coolant temperature Lexus GS350 2012 Owner's Manual

992. Instrument cluster
2
Instrument cluster
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Gauges and meters
The units used on the speedometer may differ depending on the target
region.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature
Tachometer
Displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute
ECO lamp and SPORT lamp
Changes colors according to driving mode
Multi-information display
Presents the driver with a variety of driving-related data (P. 102)
Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank
Shift position and shift range
Displays the selected shift position or selected shift range (P. 214)
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2 2. Instrument cluster
Instrument cluster
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
The meters and display illuminate when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
Instrument panel brightness adjustment
The instrument panel brightness levels when the tail lights are on and off can
be adjusted individually. However, when the surroundings are bright (day-
time, etc.), turning on the tail lights will not change the instrument panel
brightness.
Limitation of brightness adjustment
The brightness of the instrument panel lights is automatically adjusted based
on the light sensor detecting how bright the surroundings are. However, if the
instrument panel brightness has been manually set to either the brightest or
darkest setting, the automatic adjustment will not be performed.
ECO lamp and SPORT lamp
When sport mode is selected, SPORT lamp (red) will illuminate.
When all of the following conditions are satisfied and Eco-friendly driving,
ECO lamp (blue) will illuminate. (ECO lamp will become brighter the more
Eco-friendly driving you perform. Also, while the acceleration exceeds
Zone of Eco driving, ECO lamp turns off. (P. 109) However, when Eco
drive mode is selected, while the acceleration exceeds Zone of Eco driving,
ECO lamp does not turn off.):
• Driving with the shift lever in D
• Paddle shift switch is not operated.
• Either normal mode or Eco drive mode is selected.
• The vehicle speed is approximately 130 km/h (80 mph) or below.
Customization
Settings (e.g. on/off operation of ECO lamp) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 857)
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the engine and its components
Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which
indicates the maximum engine speed.
The engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is
in the red zone (H). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
place, and check the engine after it has cooled completely. (P. 829)

2084-1. Before driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30C (85F) may result in the engine overheating. If
the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the
road and stop the vehicle in a safe place. (P. 829)
When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle
and trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever
to P.
CAUTION
To avoid accident or injury
Do not tow a trailer when the compact spare tire is installed on your vehi-
cle.
Do not tow the vehicle when the tire installed is repaired with the emer-
gency tire puncture repair kit.
Vehicle speed in towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.
Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while
descending steep or long downhill grades.
Operation of the brake pedal
Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods of time.
Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects.
NOTICE
For vehicles with an emergency tire puncture repair kit (if equipped)
Do not tow anything if a tire that has been repaired using the emergency tire
puncture repair kit is installed. The load on the tire may cause unexpected
damage to the tire.

2204-2. Driving procedures
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)When in the M position, the gear will not change unless the shift
lever or paddle shift switches are operated.
However, even when in the M position, the gears will be auto-
matically changed in the following situation:
When vehicle speed drops (downshift only).
When the automatic transmission fluid or engine coolant tem-
perature is low.
When automatic transmission fluid temperature is high.
When the needle of the tachometer is in the red zone (the range
which exceeds the allowable revs of the engine).
In the following situations, the gear will not shift even if the shift
lever or paddle shift switches are operated.
“1st Gear not available due to slippery road surface” is dis-
played on the multi information display.
The vehicle speed is low (upshift only).

6526-2. Maintenance
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Where to go for service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition, Lexus rec-
ommends that all repairs and service operations be carried out by authorized
Lexus dealers or repairers or other duly qualified and equipped professionals.
For repairs and services covered by your warranty, please visit an authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, who will use genuine Lexus parts in repairing any
difficulties you may encounter. There can also be advantages in utilizing
authorized Lexus dealers or repairers for non-warranty repairs and services,
as members of the Lexus network will be able to expertly assist you with any
difficulties you may encounter.
Your Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional will perform all of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle reliably
and economically due to their experience with Lexus vehicles.
Does your vehicle need repairs?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs
that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:
Engine missing, stumbling or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air condi-
tioning system after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide
leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked
immediately.)
Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when driven straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension movement
Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost
touches the floor, vehicle pulls to one side when braking
Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal (P. 9 9 )
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as
soon as possible. Your vehicle may need adjustment or repair.

