engine coolant Lexus GX460 2012 User Guide

617
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
■If the coolant level drops within a short time after 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.
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the radiator cap.
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 the 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 damage to parts or paint.

5
When trouble arises
683
5-1. Essential information
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
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 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, sp ongy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor

744
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
If your vehicle overheats
If the engine overheats:
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the automatic 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 sub-
sides 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 engine coolant temperature gauge begins to
fall and then stop the engine.
If the fan is not operating: Stop the engine and call your local Lexus dealer.STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

5
When trouble arises
745
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
After the engine has cooled
down sufficiently, check the
coolant level and inspect the
radiator core (radiator) for any
leaks.
If the engine cover needs to be
removed. (→P. 6 1 0 )
Add engine coolant if required.
Water can be used as an emer-
gency measure if engine coolant
is unavailable. ( →P. 7 5 7 )
Have the vehicle checked at your nearest Lexus dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
STEP4
STEP5

746
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
■Overheating
In the following situations, your vehicle may be overheating:
●The engine coolant temperature gauge enters the red zone or a loss of power is
experienced.
●Steam is coming from under the hood.
CAUTION
■To prevent an accident or injury when inspecting under the hood of your vehicle
●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, causing serious
injury such as burns.
●Keep hands and clothing away from the fan and engine drive belt while the
engine is running.
●Do not loosen the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are hot.
Serious injury, such as burns, may result from hot coolant and steam released
under pressure.
NOTICE
■When adding engine coolant
Wait until the engine has cooled down before adding coolant.
When adding coolant, do so slowly. Adding cold coolant to a hot engine too quickly
can cause damage to the engine.

774
6-1. Specifications
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
Glossary of tire terminology
Tire related termMeaning
Cold tire inflation
pressureTire pressure when the vehicle has been parked for
three hours or more, or has not been driven more
than 1 mile or 1.5 km under that condition
Maximum inflation pres-
sureThe maximum cold inflated pressure to which a tire
may be inflated, shown on the sidewall of the tire
Recommended inflation
pressureCold tire inflation pressure recommended by a man-
ufacturer
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those standard
items which may be replaced) of automatic trans-
mission, power steering, power brakes, power win-
dows, power seats, radio and heater, to the extent
that these items are available as factory-installed
equipment (whether installed or not)
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard equip-
ment, including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil
and coolant, and if so equipped, air conditioning and
additional weight optional engine
Maximum loaded
vehicle weight
The sum of:
(a) Curb weight
(b) Accessory weight
(c) Vehicle capacity weight
(d) Production options weight

823
Alphabetical index
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
Electronic keyIf the electronic key does not
operate properly ............................ 739
Emergency, in case of
If the electronic key does not operate properly ............................ 739
If the engine will not start ............... 735
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P.................................... 737
If the vehicle has discharged
battery.................................................... 741
If the warning buzzer sounds..... 688
If the warning light turns on ......... 688
If the warning message is
displayed ............................................ 700
If you have a flat tire .......................... 721
If you lose your keys ........................ 738
If you think something is
wrong...................................................683
If your vehicle becomes stuck .....747
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency ......... 749
If your vehicle needs to be towed ....................................................677
If your vehicle overheats.................744
Emergency flashers
Switch ...................................................... 676 Engine
Accessory mode..................................179
Compartment..................................... 609
Engine switch .........................................179
Hood ....................................................... 608
How to start the engine ....................179
Identification number .......................753
If the engine will not start................735
Ignition switch ........................................179
Overheating ......................................... 744
Engine compartment cover .............. 610
Engine coolant Capacity ................................................. 757
Checking ................................................ 616
Preparing and checking before winter ................................... 366
Engine coolant temperature gauge....................................................... 195
Engine immobilizer system..................115
Engine oil Capacity .................................................755
Checking .................................................. 611
Preparing and checking before winter ................................... 366
Engine oil maintenance data............. 613
Engine switch ...........................................179
Engine switch light................................. 519
Event data recorder ........................... 685E
*: For vehicles with a navigation system, refer to the “Navigation System Owner’s Manual”.

832
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
What to do if...
What to do if...
A tire puncturesP. 7 2 1If you have a flat tire
The engine does not start
P. 1 1 5Engine immobilizer system
P. 7 3 5If the engine will not start
P. 74 1If the vehicle battery is discharged
The shift lever cannot be
moved outP. 7 3 7If the shift lever cannot be shifted
from “P”
The engine coolant temperature
gauge enters the red zone
Steam can be seen coming
from under the hood
P. 74 4If your vehicle overheats
The key is lostP. 7 3 8If you lose your keys
The battery is dischargedP. 74 1If the vehicle battery is discharged
The doors cannot be lockedP. 5 0Side doors
P. 5 3Back door
The horn begins to soundP. 1 1 7Alarm
The vehicle is stuck in mud or
sandP. 74 7If the vehicle becomes stuck