engine coolant 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).

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4 4-6. Driving tips
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Winter driving tips
Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.
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 specified size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on the 19 inch tires.
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driv-
ing the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner
appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter

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.

6546-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the cor-
rect procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition (P. 667)
•Warm water
• Baking soda
•Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
• Distilled water
Engine coolant level (P. 665)
•“To y o t a Super Long Life Cool-
ant” or a similar high quality eth-
ylene glycol-based non-silicate,
non-amine, non-nitrite and non-
borate coolant with long-life
hybrid organic acid technology
“Toyota Super Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed with 50% cool-
ant and 50% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding
coolant)
Engine oil level (P. 662)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding
engine oil)
Fuses (P. 700)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original

6606-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Engine compartment
For right-hand drive vehicles:
The battery and the fuse box in front of the battery are located on the oppo-
site side of the engine compartment.
Fuse boxes (P. 700)
Battery (P. 667)
Engine oil level dipstick
(P. 662)
Engine coolant reservoir
(P. 665)Engine oil filler cap
(P. 663)
Washer fluid tank (P. 671)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser (P. 667)
Radiator (P. 667)1
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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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6666-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
CAUTION
When the engine is hot
Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap or the radiator cap. (P.
830)
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging parts or paint.