checking oil Lexus GS430 2006 Scheduled Maintenance Guide / LEXUS 2006 GS430/GS300 FROM JAN. 2005 PROD. OWNER'S MANUAL (OM30649U)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
87
Low Engine Oil Level Warning
G13022
When the engine oil level is too low, the master warning
light comes on, a warning tone sounds, and the above
message appears.
Add oil as soon as possible. (For instructions, see “Checking
the engine oil level” on page 522.)
While driving on steep inclines or rough roads which causes
the vehicle to substantially sway or on curves, this message
may appear due to the movement of engine oil in the engine.
In normal conditions, due to engine oil consumption, this
message may a ppear earlier than the specified service interval
of the scheduled maintenance. This is because the engine oil
is consumed to the low level within the scheduled maintenance
interval and does not indicate a problem. (For detailed
information, see “Facts about engine oil consumption” on page
520.)
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oil will
damage the engine.
 Engine Oil Maintenance Reset Warning (U.S.A.
only)
G13033
This message indicates that the engine oil maintenance
data has been reset. After replacing the engine oil, be sure
to reset the maintenance data.
To reset the data, perform the following operations:
1. Push the “ODO TRIP” switch in the switch box to
change the display to blank.
2. Turn the engine switch off.
3. Turn the engine switch on with the trip meter “RESET”
switch held down.
4. Keep pushing the “RESET” switch for longer than 7
seconds after the engine switch is turned on.
After the above operation, the master warning light comes
on, a warning tone sounds and the above message
appears to inform you that the engine oil maintenance
data has been reset.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
88
Engine Oil Replacement Reminder (U.S.A. only)
G13035
If the driving range exceeds 4,500 miles after the engine
oil maintenance data is reset, the master warning light
comes on, a warning tone sounds and the above message
appears for about 15 seconds when you select the engine
switch in “IGON” mode.
This message indicates that the engine oil should be replaced
soon. If the message appears, it is recommended to inspect
the engine oil with the engine switch off. For details about
inspection, see “Checking the engine oil level” on page 522.
If the engine oil level is low, engine oil should be replaced.
Have it replaced at your Lexus dealer.
After the engine oil replacement, reset the engine oil
maintenance data and make sure the “OIL MAINT RESET”
appears on the display.
NOTICE
The warning message on the display is based on the
driving range after the engine oil maintenance data
reset. This is not based on the monitoring of dirty
condition of the engine oil.
 Engine Oil Replacement Warning (U.S.A. only)
G13034
If the driving range exceeds 5,000 miles after the engine
oil maintenance data is reset, the master warning light
comes on, a warning tone sounds and the above message
appears.
This message indicates that the engine oil should be replaced
as soon as possible. If the message appears, it is
recommended to inspect the engine oil with the ignition off. For
details about inspection, see “Checking the engine oil level” on
page 522.
If the engine oil level is low, engine oil should be replaced.
Have it replaced at your Lexus dealer.
After the engine oil replacement, reset the engine oil
maintenance data and make sure the “OIL MAINT RESET”
appears on the display.
NOTICE
The warning message on the display is based on the
driving range after the engine oil maintenance data
reset. This is not based on the monitoring of dirty
condition of the engine oil.

DRIVING TIPS
452
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure your coolant is properly protected against
freezing.
Only use ”Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high
quality ethylene glycol based non−silicate, non −amine,
non− nitrite, and non −borate coolant with long −life hybrid
organic acid technology. (Coolant with long −life hybrid organic
acid technology is a combination of low phosphates and
organic acids.)
See “Checking the engine coolant level” on page 527 for
details of coolant type selection.
For the U.S.A.—“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture
of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. This coolant
provides protection down to about −35C (− 31F).
For Canada—“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of
55% coolant and 45% deionized water. This coolant provides
protection down to about −42C (− 44F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in top shape to pr ovide enough power for winter
starting. Page 571 tells you how to visually inspect the battery.
Your Lexus dealer and most service stations will be pleased to
check the battery charge level. Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
See page 525 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy
summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Lexus dealer
− they will be pleased to help.
Check the electronic ignition system for loose
connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de −icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto
parts stores. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute
because it may damage your vehicle’s paint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility
it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ”P” and block the front
wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water
accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism may
freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release.

MAINTENANCE
495
Accelerator pedal
Check
the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal ef fort
or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and free play. Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
In a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the pedal has the proper travel and that, on a safe
incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.
Automatic transmission ”Park” mechanism
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in ”P” position and all brakes released.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to time,
unless otherwise specified.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary. Fluid leaks
Check
underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid after
the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes
or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected
immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors, including trunk lid, operate smoothly and
all latches lock securely. Make sure the engine hood
secondary latch secures the hood when the primary latch is
released.
Tire inflation pressure
Check the tire inflation pressure with a gauge every two
weeks, or at least once a month and adjust as shown on
the tire and loading information label. See page 539 for
additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive
wear. See page 554 for additional information.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the maintenance schedule.
(For scheduled maintenance information, please refer to
the “Owner’s Manual Supplement / Scheduled
Maintenance”.) See page 554 for additional information.

