Lexus IS250 2009 Owner's Manual

300
4-2. Maintenance
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryMaintenance-free. (
P. 3 2 1 )
Brake fluidAt the correct level? (
P. 3 1 9 )
Engine coolantAt the correct level? (
P. 3 1 7 )
Engine oilAt the correct level? (
P. 313)
Exhaust systemNo fumes or strange sounds?
Radiator/condenser/hosesNot blocked with foreign matter?
(

P. 3 1 9 )
Wa s h e r f l u i dAt the correct level? (
P. 3 2 4 )
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed
at the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Services Guide” or “Owners
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.

301
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• Moves smoothly (without uneven pedal effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission “Park”
mechanism• Can the vehicle be hold securely on an incline with the shift lever in
P?
Brake pedal
• Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clearance and correct amount of free play?
Brakes
• Not pull to one side when applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints• Move smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers•Function properly?
Lights
• Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly? (

P. 3 6 1 )
Pa r k i n g b r a ke
• Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on an incline?
Seat belts
• Does the seat belt system operate smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats• Do the seat controls operate prop- erly?

302
4-2. Maintenance
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
Vehicle exterior
ItemsCheck points
Steering wheel
• Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?
ItemsCheck points
Door/trunk• Operate smoothly?
Engine hood• The lock system works properly?
Fluid leaks• Is there any leakage after parking?
Ti r e
• Inflation pressure is correct?
• Tire surfaces not worn or dam-aged?
• Tires rotated according to the maintenance schedule?
• Wheel nuts are not loose?
CAUTION
■If the engine is running
Turn the engine off and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before performing
maintenance checks.

303
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs
Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which include
OBD (On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system monitors the oper-
ation of the emission control system.
■If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in
the emission control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test
and may need to be repaired. Cont act your Lexus dealer to service
the vehicle.
■ Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test:
● When the battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are set du ring ordinary driving are erased.
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes may
not be completely set.
● When the fuel tank cap is loose
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on as a temporary mal-
function and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
■ When the malfunction indicator la mp goes off after several driv-
ing trips
The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the
vehicle is driven 40 or more times.
■ If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test
Contact your Lexus dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-testing.

304
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
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. 3 2 1)
•Warm water
• Baking soda
•Grease
•Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level (
P. 3 1 9 )
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
•Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake
fluid)
Engine coolant level (
P. 3 1 7 )
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high-quality ethylene gly-
col-based non-silicate, non-amine,
non-nitrite and non-borate coolant
with long-life hybrid organic acid
technology.
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
is pre-mixed with 50% coolant and
50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
is pre-mixed with 55% coolant and
45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding
engine coolant)

305
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move sud-
denly, 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 driv-
ing 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.
ItemsParts and tools
Engine oil level (
P. 313)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel, funnel (used
only for adding engine oil)
Fuses (
P. 3 4 7 )• Fuse with same amperage rating as
original
Tire inflation pressure (
P. 3 3 6 )• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Headlight aim (
P. 3 6 1 )• Phillips-head screwdriver
Radiator and condenser (
P. 3 1 9 )

Wa s h e r f l u i d (
P. 3 2 4 )
• Water washer fluid containing anti-freeze (for winter use)
•Funnel

306
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
CAUTION
■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. 3 1 9 )
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting
in the eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner
Driving with the air filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt in
the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compartment.

307
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
Hood
CAUTION
■Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked.
If the hood is not locked properly it may open while the vehicle is in motion and
cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.
Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.
Pull the hood release lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Lift the auxiliary catch lever and
lift the hood.
STEP1
STEP2

308
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
Positioning a floor jack
When raising your vehicle with a floor jack, position the jack correctly.
Improper placement may damage your vehicle or cause injury.
■Front
2WD
AW D
■ Rear

309
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
CAUTION
■When raising your vehicle
Make sure to observe the following to reduce the possibility of death or serious
injury.
●Do not use the jack that was supplied with your vehicle.
●Do not put any part of your body or get underneath the vehicle supported only by
the floor jack.
Always use automotive jack stands on a solid, level, surface.
●Do not start the engine while the vehicle is supported by the floor jack.
●Stop the vehicle on level firm ground, firmly set the parking brake and put the shift
lever in P (automatic) or R (manual).
●Make sure to set the floor jack properly at the jack point.
Raising the vehicle with an improperly positioned floor jack will damage the vehi-
cle and may cause the vehicle to fall off the floor jack.
●Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in the vehicle.
●When raising the vehicle, do not place any objects on top of or underneath the
floor jack.
●Lift up the vehicle using a floor jack such as
the one shown in the illustration.