service Lexus ES330 2005 Gauges, Meters and Service Reminder Indicators /

MAINTENANCE
328Battery
Check the battery condition by the indicator color. See page
396 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 364 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 351 for
additional
information.
Power 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 365 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 255.)
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. Check 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
330
Tire inflation pressure
Check the tire inflation pressure with a gauge every
two weeks, or at least once a month and adjust as
shown on the tire and loading information label. See
page 366 for additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or
excessive wear. See page 381 for additional
information.
Tire 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 380
for additional information.DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEEDREPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and
visual tip −offs 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.)
 Flat−looking 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

MAINTENANCE
331
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs adjustment or
repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the vehicle unchecked. It
could result in serious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION
AND MAINTENANCE (I/M) PROGRAMS
Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs
which include OBD (On −Board Diagnostics) checks.
The OBD system monitors the operation of the emission
control system. When the OBD system determines that a
problem exists somewhere in the emission control system, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on. In this case, your vehicle
may not pass the I/M test and need to be repaired. Contact your
Lexus dealer to service the vehicle.
Even if the malfunction indicator lamp does not come on, your
vehicle may not pass the I/M test as readiness codes have not
been set in the OBD system.
Readiness codes are automatically set during ordinary driving.
However, when the battery is disconnected or run down, the
codes are erased. Also, depending on your driving habits, the
codes may not be completely set.
Also, if the malfunction indicator lamp had come on recently
due to temporary malfunction such as a loose fuel tank cap,
your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
The malfunction indicator lamp will go off after taking several
driving trips, but the error code in the OBD system will not be
cleared unless about 40 trips or more are taken.
If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test even the malfunction
indicator lamp does not come on, contact your Lexus dealer to
prepare the vehicle for re −testing.

SECTION 6 – 1
333
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Introduction
Vehicle identification334
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Theft prevention labels 335
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Engine compartment overview 336
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Do−it−yourself service precautions 337
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Parts and tools 338
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Positioning the jack 340
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INTRODUCTION
337
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 do −it−yourself 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 do−it−yourself
maintenance, see “Parts and tools” on page 338.
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 leave anything that may burn easily, such as
paper or rags, in the engine compartment.
 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.

SECTION 6 – 2
343
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications344
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Fuel 347
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Fuel pump shut off system 349
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Facts about engine oil consumption 349
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Used engine oil 351
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Checking the engine oil level 351
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Checking the engine coolant level 355
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Checking the radiator and condenser 356
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Spark plugs 357
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ENGINE
348
Cleaner burning gasoline
Cleaner burning gasoline, including reformulated
gasoline that contains oxygenates such as ethanol or
MTBE is available in many areas.
Lexus recommends the use of cleaner burning gasoline and
appropriately blended reformulated gasoline. These types of
gasoline provide excellent vehicle performance, reduce
vehicle emissions, and improve air quality.
Oxygenates in gasoline
Lexus allows the use of oxygenate blended gasoline
where the oxygenate content is up to 10% ethanol or 15%
MTBE. If you use gasohol in your Lexus, be sure that it has
an octane rating no lower than 87.
Lexus does not recommend the use of gasoline containing
methanol.
Gasoline containing MMT
Some gasoline contain an octane enhancing additive
called MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese
Tricarbonyl).
Lexus does not recommend the use of gasoline that contains
MMT. If fuel containing MMT is used, your emission control
system may be adversely affected. The Malfunction Indicator
Lamp on the instrument cluster may come on. If this happens,
contact your Lexus dealer for service.
Gasoline quality
In a very few cases, you may experience driveability problems
caused by the particular gasoline that you are using. If you
continue to have unacceptable driveability, try changing
gasoline brands. If this does not rectify your problem, then
consult your Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
 Do not use gasohol other than stated above. It will
cause fuel system damage or vehicle performance
problems.
 If drivability problems are encountered (poor hot
starting, vaporizing, engine knock, etc.), discontinue
its use.
 Take care not to spill gasohol during refueling.
Gasohol may cause paint damage.
Fuel tank capacity
70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 Imp. gal.)

ENGINE
351
USED ENGINE OIL
CAUTION
Used engine oil contains potentially harmful
contaminants which may 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.
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 correct reading, the vehicle should be on level
ground. 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.

ENGINE
354
Oil identification marks
SOIL11
API Service Symbol ILSAC 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 5W −30. “Energy− Conserving”, shown
in the lower portion, indicates that the oil has fuel −saving
capabilities.
 The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee) Certification Mark is displayed on the
front of the container. To ensure excellent lubrication performance for your engine,
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is available, which has been
specifically tested and approved for all Lexus engines.
Please contact your Lexus dealer for further details about
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil”.

SECTION 6 – 3
359
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications360
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Checking brake fluid 364
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Checking power steering fluid 365
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Checking tire inflation pressure 366
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Tire information 370
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Types of tires 379
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Rotating tires 380
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Checking and replacing tires 381
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Installing snow tires and chains 383
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Replacing wheels 385
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Aluminum wheel precautions 386
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Suspension and chassis 387
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