Lexus IS250 2014 Owner's Manual

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7
Maintenance and care
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)7-2. Maintenance
Scheduled maintenance should be performed at specified intervals according to
the maintenance schedule.
For details about maintenance items and schedules, refer to the “Lexus Service Book-
let” or “Lexus Warranty Booklet”.
What about do-it-yourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself if you have a little mechanical
ability and a few basic automotive tools.
Note, however, that some maintenance tasks require special tools and skills. These
are best performed by qualified technicians. Even if you’re an experienced do-it-your-
self mechanic, we recommend that repairs and maintenance be conducted by any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional. Any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer will keep a record of maintenance,
which could be useful should you ever require Warranty Service. Should you choose
to select a qualified and equipped professional other than an authorized Lexus
repairer to service or maintain your vehicle, we recommend that you request that a
record of maintenance be kept.
Maintenance requirements
To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and regular mainte-
nance are essential. Lexus recommends the following maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance
Do-it-yourself maintenance

4127-2. Maintenance
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)
■Where to go for maintenance service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition, Lexus recommends that
maintenance service operations as well as other inspections and repairs be carried out
by authorized 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.
Your Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional will
perform all of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle reliably and economically due
to their experience with Lexus vehicles.
■Does your vehicle need repairs?
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 sys-
tem after use is normal.)
●Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide 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 driven 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 (→P. 9 5 )
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.
CAUTION
■If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and possible
death or serious injury.
■Handling of the battery
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds
which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after handling. (→P. 4 2 2 )

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7
Maintenance and care
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct proce-
dure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition
(→P. 4 2 2 )•Warm water• Baking soda•Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
• Distilled water
Engine coolant level
(→P. 4 2 1 )
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality
ethylene 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 pre-mixed with 50%
coolant and 50% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)
Engine oil level
(→P. 4 1 8 )
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses
(→P. 4 4 5 )• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs
(→P. 4 4 9 )• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver•Flathead screwdriver
•Wrench
Radiator and
condenser
(→P. 4 2 2 )
Tire inflation
pressure
(→P. 4 3 6 )
• Tire pressure gauge• Compressed air source
Wa s h e r f l u i d
(→P. 4 2 6 )• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)

4147-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)
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 and 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 corro-
sive sulfuric acid.
●Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted sur-
faces. If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean
water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, consult a doctor.
■When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the engine switch is off.
With the engine switch in IGNITION ON mode, the electric cooling fans may auto-
matically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high.
(→P. 4 2 2 )
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting in
your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt
in the air.
■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.

4157-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)
Pull the hood lock release lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Pull up the auxiliary catch lever and
lift the hood.
Hood
Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.
1
2
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.

4167-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)
◆Front
◆Rear
Positioning a floor jack
When using a floor jack, follow the instructions in the manual provided with
the jack and perform the operation safely.
When raising your vehicle with a floor jack, position the jack correctly.
Improper placement may damage your vehicle or cause injury.

4177-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)For right-hand drive vehicles:
The battery and the fuse box in front of the battery are located on the opposite side of the
engine compartment.
Engine compartment
Fuse boxes (→P. 4 4 5 )
Battery (→P. 422)
Engine oil level dipstick
(→P. 4 1 8 )
Engine coolant reservoir
(→P. 4 2 1 )
Engine oil filler cap (→P. 4 1 9 )Wa s h e r f l u i d t a n k (→P. 4 2 6 )
Electric cooling fans
Condenser (→P. 422)
Radiator (→P. 422)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

4187-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil level on
the dipstick.
■Checking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine and turning
off the engine, wait more than 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into the
bottom of the engine.
Holding a rag under the end, pull
the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull
the dipstick out and check the oil
level.
Low
Normal
Excessive
The shape of the dipstick may dif-
fer depending on the type of vehi-
cle or engine.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
Engine oil
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
6

4197-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)
■Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near the
low level mark, add engine oil of the
same type as that already in the
engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before adding
oil.
Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.
■Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following situations,
oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be refilled in between oil
maintenance intervals.
●When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle or after
replacing the engine
●If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used
●When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, when towing, or when driving
while accelerating or decelerating frequently
●When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently through
heavy traffic
Engine oil selection→P. 5 4 1
Oil quantity (Low → Full) 1.5 L (1.6 qt., 1.3 Imp. qt.)
Items Clean funnel
1
2
3

4207-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)
CAUTION
■Used engine oil
●Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin dis-
orders such as inflammation and skin cancer, so care should be taken to avoid pro-
longed and repeated contact. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash
thoroughly with soap and water.
●Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do not dispose of
used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the ground.
Call any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional, service station or auto parts store for information concerning recycling
or disposal.
●Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
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.