brake fluid Lexus GX460 2012 Owner's Manual

178
2-1. Driving procedures
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
NOTICE
■Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for an
extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering pump.
●When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid damag-
ing the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
■If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
●The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.
●The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire ( →P. 7 2 1 )
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause the
following serious damage to the vehicle:
●Engine stalling
●Short in electrical components
●Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure to
have your Lexus dealer check the following:
●Brake function
●Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, transmission,
transfer, differentials, etc.
●Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints (where
possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

366
2-5. Driving information
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
■Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific gravity of
battery electrolyte.
● 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 same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
■ Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe
away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumulated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that
may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.

598
4-2. Maintenance
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryCheck the indicator and
connections. (→P. 6 2 3 )
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level?
(→ P. 6 1 9 )
Engine coolantIs the engine coolant at the correct
level? ( →P. 6 1 6 )
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level?
(→ P. 611)
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Power steering fluidIs the power steering fluid at the
correct level? ( →P. 6 2 1 )
Radiator/condenser
The radiator and condenser should
be free from foreign objects.
( →P. 6 1 8 )
Wa s h e r f l u i dIs there sufficient washer fluid?
(→ P. 6 2 7 )
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed
at the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Service Guide” or “Owner’s
Manual Supplement”. It is recommended that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service
shop for advice.

603
4
Maintenance and care
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct proce-
dure given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition ( →P. 6 2 3 )
•Warm water
• Baking soda
•Grease
•Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level (→ P. 6 1 9 )
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
•Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake
fluid)

609
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
Engine compartment
Engine coolant reservoir(→P. 6 1 6 )
Engine oil level dipstick (→P. 6 1 1 )
Engine oil filler cap (→P. 6 1 2 )
Brake fluid reservoir (→P. 6 1 9 )Fuse box ( →P. 6 4 7 )
Battery ( →P. 623)
Radiator ( →P. 6 1 8 )
Condenser ( →P. 6 1 8 )
Electric cooling fan
Washer fluid tank ( →P. 6 2 7 )
Power steering fluid reservoir (→P. 621)

619
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
Brake fluid■ 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.
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel

620
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency. Use
only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted
surfaces.
If fluid gets on 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 or
when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.

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

688
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer sounds...
Stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be
dangerous.
The following warning indicates a possible problem in the brake system.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer.
*: Parking brake engaged warning buzzer: A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven at a speed of approximately 3 mph (5
km/h) or more.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)

(Canada)
Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)*
•Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake system
This light also comes on when the parking brake is not
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is fully
released, the system is operating normally.
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights turn on or
flash. If a light turns on or flashes, but then turns off, this does not necessar-
ily indicate a malfunction in the system.

706
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
Wa r n i n g m e s s a g eDetailsCorrection procedure
Indicates that the parking
brake is still engagedIf the vehicle reaches a
speed of 3 mph
(5 km/h),
flashes and a buzzer
sounds to in dicate that
the parking brake is still
engaged.
Release the parking
brake.
Indicates that the washer
fluid level is lowAdd washer fluid.
(U.S.A. only)
Indicates that the engine
oil is scheduled to be
changed
Check the engine oil, and
change if necessary.
Comes on approximately
4500 miles (7200 km)
after the engine oil is
changed. (The indicator
will not work properly
unless the oil mainte-
nance data has been
reset.)