checking oil Lexus GX470 2006 Engine / LEXUS 2006 GX470 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM60B99U)

DRIVING TIPS
404
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 514 for
details of coolant type selection.
For the U.S.A. — “T oyota 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 provide enough power for winter
starting. Page 551 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 513 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.

MAINTENANCE
487
Brakes
In a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the lever 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
Check the lock release button of the selector lever for proper
and smooth operation. 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.
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 side doors and back door, 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 pressure with a gauge every two weeks,
or at least once a month and adjust as shown on the
tire pressure label. See page 523 for additional
information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or
excessive wear. See page 538 for additional
information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts
for looseness. Tighten them if necessary.
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 537
for additional information.

INTRODUCTION
498
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
See page 513 for details about engine oil selection.
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 (Coolant with long −life hybrid organic acid
technology is a combination of low phosphates and organic
acids.)
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant
and 50% deionized water (for the U.S.A.) or 55% coolant
and 45% deionized water (for Canada). This coolant
provides protection down to about −35C (− 31F).
Tools:
 Funnel (only for adding coolant)

SECTION 6 – 2
501
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications502
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. . . . . .
Fuel 506
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 508
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption 509
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil 510
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 511
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 514
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 516
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 516
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. . . . . . . .

ENGINE
510
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” described below.
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.
 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.
 Do not leave used oil within the reach of children.

ENGINE
511
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off,
check the oil level on the dipstick.
1. To get a correct reading, the vehicle should be on level
ground. After turning off the engine, wait a few minutes for the
oil to drain back into the bottom of the engine.
2. Pull the dipstick out, hold a rag under the end and wipe it
clean.
3. Reinsert the dipstick and push it in as far as it will go, or the
reading will not be correct.
1Add oil2O.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 low level mark (
4) and
the full level mark (5), it is O.K.
NOTICE
Be careful not to drop engine oil on the vehicle
components.

ENGINE
512
If the oil level is below or only slightly above the low line,
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 line and full line on the dipstick is
indicated as follows:1.5 L (1.6 qt., 1.3 Imp. qt.)
For the engine oil capacity, see “Specifications” on page 518.
When the level reaches within the correct range, return the filler
cap and turn the cap clockwise until you hear a click.
NOTICE
 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 once again after
adding the oil.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
552
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 to 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
1Terminals2Holddown 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 enough to keep the
battery firmly in place. Overtightening may damage the battery
case.

GAS STATION INFORMATION
Fuel selection:
Select premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating
of 91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher for optimum
engine performance. However, if such premium type
cannot be obtained, you may temporarily use unleaded
gasoline with an Octane Rating as low as 87 (Research
Octane Number 91).
 Fuel tank capacity:
87 L (23 gal., 19.1 Imp. gal.)
 Engine oil:
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
Oil grade: ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended oil viscosity: SAE 5W −30
Oil capacity:
Drain and refill With filter 6.2 L (6.5 qt., 5.5 Imp. qt.)
Without filter 5.7 L (6.0 qt., 5.0 Imp. qt.)
See page 511 for detailed information. 
Engine coolant:
Capacity: 12.9 L (13.6 qt., 11.4 Imp. qt.)
Coolant type — “T oyota 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.)
Do not use plain water alone.
For checking the engine coolant, see page 514.
 Automatic transmission:
Fluid type — “Toyota Genuine ATF WS”
See page 519 for detailed information.
 Tire information:
See pages 523 through 544 for detailed information.
 Tire inflation pressure:
Tire size: P265/65R17 110S
Tire inflation pressure: 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)