Lexus GS350 2014 Using the air conditioning system and defogger / LEXUS 2014 GS350 OWNERS MANUAL (OM30D41U)

GS350_OM_OM30D41U_(U)
6316-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■Checking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine and
turning it off, wait more than 5 m inutes for the oil to drain back into
the bottom of the engine.
Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check the oil
level.
Low
Normal
Excessive
The shape of the dipstick ma y differ depending on the type of vehicle or engine.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
Engine oil
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
Flat dipstickNon-flat dipstick
6

632
GS350_OM_OM30D41U_(U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near the
low level mark, add engine oil of
the same type as that already in
the engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before
adding oil.
Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.
■Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be cons umed while driving. In the following situa-
tions, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be refilled in
between oil maintenance intervals.
●When the engine is new, for example direct ly after purchasing the vehicle or after
replacing the engine
●If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used
●When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, or when driving while
accelerating or decelerating frequently
●When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently through
heavy traffic
Engine oil selection P. 7 7 1
Oil quantity (Low  Full) 1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp.qt.)
Items Clean funnel
1
2
3

GS350_OM_OM30D41U_(U)
6336-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■Used engine oil
●Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin
disorders such as inflammation and skin cancer, so care should be taken to avoid
prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash
thoroughly with soap and water.
●Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do not dis-
pose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the ground.
Call your Lexus dealer, service station or auto parts store for information con-
cerning recycling or disposal.
●Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
■When replacing the engine oil
●Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
●Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
●Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
●Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

634
GS350_OM_OM30D41U_(U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir wh en 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. 76 1 )
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene glycol
based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with long-life
hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized
water. (Minimum temperature: -31 F [-35C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized
water. (Minimum temperature: -44 F [-42C])
For more details about engine coolant, contact your Lexus dealer.
■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 your Lexus dealer test the cap and check for leaks in
the cooling system.
Engine coolant
1
2
3

GS350_OM_OM30D41U_(U)
6356-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap or the coolant inlet cap.(P. 76 3 )
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.

636
GS350_OM_OM30D41U_(U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts is extremely dirty or you are not sure of their
condition, have your vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
Radiator and condenser
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause serious inju-
ries, such as burns.

GS350_OM_OM30D41U_(U)
6376-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary item.
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency.
Use only newly opened brake fluid.
Brake fluid
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damage painted sur-
faces. If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area 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 out
or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refil ling, there may be a serious problem.

638
GS350_OM_OM30D41U_(U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Check the battery as follows.
■Battery exterior
Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that there
are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
■Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Therefore, observe the following before recharging:
●If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect the
ground cable.
●Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and discon-
necting the charger ca bles to the battery.
Battery
1
2

GS350_OM_OM30D41U_(U)
6396-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
■After recharging/reconnecting the battery
The engine may not start. Follow the procedure below to initialize the system.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Open and close any of the doors.
Restart the engine.
●Unlocking the doors using the smart access system with push-button start may not
be possible immediately after reconnecting the battery. If this happens, use the
wireless remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.
●Start the engine with the engine switch in ACCESSORY mode. The engine may
not start with the engine switch turned off. However, the engine will operate nor-
mally from the second attempt.
●The engine switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the battery is reconnected,
the vehicle will return the engine switch mo de to the status it was in before the bat-
tery was disconnected. Make sure to turn off the engine before disconnect the bat-
tery. Take extra care when connecting the ba ttery if the engine switch mode prior
to discharge is unknown.
If the engine will not start even after mult iple attempts at both methods, contact your
Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■Chemicals in the battery
Batteries contain poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce hydro-
gen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death or serious
injury, take the following precautions while working on or near the battery:
●Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.
●Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
●Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
●Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
●Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.
●Keep children away from the battery.
1
2
3

640
GS350_OM_OM30D41U_(U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
■Where to safely charge the battery
Always charge the battery in an open area. Do not charge the battery in a garage
or closed room where there is insufficient ventilation.
■How to recharge the battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The battery may explode if charged at a
quicker rate.
■Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
●If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immediate medi-
cal attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or cloth while
traveling to the nearest medical facility.
●If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical atten-
tion immediately.
●If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the clothing and
follow the procedure above if necessary.
●If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk . Get emergency medical attention imme-
diately.
NOTICE
■When recharging the battery
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also, be sure all accesso-
ries are turned off.