Lexus GS350 2009 Owner's Manual

410
4-1. Maintenance and care
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
■Caring for leather areas
Lexus recommends cleaning the interior of the vehicle at least twice a year to main-
tain the quality of the vehicle’s interior.
■Shampooing the carpets
There are several commercial foaming-type cleaners available. Use a sponge or
brush to apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not apply water. Excellent
results are obtained by keeping the carpet as dry as possible.
■Seat belts
Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water using a cloth or sponge. Also check the
belts periodically for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.
CAUTION
■Water in the vehicle
●Do not splash or spill liquid in the vehicle, such as on the floor or in the trunk.
Doing so may cause electrical components etc. to malfunction or catch fire.
●Do not get any of the SRS components or wiring in the vehicle interior wet.
( → P. 9 2 )
Electrical malfunction may cause the airbag s to deploy or not function properly,
resulting in death or serious injury.
GS_U_G.book Page 410 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

411
4-1. Maintenance and care
4
Maintenance and care
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
NOTICE
■Cleaning detergents
Do not use the following types of detergent, as they may discolor the vehicle inte-
rior or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces.
●Non-seat portions: Organic substances su ch as benzene or gasoline, alkaline or
acidic solutions, dye, or bleach.
●Seats: Acidic solutions, such as thinner, benzene, or alcohol.
■Preventing damage to leather surfaces
Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration of leather
surfaces.
●Remove any dust or dirt on leather surfaces immediately.
●Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended pe riods of time. Park
the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.
●Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or that contain wax on the upholstery, as
they may stick to the leather surface if th e vehicle interior heats up significantly.
■Water on the floor
Do not wash the vehicle floor with water.
Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes into
contact with electrical components under the floor of the vehicle, and may also
cause the body to rust.
■Cleaning the inside of the rear window
●Do not use glass cleaner to clean the re ar window, as this may cause damage to
the rear window defogger heater wire s. Use a cloth dampened with lukewarm
water to gently wipe the window clean. Wipe the window in strokes running par-
allel to the heater wires.
●Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires or antenna.
GS_U_G.book Page 411 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

412
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
4-2. Maintenance
Maintenance requirements
■Repair and replacement
It is recommended that genuine Lexus parts be used for repair to ensure perfor-
mance of each system. If non-Lexus parts are used in replacement or if a repair
shop other than a Lexus dealer performs repairs, confirm the warranty coverage.
To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and regular main-
tenance is essential. It is the owne r’s responsibility to perform regular
checks. Lexus recommends the following maintenance.
■ General maintenance
Should be performed on a daily ba sis. This can be done by yourself
or by a Lexus dealer.
■ Scheduled maintenance
Should be performed at specified intervals according to the mainte-
nance schedule.
For details about maintenance items and schedules, refer to the “War-
ranty and Services Guide/Owner’ s Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenance”.
■ Do-it-yourself maintenance
You can perform some maintenance procedures yourself.
Please be aware that do-it-your self maintenance may affect war-
ranty coverage.
The use of Lexus Repair Manuals is recommended.
For details about warranty coverage, see the separate “Owner’s Guide”,
“Warranty and Services Guide”, “Owner’s Manual Supplement” or
“Warranty Booklet”.
GS_U_G.book Page 412 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

413
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
■Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Lexus dealer
●Lexus technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date with the
latest service information. They are well informed about the operations of all
systems on your vehicle.
●Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has been
performed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise while your
vehicle is under warranty, your Lexus de aler will promptly take care of it.
CAUTION
■If your vehicle is not properly maintained
It could result in serious damage to the vehicle and possible serious injury or death.
■Hazardous materials
●Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile com-
ponents contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause can-
cer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a well ventilated area.
●Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by compo-
nent wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid exposure and wash
any affected area immediately.
●12 volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after
handling. ( →P. 434)
●Used engine oil contains chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer in lab-
oratory animals. Avoid prolonged and repeated contact. Always protect your
skin by washing thorough ly with soap and water.
GS_U_G.book Page 413 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

414
4-2. Maintenance
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluid• At the correct level? (→P. 4 3 3 )
Engine coolant• At the correct level? ( →P. 4 3 1 )
Engine oil• At the correct level? ( →P. 4 2 7 )
Exhaust system• No fumes or strange sounds?
Radiator/condenser/hoses• Not blocked with foreign matter?
(→P. 4 3 2 )
Wa s h e r f l u i d• At the correct level? ( →P. 4 3 7 )
12 volt battery• Maintenance-free (→ P. 4 3 4 )
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed
at the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Services Guide/Owner’s
Manual Supplement”. It is recomme nded that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service
shop for advice.
GS_U_G.book Page 414 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

415
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• Moves smoothly (without uneven pedal effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission
“Park” mechanism• Can the vehicle be hold securely on an incline with the shift lever in “P”?
Brake pedal
• Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clearance and correct amount of free play?
Brakes
• Pulls to one side when applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints• Move smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Function properly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly? ( →P. 4 8 5 )
Pa r k i n g b r a ke
• Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on an
incline?
Seat belts
• Does the seat belt system operate smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?
GS_U_G.book Page 415 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

416
4-2. Maintenance
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
Vehicle exterior
ItemsCheck points
Doors/trunk• Operate smoothly?
Engine hood• The lock system works properly?
Fluid leaks• Is there any leakage after parking?
Ti r e
• Inflation pressure is correct?
• Tire surfaces not worn or dam-aged?
• Tires rotated according to the
maintenance schedule?
• Wheel nuts are not loose?
CAUTION
■If the engine is running
Turn off the engine and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before performing
maintenance checks.
GS_U_G.book Page 416 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

417
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
Emission 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 oper-
ation of the emission control system.
■ If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in
the emission control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test
and may need to be repaired. Contact your Lexus dealer to service
the vehicle.
■ Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test:
●When the 12 volt battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are set during ordinary driving are erased.
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes may
not be completely set.
● When the fuel tank cap is loose
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on as a temporary mal-
function and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
■ When the malfunction indicator la mp goes off after several driv-
ing trips
The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the
vehicle is driven 40 or more times.
■ If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test
Contact your Lexus dealer to prep are the vehicle for re-testing.
GS_U_G.book Page 417 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

418
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct proce-
dure given in these sections.
ItemsPa r t s a n d t o o l s
12 volt battery condition (→P. 4 3 4)
•Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level (→ P. 4 3 3 )
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
•Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine coolant level (→P. 4 3 1 )
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high quality ethylene gly-
col based non-silicate, non-amine,
non-nitrite and non-borate coolant
with long-life hybrid organic acid
technology.
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
is pre-mixed with 50% coolant and
50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
is pre-mixed with 55% coolant and
45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding cool- ant)
GS_U_G.book Page 418 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

419
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
ItemsPa r t s a n d t o o l s
Engine oil level (→P. 4 2 7 )
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel, funnel (used
only for adding engine oil)
Fuses (→ P. 4 6 0 )• Fuse with same amperage rating as
original
Headlight aim ( →P. 4 8 5 )• Phillips-head screwdriver
Radiator and condenser (→P. 4 3 2 )
Tire inflation pressure ( →P. 4 4 8 )• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Wa s h e r f l u i d ( →P. 4 3 7 )
• Water washer fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter use)
•Funnel
GS_U_G.book Page 419 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM