fuel Lexus IS300 2003 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 IS300 (OM53439U) Owner's Guide

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
267
IF YOUR VEHICLE WILL NOTSTART
(a) Simple checks
Before making these checks, make sure you have followed the
correct starting procedure instructions in ºHow to start the
engineº on page 229 and that you have sufficient fuel. Since
your vehicle is equipped with the engine immobiliser system,
also check whether the other keys will start the engine. If they
work, your key may be broken. Have the key checked at your
Lexus dealer. If none of your keys work, the system is possibly
broken. Call your Lexus dealer. See ºKeysº on page 8.
If the engine is not turning over or is turning over too
slowly ±
1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior light.
3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is
cranked, the battery is discharged. You may try jump starting.
See º(c) Jump startingº for further instruction.
If the light is O.K., but the engine still will not start, it needs
adjustment or repair. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside
Assistance or Customer Service Assistance. (See
ºForewordº.)
NOTICE
Do not pull± or push±start the vehicle. It may damage
the vehicle or cause a collision when the engine starts.Also the three±way catalytic converter may overheatand become a fire hazard.
If the engine turns over at its normal speed but will not
start ±
1. The engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking.
See º(b) Starting a flooded engineº for further instructions.
2. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair.
Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer
Service Assistance. (See ºForewordº.)
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
273
Compact spare tire (Some models)
SV64025
The compact spare tire is designed for temporary
emergency use only.
The compact spare tire is identified by the distinctive wheel
design and color and special wording ºTEMPORARY USE
ONLYº molded into the side wall of the tire.
To keep the compact spare tire noticeable, do not hide the
wheel by a wheel cover or such.
The compact spare tire saves space in your luggage
compartment, and its lighter weight helps to improve fuel
economy and permits easier installation in case of a flat tire.
The compact spare tire can be used many times, if necessary.
It has tread life of up to 4800 km (3000 miles) depending on
road conditions and your driving habits. When tread wear
indicators appear on the tire, replace the tire. (See ºChecking
and replacing tiresº on page 335.)
CAUTION
The compact spare tire was designed especially for
your Lexus. Do not use it on any other vehicle.
 Do not use more than one compact spare tire at the
same time.
 The pressure for the compact spare tire must be 420
Kpa (4.2 kgf/cm
2
or bar, 60 psi).
 Do not exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) when driving with the
compact spare tire.
 The standard tire should be repaired and replaced as
soon as possible.
 Avoid sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration and
sharp turns with the compact spare tire.
NOTICE
Your ground clearance is reduced when the compact
spare tire is installed so avoid driving over obstaclesand drive slowly on rough, unpaved roads and speedbumps. Also, do not attempt to go through an automatic
car wash as the vehicle may get caught, resulting in damage.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

MAINTENANCE
294Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the maintenance schedule. (For
scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the
ªOwner's Manual Supplementº or ªScheduled Maintenanceº.)
See page 333 for additional information.
Fluid leaks
Check under
neath 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 doors, including trunk lid or 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.
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlight, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal
lights, and other lights are working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers function properly. Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified free play. Be alert for changes
in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive free
play or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters,
seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly. Ch
eck that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold
securely in any latched position. For folding±down rear
seatbacks, check that the latches lock securely.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors
and anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the
belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal ef fort
or catching.
Clutch pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and free play. Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

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)

MAINTENANCE
297
EMISSIONS 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 operation of the emission
control system. When the OBD system determines that a
problem exists somewhere in the emission control system, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on. In this case, your vehicle
may not pass the I/M test and need to be repaired. Contact
your Lexus dealer to service the vehicle.
Even if the malfunction indicator lamp does not come on, your
vehicle may not pass I/M test as readiness codes have not
been set in the OBD system.
Readiness codes are automatically set during ordinary driving.
However, when the battery is disconnected or run down, the
codes are erased. Also, depending on your driving habits, the
codes may not be completely set.
Also, if the malfunction indicator lamp had come on recently
due to temporary malfunction such as a loose fuel tank cap,
your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
The malfunction indicator lamp will go off after taking several
driving trips, but the error code in the OBD system will not be
cleared unless about 40 trips or more are taken.
If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test as readiness codes
have not been set, contact your Lexus dealer to prepare the
vehicle for re±testing.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

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)

