85F) 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.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
343
NOTICE
Make sure the engine and all accessories are turned
off before performing maintenance.
 When checking the battery, remove the ground cable
first and reinstall it last.
 Be careful not to cause a short circuit with tools.
 Take care no solution gets into the battery when
washing it.
If the battery is disconnected or run down
The moon roof may not operate automatically and the jam
protection function will not function correctly after you
reconnect, replace or recharge the battery. In any of these
cases, you should normalize the moon roof. To normalize the
moon roof, see page 92.
Checking battery condition
Checking by indicator
Check the battery condition by the indicator color.
1 BLUE − Good condition
2
WHITE − Charging necessary. Have the battery checked
by your Lexus dealer.
3 RED − Have the battery checked by your Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
Do not refill the battery with water.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
344
BATTERY RECHARGINGPRECAUTIONS
During recharging, the battery is producing hydrogen
gas.
Therefore, before recharging:
1. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be
sure to disconnect the ground cable.
2. Make sure the power switch on the recharger is off when
connecting the charger cables to the battery and when
disconnecting them.
CAUTION
Always charge the battery in an unconfined area. Do
not charge the battery in a garage or closed room
where there is not sufficient ventilation.
 Only do a slow charge (5 A or less). Charging at a
quicker rate is dangerous. The battery may explode
causing personal injuries.
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running.
Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.
CHECKING AND REPLACING THE BLADE TYPE FUSES
Engine compartment
Engine compartment 1
Pullout tool 2Spare fuses