brake fluid Lexus GS350 2011 Owner's Manual

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2-1. Driving procedures
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
NOTICE
■If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
●The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
●The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one. ( →P. 560)
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause the
following serious damage to the vehicle.
●Engine stalling
●Short in electrical components
●Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure to
have your Lexus dealer check the following.
●Brake function
●Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, automatic
transmission, transfer (4WD models), differentials, etc.
●Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints (where
possible) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

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2-1. Driving procedures
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
■Shift ranges and their functions
●You can choose from 8 levels (GS460) or 6 levels (GS350) of
engine braking force.
● A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking force than a
higher shift range, and the engine revolutions will also increase.
● If you accelerate while in ranges “1” to “7” (GS460) or “1” to “5”
(GS350), the shift range may automatically range up in accordance
with the vehicle’s speed.
● A higher shift range is automatically selected when the automatic
transmission fluid temperature is high.
■“S” mode
●When the shift range is “6” (GS460) or “4” (GS350) or lower, holding the shift
lever toward “+” sets the shift range to “8” (GS460) or “6” (GS350).
●To prevent the engine from over-revving, upshifting may automatically occur.
■Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer (in the “S” mode)
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possible even
when the shift lever is operated. (The warning buzzer will sound twice.)
■When driving with the cruise control syst em (or dynamic radar cruise control sys-
tem)
The engine brake will not operate in the “S” mode, even when downshifting to “7”,
“6”, “5” or “4” (GS460) or “5” or “4” (GS350). ( →P. 165, 169)
■Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is
turned to ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode after driving in snow mode.
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from “P”
→ P. 5 6 9

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2-5. Driving information
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
■Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific gravity of
battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
■ Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe
away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumulated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that
may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.

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4-2. Maintenance
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluid• At the correct level? (→P. 4 5 7 )
Engine coolant• At the correct level? ( →P. 4 5 5 )
Engine oil• At the correct level? ( →P. 4 5 1 )
Exhaust system• No fumes or strange sounds?
Radiator/condenser/hoses• Not blocked with foreign matter?
(→ P. 4 5 7 )
Wa s h e r f l u i d• At the correct level? ( →P. 4 6 2 )
12 volt battery•Maintenance-free ( →P. 4 5 9 )
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 recommended that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service
shop for advice.

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GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
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.
ItemsParts and tools
12 volt battery condition ( →P. 4 5 9)
•Grease
•Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level (→ P. 4 5 7 )
• 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 5 5 )
• “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)

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
Engine compartment
GS460
Engine oil level dipstick(→P. 4 5 1 )
Engine oil filler cap (→P. 4 5 2 )
Brake fluid reservoir (→P. 4 5 7 )
Fuse box ( →P. 484)
Washer fluid tank ( →P. 4 6 2 )Engine coolant reservoir
(→P. 455)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( →P. 4 5 7 )
Radiator ( →P. 4 5 7 )
Fuse box ( →P. 4 8 4 )
12 volt battery ( →P. 4 5 9 )

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
GS350
Engine oil level dipstick(→P. 4 5 1 )
Engine oil filler cap (→P. 4 5 2 )
Brake fluid reservoir (→P. 4 5 7 )
Fuse box ( →P. 484)
Washer fluid tank ( →P. 4 6 2 )Engine coolant reservoir
(→P. 455)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( →P. 4 5 7 )
Radiator ( →P. 4 5 7 )
Fuse box ( →P. 4 8 4 )
12 volt battery ( →P. 4 5 9 )

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
Radiator and condenserCheck 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

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
■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.
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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5-1. Essential information
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably needs
adjustment or repair. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
■Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points
higher than normal
■ Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine
■ Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, sp ongy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor