engine Lexus ES350 2008 Do-it-yourself maintenance

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
Engine coolant
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the F and L lines on the res-
ervoir when the engine is cold.
Full
Low
If the level is on or below the L line,
add coolant up to the F line.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine damage:
Check the oil level on regular basis.
■When replacing the engine oil
●Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
●Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
●Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
●Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly retightened.
■When adding the engine coolant
When installing the reservoir cap, make sure
that the engine coolant reservoir hose posi-
tioned as shown in the illustration.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant filler cap, radiator cap, drain cock
and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Lexus dealer pressure test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene glycol
based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with long-life
hybrid organic acid technology.
USA: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50%
deionized water. (Enabled: -31°F [-35°C])
Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45%
deionized water. (Enabled: -44°F [-42°C])
For more details about engine coolant, contact your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the radiator cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the cap is
removed, causing burns or other injuries.
NOTICE
■When adding engine coolant
Coolant is neither plain water not straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of water
and anti freeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion protection
and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
■If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or paint.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
Radiator and condenser
Check the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not sure of their
condition, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.
Brake fluid
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the MAX and MIN lines
on the tank.
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
■Adding fluid
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser, as they may be hot and you may be burned.
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency. Use
only newly opened brake fluid.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Power steering fluid
■Fluid level
The fluid level should be within the appropriate range.
Full (when cold)
Add fluid (when cold)
Full (when hot)
Add fluid (when hot)
Hot: Vehicle has been driven around 50 mph (80 km/h) for 20 min-
utes, or slightly longer in frigid temperatures. (Fluid tempera-
ture, 140°F - 175°F [60°C - 80°C])
Cold: Engine has not been run for about 5 hours. (Room tempera-
ture, 50°F - 85°F [10°C - 30°C])
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted
surfaces.
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads wear or
when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
■Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Therefore, before recharging:
●If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect the
ground cable.
●Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and discon-
necting the charger cables to the battery.
■After recharging the battery
The engine may not start. Follow the procedure below to initialize the system.
1. Shift the shift lever to P.
2. Open and close any of the doors.
3. Restart the engine.

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Maintenance and care
Washer fluid
If any washer does not work or the
warning message appears on the
multi-information display, the
washer tank may be empty. Add
washer fluid.
NOTICE
■When recharging the battery
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also, be sure all accesso-
ries are turned off.
CAUTION
■When refilling the washer fluid
Do not refill the washer fluid when the engine is hot or running, as the washer fluid
contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces.
■Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the washer fluid tank.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Initializing the tire pressure warning system
■The tire pressure warning system must be initialized in the following
circumstances:
●When changing the tire inflation pressure by changing traveling
speed or load weight, etc.
When the tire pressure warning system is initialized, the current tire
inflation pressure is set as the pressure benchmark.
■How to initialize the tire pressure warning system
Park the vehicle in safe place and turn the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch OFF.
While the vehicle is moving, initialization is not performed.
Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire inflation
pressure level. (→P. 417)
Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire inflation
pressure level. The tire pressure warning system will operate based on
this pressure level.
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to IGNITION ON
mode.
Push and hold the tire pressure
warning reset switch until the tire
pressure warning light blinks
slowly three times.
Wait for a few minutes with the IGNITION ON mode, and then
turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Air conditioning filter
The air conditioning filter must be cleaned or changed regularly to main-
tain air conditioning efficiency.
■Replacement method
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.
Open the glove box. Remove
the glove box cover.
Remove the filter cover.
Remove the filter.
Be sure that the correct side of
the filter faces up when installing
it.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Checking and replacing fuses
If any of the electrical components do not operate, a fuse may have blown.
If this happens, check and replace the fuses as necessary.
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.
Remove the engine compartment cover.
→P. 3 0 4
Open the fuse box cover.
Engine compartment
Push the tabs in and lift the lid
off.
Driver's side instrument
panel
Remove the lid.
After a system failure, see “Fuse layout and amperage ratings”
(→P. 338) for details about which fuse to check.
Remove the fuse with the pull-
out tool.STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Fuse layout and amperage ratings
■Engine compartment
FuseAmpereCircuit
1PSB30 APre-collision seat belt
2H-LP CLN30 A
3P- P / S E AT30 APo w e r s e a t
4RR DEF50 ARear window defogger
5ABS NO.230 AAnti-lock brake system, vehicle stabil-
ity control system
6FA N M A I N50 AElectric cooling fans
7ABS NO.150 AAnti-lock brake system, vehicle stabil-
ity control system
8HTR50 AAir conditioning system
9RR FOG10 A
10ALT-CDS10 AAlternator condenser
11ST30 AStarting system