SECTION 6 ± 2
307
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications308
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Fuel 311
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 313
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption 313
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil 315
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 315
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 319
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 320
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 321
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . .
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

ENGINE
310± COOLING SYSTEM
Capacity
7.5 L (7.9 qt., 6.6 lmp.qt.)
Coolant typeºToyota Genuine Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
With ethylene±glycol type coolant for a proper corrosion protection o\
f
aluminum components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
NOTE:
ºToyota Genuine Long Life Coolantº is filled in your Lexus vehicle. In order \
to avoid technical problems, we strongly recommend using
ºToyota Genuine Long Life Coolantº or equivalent. Please contact your \
Lexus dealer for further details.
± FUEL
Fuel type
Only UNLEADED
Octane rating91 (Research octane number 96) or higher
± IGNITION SYSTEMSpark plug ± Make DENSO ± Gap
SK16R±P11
1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
± ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery ± Open voltage at 20 C (68F):
Charging rates
12.7 V Fully charged
12.3 V Half charged
11.9 V Discharged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after the key is removed with all the
lights turned off]
5A max.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

ENGINE
311
FUEL
Fuel type
Your vehicle must use only unleaded gasoline.
To help prevent gas station mixups, your Lexus has a smaller
fuel tank opening. The special nozzle on pumps with unleaded
fuel will fit it, but the larger standard nozzle on pumps with
leaded gas will not.
At a minimum, the gasoline you use should meet the
specifications of ASTM D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB
3.5±M93 in Canada.
NOTICE
Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of leaded gasoline will cause the three±way catalytic converter to lose itseffectiveness and the emission control system tofunction improperly. Also, this can increasemaintenance costs.
Octane rating
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). Use of unleaded fuel with an octane number or rating lower
than stated above will cause persistent heavy knocking. If
severe, this will lead to engine damage.
If your engine knocks ...
If you detect heavy knocking even when using the
recommended fuel, or if you hear steady knocking while
holding a steady speed on level roads, consult your Lexus
dealer.
However, occasionally, you may notice light knocking for a
short time while accelerating or driving up hills. This is normal
and there is no need for concern.
Gasoline containing detergent additives
Lexus recommends the use of gasoline that contains
detergent additives to avoid build±up of engine deposits.
However, all gasoline sold in the U.S. contains detergent
additives to keep clean and/or clean intake systems.
Quality gasoline
Automotive manufacturers in the U.S., Europe and Japan
have developed a specification for quality fuel named
World±Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC) that is expected to be
applied world wide. The WWFC consists of three
categories
that depend on required emission levels. In the
U.S., category 3 has been adopted. The WWFC improves
air quality by providing for better emissions in vehicle
fleets, and customer satisfaction through better vehicle
performance.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

ENGINE
312
Cleaner burning gasoline
Cleaner burning gasoline, including reformulated
gasoline that contains oxygenates such as ethanol or
MTBE is available in many areas.
Lexus recommends the use of cleaner burning gasoline and
appropriately blended reformulated gasoline. These types of
gasoline provide excellent vehicle performance, reduce
vehicle emissions, and improve air quality.
Oxygenates in gasoline
Lexus allows the use of oxygenate blended gasoline
where the oxygenate content is up to 10% ethanol or 15%
MTBE. If you use gasohol in your Lexus, be sure that it has
an octane rating no lower than 87.
Lexus does not recommend the use of gasoline containing
methanol.
Gasoline containing MMT
Some gasoline contain an octane enhancing additive
called MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese
Tricarbonyl).
Lexus does not recommend the use of gasoline that contains
MMT. If fuel containing MMT is used, your emission control
system may be adversely affected. The Malfunction Indicator
Lamp on the instrument cluster may come on. If this happens,
contact your Lexus dealer for service.
Gasoline quality
In a very few cases, you may experience driveability problems
caused by the particular gasoline that you are using. If you
continue to have unacceptable driveability, try changing
gasoline brands. If this does not rectify your problem, then
consult your Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
Do not use gasohol other than stated above. It will cause fuel system damage or vehicle performanceproblems.
If driveability problems are encountered (poor hotstarting, vaporizing, engine knock, etc.), discontinueits use.
Take care not to spill gasohol during refueling.Gasohol may cause paint damage.
Fuel tank capacity
66 L (17.5 gal., 14.5 lmp.gal.)
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)