check engine Lexus GS300 1999 Engine

SECTION 6 ± 2
378
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications (GS400) 379. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications (GS300) 383. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel387 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption389 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil391 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level392 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level397 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs401 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ENGINE
382± ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery ± Maintenance type battery
Specific gravity reading at 20C (68F):
Charging rates Quick charge
Slow charge
± Non±maintenance battery
Open voltage at 20C (68F):
Charging rates
1.260 Fully charged
1.160 Half charged
1.060 Discharged
15A max.
5A max.
12.7V Fully charged
12.3V Half charged
11.9V Discharged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after the key is
removed with all the lights turned off]
5A max.

ENGINE
386± ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery ± Maintenance type battery
Specific gravity reading at 20C (68F):
Charging rates Quick charge
Slow charge
± Non±maintenance battery
Open voltage at 20C (68F):
Charging rates
1.260 Fully charged
1.160 Half charged
1.060 Discharged
15A max.
5A max.
12.7V Fully charged
12.3V Half charged
11.9V Discharged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after the key is
removed with all the lights turned off]
5A max.

ENGINE
390The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the
viscosity of the oil, the quality of the oil and the way
the vehicle is driven.
More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as
high speeds and frequent acceleration and
deceleration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since its pistons,
piston rings and cylinder walls have not become
conditioned.
When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep
in mind that the oil may have become diluted,
making it difficult to judge the true level accurately.
For example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips
and consumes a normal amount of oil, the dipstick may
not show any drop in the oil level at all, even after 1000
km (600 miles) or more. This is because the oil is
gradually becoming diluted with fuel or moisture, making
it appear that the oil level has not changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle
is then driven at high speeds, as on an expressway,
making it appear that oil is excessively consumed after
driving at high speeds.
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
ºChecking the engine oil levelº on page 392.

ENGINE
392
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL
LEVEL
62G005a

GS400
GS300
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 out the dipstick, and wipe it clean with a rag.
3. Reinsert the dipstick and push it in as far as it will go,
or the reading will not be correct.

ENGINE
395

GS400
GS300
If the oil level is below or only slightly above the low
level 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. 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.) 1.8 (1.9, 1.6)
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be
damaged. Check the oil level on the dipstick once
again after adding the oil.

ENGINE
397
Oil identification marks
62L006±1

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 SJ. The center portion of the label shows the SAE
viscosity grade such as SAE 5W±30.
ºEnergy±Conservingº, 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.
CHECKING THE ENGINE
COOLANT LEVEL

ENGINE
398
62G004±1

1Reservoir cap 2Upper line 3Lower line
Look at the see±through coolant reservoir when the
engine is cold. The coolant level is satisfactory if it
is between theºFULLº and ºLOWº lines on the
reservoir. If the level is low, add ethylene±glycol
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
ºLOWº line, add coolant. Bring the level up to the ºFULLº
line.
Always use ethylene±glycol type coolant for a proper
corrosion protection of aluminum components. See
information in the next column.If the coolant level drops within a short time after
replenishing, there may be a leak in the system. Visually
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.