power steering Lexus IS300 2003 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 IS300 (OM53439U) User Guide

MAINTENANCE
295
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 ºParkº mechanism
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in ºPº position and all brakes released.
Engine compartment
Items listed below should be checked from time to time,
e.g. each time when refueling.
Washer fluid
Make
sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See page 354 for
additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the Upper and Lower
lines on the see±through reservoir when the engine is cold.
See page 319 for additional information.
Battery
Your Lexus has a maintenance free battery. You do not have
to add distilled water. For longer life of the battery, however,
see page 348 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 329 for
additional information. Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and
the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 315 for additional
information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in the
ºHOTº or ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid temperature.
See page 330 for additional information.
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell
exhaust fumes, have the cause located and corrected
immediately. (See ªEngine exhaust cautionº on page 225 in
Section 3±1.)
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

INTRODUCTION
301
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
1Battery
2Fuse box
3Engine oil filler cap
4Engine oil leveldipstick
5Brake fluid reservoir
6Washer fluid tank
7Power steering fluidreservoir
8Engine coolantreservoir
9Electric cooling fans
10Condenser
11Radiator
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)
SV61007a

INTRODUCTION
302
DO±IT±YOURSELF SERVICEPRECAUTIONS
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure given in this Section.
You should be aware that improper or incomplete servicing
may result in operating problems.
Performing do±it±yourself maintenance during the warranty
period may affect your warranty coverage. Read the separate
Lexus Warranty statement for details and suggestions.
This Section gives instructions only for those items that are
relatively easy for an owner to perform. As explained in
Section 5, there are still a number of items that must be
performed by a qualified technician with special tools.
For information on tools and parts for do±it±yourself
maintenance, see ºParts and toolsº on page 303.
Utmost care should be taken when working on your vehicle to
prevent accidental injury. Here are a few precautions that you
should be especially careful to observe:
CAUTION

When the engine is running, keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive
belt. (Removing rings, watches, and ties is
advisable.)

Right after driving, the engine compartment ± the
engine, radiator, exhaust manifold and power
steering fluid reservoir, etc. ± will be hot. So be
careful not to touch them. Oil and other fluids may
also be hot.

Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames
around fuel or the battery. Their fumes are
flammable.

Do not get under your vehicle with just the body jack
supporting it. Always use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.

Be sure the ignition is off if you work near the electric
cooling fan or radiator grille. With the ignition on, the
electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if
the air conditioning is on and/or if the coolant
temperature is high.

Use eye protection whenever you work on or under
your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc.

Be extremely cautious when working on the battery.
It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.

Warning: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

INTRODUCTION
304
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
Parts (if level is low):

FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding fluid)
CHECKING POWER STEERING FLUID
Parts (if level is low):

Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III
Tools:

Rag or paper towel

Funnel (only for adding fluid)
CHECKING BATTERY CONDITION
Tools:

Warm water

Baking soda

Grease

Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
CHECKING AND REPLACING THE BLADE
TYPE FUSES
Parts (if replacement is necessary):

Fuse with same amperage rating as original
CHECKING THE CARTRIDGE TYPE FUSES
Parts (if replacement is necessary):

Genuine Lexus fuse or equivalent with same amperage
rating as original
ADDING WASHER FLUID
Parts:

Water

Washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
Tools:

Funnel
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

SECTION 6 ± 3
323
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications324
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 329
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.
Checking power steering fluid 330
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 331
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 333
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 335
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 338
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 340
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 341
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 342
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

CHASSIS
325
± CLUTCH
Pedal freeplay
5 ± 15 mm (0.2 ± 0.6 in.)
Fluid typeSAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
± BRAKESPedal clearance *
199 mm (3.9 in.) Min.
Pedal free play1 ± 6 mm (0.04 ±0.24 in.)
Brake pad wear limit1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
Parking brake lining wear limit1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
Parking brake adjustment *25 ± 8 clicks
Fluid typeSAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
*1Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with the force of 490 N (49 kgf,\
110 lbf.) with the engine running
*
2Parking brake adjustment when pulled with the force of 196 N (20 kgf, 4\
4 lbf.)
± STEERING Free play
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Power steering fluidAutomatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

CHASSIS
330
CHECKING POWER STEERINGFLUID
SV63002
Check the fluid level on the dipstick. If necessary, add
automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III.
If the vehicle has been driven around 80 km/h (50 mph) for 20
minutes (a little more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is hot
(60 C ± 80C or 140F ± 175F). You may also check the level
when the fluid is cold (about room temperature, 10 C ± 30C
or 50F ± 85F) if the engine has not been run for about five
hours.
SV63003

1If cold O.K. 2If hot O.K. 3Add fluid
1. Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
2. Remove the reservoir cap by turning it counterclockwise
and wipe the dipstick clean.
3. Reinstall the reservoir cap.
4. Remove the reservoir cap again and look at the fluid level.
If the fluid is cold, the level should be in the ºCOLDº range on
the dipstick. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level should be in the
ºHOTº range. If the level is at the low side of either range, add
automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III to bring the
level within the range.
5. After replacing the reservoir cap, visually check the
steering box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks
or damage.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

CHASSIS
331
CAUTION
The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn
yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could bedamaged.
When adding the power steering fluid, avoid spillingit. The generator under the power steering reservoircould be damaged if fluid is spilled on it.
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE
SV61004
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire size and the
vehicle capacity weight are given on the label.
You should check the tire pressures every two weeks, or at
least once a month. And don't forget the spare! The pressure
for the spare tire should be the same with that for the standard
tire. Incorrect tire pressure may waste fuel, reduce the comfort
of driving, reduce tire life and make your vehicle less safe to
drive.
If a tire needs frequent refilling, have it checked by your Lexus
dealer.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)