engine coolant Lexus IS F 2011 Owner's Manual

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
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Selecting gears in the M position
To enter M mode, shift the shift lever to the M position. Gears can
then be selected by operating the shift lever or paddle shift
switches, allowing you to drive in the gear of your choosing.
Upshifting
Downshifting
The gear changes once every
time the shift lever or paddle
shift switch is operated.
The selected gear, from 1 to 8,
will be displayed in the meter
cluster.
When in the M position, the gear will not change unless the shift
lever or paddle shift switches are operated.
However, even when in the M position, the gears will be automati-
cally changed in the following situations:
When vehicle speed drops (downshift only).
When the automatic transmission fluid or engine coolant tem-
perature is low.

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When driving
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2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters
The units used on the speedometer, tachometer gauge display and
multi-information display may differ depending on the model/type.
The following gauges, meters and display illuminate when the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature. If the temperature is too
high, the display will flash.
Engine oil temperature gauge
Displays the engine oil temperature. If the temperature is too high,
the display will flash.
Odometer and trip meter
Odometer: Displays the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
Trip meter:Displays the distance the vehicle has been driven since
the meter was last reset. Trip meters “A” and “B” can be
used to record and display different distances inde-
pendently.
Multi-information display
P. 167
Tachometer

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2-2. Instrument cluster
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When driving
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Changing units for the digital speedometer (right-hand drive vehicles only)
Units for the digital speedometer can be changed between km/h and mph by
pushing and holding the odometer/trip meter reset button while the odome-
ter is displayed. At this time, all the units for the multi-information display
will also change.
CAUTION
When the temperature of the display is extremely low
Allow the interior of the vehicle to warm up before using the shift position
and shift range/gear display. At extremely low temperatures, the display
may respond slowly, and display changes may be delayed.
For example, there is a lag between the driver’s downshifting and the new
gear number appearing on the display. In this case, wait until the display
changes and take care not to downshift again, causing rapid and excessive
engine braking and possibly an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the engine and its components
Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which
indicates the maximum engine speed.
The following may indicate that the engine is overheating. Immediately
stop the vehicle in a safe place. (P. 465)
• The display on the engine coolant temperature gauge flashes
• The display on the engine oil temperature gauge flashes

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2-5. Driving information
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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
temperatures.
• 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.
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and the same brand.
Tire chains cannot be installed on 19-inch tires. Use the
specified type of tire chains and install them on the rear
tires only. Before installing the tire chains, change all four
tires and wheels to those of the specified size (tires: 225/
40R18, wheels: 18x8JJ +45 offset). For details, contact any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly quali-
fied and equipped professional.
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 frozen. 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 chas-
sis

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4-2. Maintenance
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Where to go for service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the highest possible condition, Lexus
recommends that all repairs and service operations be carried out by autho-
rized Lexus dealers or repairers or other duly qualified and equipped profes-
sionals. For repairs and services covered by your warranty, please visit an
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, who will use genuine Lexus parts in
repairing any difficulties you may encounter. There can also be advantages
in utilizing authorized Lexus dealers or repairers for non-warranty repairs
and services, as members of the Lexus network will be able to expertly
assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional service department will perform all of the scheduled
maintenance on your vehicle - reliably and economically due to their experi-
ence with Lexus vehicles.
Does your vehicle need repair?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs
that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:
Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air
conditioning after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monox-
ide leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system
checked immediately.)
Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire
wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension movement
Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost
touches the floor, vehicle pulls to one side when braking
Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional, as
soon as possible. Your vehicle may need adjustment or repair.

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Maintenance and care
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct pro-
cedures as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition (P. 374)
•Warm water
• Baking soda
• Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Engine coolant level (P. 372)
• “Toyota Super Long Life Cool-
ant” or similar high-quality eth-
ylene glycol-based non-silicate,
non-amine, non-nitrite and non-
borate coolant with long-life
hybrid organic acid technology.
“Toyota Super Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed with 50%
coolant and 50% deionized
water.
• Funnel (used only for adding
engine coolant)
Engine oil levelP. 369)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel, funnel
(used only for adding engine
oil)
Fuses (P. 393)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original
Radiator and condenser

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
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CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
When working on the engine compartment:
Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the
engine compartment.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the battery.
Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
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.
When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille:
Be sure the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is OFF.
With the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in IGNITION ON mode, the
electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is
on and/or the coolant temperature is high. (P. 374)
CAUTION
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting in the eyes.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Engine compartment
*: For right-hand drive vehicles:
They are located on the opposite side of the engine compartment.
Battery (P. 374)
Engine oil level dipstick
(P. 369)
Engine oil filler cap
(P. 370)
Fuse boxes (P. 393)
Washer fluid tank(P. 378)Electric cooling fans
Condenser (P. 374)
Radiator (P. 374)
Engine coolant reservoir
(P. 372)
**

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Engine coolant
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and
“LOW” lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to
the “FULL” line.
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.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
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If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, coolant reservoir cap, drain cock and
water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional, test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high-quality eth-
ylene 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. (Enabled: -35C [-31F])
For more details about engine coolant, contact any authorized Lexus dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
CAUTION
When the engine is hot
Do not remove the coolant reservoir 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 engine 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 damage to parts or paint.