INTRODUCTION
508
PARTS AND TOOLS
Here is a list of parts and tools you will need to perform
do−it−yourself maintenance. Remember all Lexus parts are
designed in metric sizes, so your tools must be metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
Oil grade: API grade SL “Energy −Conserving” or ILSAC
multigrade engine oil. For recommended oil viscosity, see
page 525.
Tools:
 Rag or paper towel
 Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
”Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality
ethylene glycol based non −silicate, non −amine, non −nitrite,
and non −borate coolant with long −life hybrid organic acid
technology.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50%
coolant and 50% deionized water (for the U.S.A.) or 55% of
coolant and 45% deionized water (for Canada).
Tools:
 Funnel (only for adding coolant)
Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Tools:
 Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking battery condition
Tools:
Warm water
 Baking soda
 Grease
 Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)

SECTION 6 – 2
511
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications (GS430)512
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications (GS300) 515
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 518
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 520
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption 520
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil 522
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 522
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 527
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 529
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 529
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . .

ENGINE
521
The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the
viscosity of the oil, the quality of the oil and the way the
vehicle is driven.
More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high
speeds and frequent acceleration and deceleration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since its pistons, piston rings
and cylinder walls have not become conditioned.
Oil consumption: Max. 1.0 L per 1000 km (1.1 qt./600 miles,
0.9 lmp·qt./600 miles).
When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in
mind that the oil may have become diluted, making it
difficult to judge the true level accurately.
For example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips and
consumes a normal amount of oil, the dipstick may not show
any drop in the oil level at all, even after 1000 km (600 miles)
or more. This is because
the oil is gradually becoming diluted
with fuel or moisture, making it appear that the oil level has not
changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle is then
driven at high speeds, as on an expressway, making it appear
that oil is excessively consumed after driving at high speeds.
Importance of engine oil level check
One of the most important points in proper vehicle
maintenance is to keep the engine oil at the optimum level so
that oil function will not be impaired. Therefore, it is essential
that the oil level be checked regularly. Lexus recommends that
the oil level be checked every time you refuel the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly could lead to
serious engine trouble due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check, see ”Checking the
engine oil level” on page 522.

ENGINE
522
USED ENGINE OIL
CAUTION
Used engine oil contains potentially harmful
contaminants which may cause skin disorders such
as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should be
taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact with
it. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash
thoroughly with soap and water.
 Do not leave used oil within the reach of children.
 Dispose of used oil and used oil filters only in a safe
and acceptable manner. Do not dispose of used oil
and used oil filters in household trash, in sewers or
onto the ground. Call your Lexus dealer or a service
station for information concerning recycling or
disposal.
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
G62001
 GS430
G62002
GS300
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off,
check the oil level on the dipstick.

ENGINE
524
G62006
GS300 (fourwheel drive models)
1
Add oil 2O.K. 3Too full
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level while holding a
rag under the end. If it is between the full level mark (
5 ) and
the low level mark ( 4 ), it is O.K.
NOTICE
Be careful not to drop engine oil on the vehicle
components.
G62003
GS430 GS300
If the oil level is below or only slightly above the low level
mark, add engine oil of the same type as already in the
engine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine oil a little at a time,
checking the dipstick. We recommend that you use a funnel
when adding oil. The approximate quantity of oil needed to
raise the level between low and full on the dipstick is indicated
as follows:
1.5 L (1.6 qt., 1.3 lmp. qt.)
For the engine oil capacity, see “Specifications” on pages 512
and 515.
When the level reaches within the correct range, return the
filler cap and turn the cap clockwise until you hear a click.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
572
If electrolyte gets on your skin, thoroughly wash the
contacted area. If you feel a pain or burn, get medical
attention immediately.
 If electrolyte gets on your clothes, there is a
possibility of its soaking through to your skin, so
immediately take off the exposed clothing and follow
the procedure above, if necessary.
 If you accidentally swallow electrolyte, drink a large
quantity of water or milk. Follow with milk of
magnesia, beaten raw egg or vegetable oil. Then go
immediately for emergency help.Checking battery exterior
G64008
 1 Terminals 2Holddown clamp
Check the battery for corroded or loose connections,
cracks, or loose holddown clamps.
1. If the battery is corroded, wash it off with a solution of warm
water and baking soda. Coat the terminals with grease to
prevent further corrosion.
2. If the connections are loose, tighten the clamp bolts − but do
not overtighten.
3. Tighten the hold −down clamp only e nough to keep the
battery firmly in place. Overtightening may damage the battery
case.