Transmission Lexus ES350 2009 User Guide

305
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)
ItemsParts and tools
Engine oil level (→P. 313)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel, funnel (used
only for adding engine oil)
Fuses (→ P. 344)• Fuse with same amperage rating as
original
Tire inflation pressure ( →P. 3 3 4 )• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Headlight aim ( →P. 3 5 2 )• Phillips-head screwdriver
Power steering fluid
level (→ P. 3 2 0 )
• Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON II or III
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding power steering fluid)
Radiator and condenser (→P. 3 1 9 )
Washer fluid ( →P. 3 2 5 )
• Water washer fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter use)
• Funnel

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)■
Checking the fluid level
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
Remove the reservoir cap by turning it counterclockwise and
wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinstall the reservoir cap.
Remove the reservoir cap again and look at the fluid level.
Fluid typeAutomatic transmission fluid DEXRON II or III
ItemsRag or paper towel and funnel (only for adding fluid)
CAUTION
■Checking the fluid level
Take care, as the reservoir may be hot.
NOTICE
■When adding fluid
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering may be damaged.
■After replacing the reservoir cap
Check the steering box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or dam-
age.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

5
When trouble arises
365
5-1. Essential information
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Lexus dealer before towing.
● The engine is running, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be tem-
porarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency towing
eyelet. This should only attempted on hard, surfaced roads for short dis-
tances at low speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The vehi-
cle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in good condi-
tion. Towing eyelet
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by your
Lexus dealer or a commercial towing se rvice, using a lift-type truck or a flat
bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/provincial
and local laws.
If towing from the front, the vehicle’s rear wheels and axles must be in good
condition. ( →P. 3 6 9 )
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

366
5-1. Essential information
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)
Installing towing eyeletRemove the eyelet cover using a
flat head screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a
rag between the screwdriver and
the vehicle body, as shown in the
illustration.
■Emergency towing procedureRelease the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to ACCESSORY (engine off)
or IGNITION ON mode (engine running).
CAUTION
■Caution while towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive stress on
the emergency towing eyelets and the cables or chains.
●If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not
function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious da mage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with front wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP1

5
When trouble arises
369
5-1. Essential information
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)
Towing with a wheel lift-type truckFrom the front Release the parking brake.
From the rear Use a towing dolly under the front
wheel.
NOTICE
■To prevent damaging the vehicle
When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at the
opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the vehicle could
be damaged while being towed.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheels on the ground.

5
When trouble arises
373
5-1. Essential information
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)
Event data recorder
In a crash or a near car crash eventThe SRS airbag sensor assembly contains the EDR. In a crash or a near
car crash event, this device may record some or all of the following infor-
mation:
● Engine speed
● Whether the brake pedal was applied or not
● Vehicle speed
● To what extent the accelerator pedal was depressed
● Position of the transmission shift lever
● Whether the driver and front passenger wore seat belts or not
● Driver's seat position
● SRS airbag deployment data
● SRS airbag system diagnostic data
● Front passenger's occupant classification
The information above is intended to be used for the purpose of improv-
ing vehicle safety performance. Unlike general data recorders, the EDR
does not record sound data such as conversation between passengers.
Your vehicle has computers that monitor and control certain aspects of
your vehicle. These computers assist in driving and maintaining optimal
vehicle performance.
Besides storing data useful for troubleshooting, there is a system to
that record data in a crash or a near car crash event.

376
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)
Stop the vehicle immediately.The following warnings indicate the possibility of damage to the vehicle
that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place
and contact your Lexus dealer.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.Failing to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to the
system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Charging system warning light Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system.
(USA)

(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lampIndicates the following:
• Empty fuel tank
• Loose fuel tank
• Malfunction in the electronic engine control system;
• Malfunction in the electronic throttle control system; or
• Malfunction in the electronic automatic transmission con-trol system.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
SRS warning light Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system; or
• Front passenger occupant classification system
• The seat belt pretensioner system.

5
When trouble arises
419
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)
If the vehicle becomes stuck
CAUTION
■When attempting to free a stuck vehicle
If you choose to rock the vehicle back and forth to free it, make sure the surround-
ing area is clear, to avoid striking other vehicles, objects or persons. The vehicle
may also lunge forward or lunge back suddenly as it becomes free. Use extreme
caution.
■When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an
accident and result in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■To avoid damaging the transmission and other components
●Avoid spinning the wheels and do not rev the engine.
●If the vehicle remains stuck after trying these procedures, the vehicle may require
towing to be freed.
Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle becomes
stuck in mud, dirt, or snow.
●Stop the engine. Set the parking brake and put the shift lever in P.
● Remove the mud, snow, or sand from around the stuck tire.
● Place wood, stones or some other material to help provide trac-
tion under the tires.
● Restart the engine.
● Carefully apply the accelerator to free the vehicle.

427
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)
Electrical system
Automatic Transaxle
*: The fluid capacity is a reference quantity. If replacement is necessary, contactyour Lexus dealer.
Battery
Open voltage at
68 °F (20 °C):12.6  12.8 V Fully charged
12.2 
12.4 V Half charged
11.8 
12.0 V Discharged
(Voltage is checked 20 minutes after
the engine and all the lights are turned
off)
Charging rates5 A max.
Fluid capacity*6.87 qt. (6.5 L, 5.72 lmp.qt.)
Fluid typeToyota Genuine ATF WS
NOTICE
Using automatic transmission fluid other than “Toyota Genuine ATF WS” may cause
deterioration in shift quality, locking up of your transaxle accompanied by vibration,
and ultimately damage the automatic transaxle of your vehicle.

428
6-1. Specifications
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)
Brakes
*1: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with a force of 112 lbf (500 N, 51
kgf) while the engine is running.
*2: Parking brake pedal travel when depressed with a force of 67.4 lbf (300 N,3 0.6 kg f ) .
Steering
Pedal clearance *12.4 in. (61 mm) Min.
Pedal free play0.04  0.24 in. (1.0  6.0 mm)
Brake pad wear limit0.04 in. (1.0 mm)
Parking brake lining wear limit0.04 in. (1.0 mm)
Parking brake pedal travel *27  10 clicks
Fluid typeSAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
Free playLess than 1.2 in. (30 mm)
Power steering fluidAutomatic transmission fluid
DEXRON® II or III