665 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and
“LOW” lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line. (P. 829)
Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality eth-
ylene glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate cool-
ant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50%
deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -35C [-31F])
For more details about engine coolant, contact any authorized Lexus dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant reservoir caps, drain cock
and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
other duly qualified and equipped professional, test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
Engine coolant
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7 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
When trouble arises
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
If you think something is wrong
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.
Changes in exhaust sound
Excessive tire squeal when cornering
Strange noises related to the suspension system
Pinging or other noises related to the engine
Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly
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, spongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle proba-
bly needs adjustment or repair. Contact any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional as soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms

8307-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
If your vehicle overheats
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air conditioning
system.
Check to see if steam is coming out from under the hood.
If you see steam:
Stop the engine. Carefully lift the hood after the steam subsides
and then restart the engine.
If you do not see steam:
Leave the engine running and carefully lift the hood.
Check to see if the cooling fan is operating.
If the fan is operating:
Wait until the temperature of the engine (shown on the instru-
ment panel) begins to fall and then stop the engine.
If the fan is not operating:
Stop the engine immediately and call any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.
After the engine has cooled
down sufficiently, check the
engine coolant level and
inspect the radiator core (radi-
ator) for any leaks.
If the engine compartment cover
needs to be removed: P. 6 6 1
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8317-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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When trouble arises
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)Add engine coolant if neces-
sary.
Water can be used in an emergency
if engine coolant is unavailable.
(P. 847)
Have the vehicle inspected at the nearest authorized Lexus dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as
soon as possible.
Overheating
If you observe the following, your vehicle may be overheating:
The engine coolant temperature gauge enters the red zone or a loss of power
is experienced.
Steam comes out from under the hood.
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CAUTION
When inspecting under the hood of your vehicle
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in serious injury such as burns.
If steam is seen coming from under the hood, do not open the hood until
the steam has subsided. The engine compartment may be very hot.
Keep hands and clothing away from the fans, etc. while the engine is oper-
ating.
Do not loosen the radiator cap while the
engine and radiator are hot.
High temperature steam or coolant
could spray out.

880Alphabetical index
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Eco drive mode .........................328
Eco Driving Indicator ........109, 114
Electric Power Steering (EPS) ..334
Function ................................334
Warning light........................751
Warning message..................762
Electronic key............................118
Battery-saving function ........129
If the electronic key does not
operate properly .................822
Replacing the battery ............697
Emergency, in case of
If the battery is discharged ...825
If the electronic key does not
operate properly .................822
If the engine will not start.....816
If the parking brake cannot
be released ..........................819
If the shift lever cannot be
shifted from P .....................818
If the warning buzzer sounds749
If the warning light turns on .749
If the warning message is
displayed ............................757
If you have a flat tire ....783, 798
If you think something
is wrong ..............................747
If your vehicle becomes stuck ....
833
If your vehicle has to be
stopped in an emergency ....739
If your vehicle needs to
be towed .............................740
If your vehicle overheats ......830Emergency brake signal ........... 334
Emergency flashers .................. 738
Emergency tire puncture
repair kit ................................. 798
Engine....................................... 838
Accessory mode................... 208
Compartment ....................... 660
Engine switch ...................... 207
Hood .................................... 657
How to start the engine ........ 207
Identification number .......... 837
If the engine will not start .... 816
Ignition switch
(engine switch) .................. 207
Overheating ......................... 830
Engine compartment cover....... 661
Engine coolant .......................... 665
Capacity ............................... 847
Checking .............................. 665
Preparing and checking
before winter ..................... 359
Engine coolant temperature
gauge ........................................ 99
Engine immobilizer system ........ 80
Engine oil ................................. 662
Capacity ............................... 839
Checking .............................. 662
Oil level warning message... 766
Oil pressure warning
message ............................. 758
Preparing and checking
before winter ..................... 359
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