engine coolant Lexus IS300 2004 Air Conditioning / LEXUS 2004 IS300 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM53461U)

10.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
x
Page
1Driver's seat belt reminder light51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Open door warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3Tachometer 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Headlight high beam indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . .
5Low engine oil level warning light 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
6Vehicle stability control system
warning light 56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Turn signal indicator lights 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Cruise control indicator light 249
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Momentary fuel consumption meter 46
. . . . . . . . . . .
10Voltmeter 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
11Automatic headlight leveling system warning
light 56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
12Engine coolant temperature gauge 45
. . . . . . . . . . . .
13Anti-lock brake system warning light 54
. . . . . . . . . .
14Malfunction indicator lamp 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Fuel gauge 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Low fuel level warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
17Odometer and trip meter
48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18Power mode indicator light 240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Snow mode indicator light 240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20ODO/TRIP knob 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Automatic transmission indicator lights 238 . . . . . .
22M mode indicator 241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23Gear position indicator for manual control 241 . . . .
24Discharge warning light 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Rear light failure warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26Security indicator light 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27Traction control system
off indicator/warning light 55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Low engine oil pressure warning light 52
. . . . . . . . .
29Slip indicator light 252, 255, 258
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30Brake system warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31SRS warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32Engine oil replacement reminder light 53
. . . . . . . . .
03 07.09

12.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xii
Page
1Tachometer47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Headlight high beam indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . .
3Low engine oil level warning light 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Vehicle stability control system warning light 56 . .
5Turn signal indicator lights 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6Cruise control indicator light 249
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Momentary fuel consumption meter 46
. . . . . . . . . . .
8Voltmeter 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
9Automatic headlight leveling system warning
light 56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
10Engine coolant temperature gauge 45
. . . . . . . . . . . .
11Anti-lock brake system warning light 54
. . . . . . . . . .
12Malfunction indicator lamp 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Fuel gauge 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14Low fuel level warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Odometer and trip meter 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Power mode indicator light 240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
17Snow mode indicator light
240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18ODO/TRIP knob 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Automatic transmission indicator lights 238 . . . . . .
20M mode indicator 241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Gear position indicator for manual control 241 . . . .
22Discharge warning light 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23Rear light failure warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Security indicator light 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Traction control system
off indicator/warning light 55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26Low engine oil pressure warning light 52
. . . . . . . . .
27Slip indicator light 252, 255, 258
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Brake system warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29SRS warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30Open door warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Driver's seat belt reminder light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
03 07.09

SECTION 1 - 3
43
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators
Fuel gauge44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 45
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Momentary fuel consumption meter 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer and trip meter 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
Instrument panel light control 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
03 07.09

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
45
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATUREGAUGE
SV13012

Normal range
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature when
the ignition switch is on. The engine operating
temperature will vary with changes in weather and engine
load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your vehicle
and allow the engine to cool.
Your vehicle may overheat during severe operating conditions,
such as:
 Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
 Reducing speed or stopping after high speed driving.
 Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in
stop-and-go traffic.
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in the engine cooling
system as this may cause the engine to overheat. Thethermostat is designed to control the flow of coolantto keep the temperature of the engine within thespecified operating range.
Do not continue driving with an overheated engine.See ºIf your vehicle overheatsº on page 285.
03 07.09

STARTING AND DRIVING
237
HOW TO START THE ENGINE
Before cranking
1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3.Manual transmission : Press the clutch pedal to the floor
and shift the transmission into neutral. Hold the clutch pedal
to the floor until the engine is started. A starter safety device
will prevent the starter from operating if the clutch pedal is not
fully depressed.
Automatic transmission : Put the selector lever in ºPº. If you
need to restart the engine while the vehicle is moving, put the
selector lever in ºNº. A starter safety device will prevent the
starter from operating if the selector lever is in any drive
position.
4. For automatic transmission only :Depress the brake
pedal and hold it to the floor until driving off.
Starting the engine
Before starting the engine, be sure to follow the instructions in
ºBefore crankingº.
Normal starting procedure
The multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system in your engine automatically controls the
proper air-fuel mixture for starting. You can start a cold or hot
engine as follows:
With your foot off the accelerator pedal, crank the engine by
turning the key to ºSTARTº. Release it when the engine starts. Engine should be warmed up by driving, not in idle. For
warming up drive with smoothly turning engine until engine
coolant temperature is within normal range.
If the engine stalls ...
Simply restart it , using the correct procedure given in normal
starting.
If the engine will not start
See ºIf your vehicle will not startº on page 281.
NOTICE
Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This
may overheat the starter and wiring systems.
Do not race a cold engine.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stallsfrequently, have the engine checked immediately.
03 07.09

STARTING AND DRIVING
240
SS31019

1Power position 2Normal position
3Snow position
2. Set the driving pattern selector switch to the ºNormalº
position.
Your transmission has a driving pattern selector switch which
allows you to select ºPowerº, ºNormalº or ºSnowº mode \
to suit
your driving condition. For ordinary driving, Lexus
recommends that you use the ºNormalº position to improve fuel
economy.
3. For more powerful acceleration and sporty driving, use
the ºPowerº position.
In the ºPowerº position, the ºECT PWRº light in the instrument\
cluster is on and the transmission is shifted up at higher vehicle
speeds and shifted down more responsively than in the
ºNormalº position.
For ºSnowº mode, see ºElectronic Throttle Control
Systemº on page 260.
SV31022

1Brake pedal 2ºDº (Drive) position
4. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the
selector lever to ºDº.
Always use the ºDº position to improve fuel economy and quiet
driving. In this position, shifting into the overdrive gear is
possible. However, while the engine coolant temperature is
low, the transmission will not shift into the overdrive gear even
in the ºDº position. (See º(c) Using engine brakingº and\
º(g)
Good driving practiceº for exceptions.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while
shifting.
03 07.09

DRIVING TIPS
270
Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are
wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer
stopping distance, and it may pull to one side when
the brakes are applied. Also, the parking brake will
not hold the vehicle securely.WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure your coolant is properly protected against
freezing.
Only use ºToyota Super Long Life Coolantº or similar high
quality ethylene glycol based non-silicate, non-amine,
non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid
organic acid technology.
See ºChecking the engine coolant levelº on page 337 for
details of coolant type selection.
ºToyota Super Long Life Coolantº is pre-mixed with 50%
coolant and 50% deionized water. This coolant provides
protection down to about -35 C (-31F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter
starting. Page 378 tells you how to visually inspect the battery.
Your Lexus dealer and most service stations will be pleased to
check the battery charge level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
03 07.09

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
285
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, if you experience a loss of power, or if you
hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine has
probably overheated.
When the engine overheats
Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your
emergency flashers. Put the transmission in ºPº (automatic)
or neutral (manual) and apply the parking brake.
A: If steam is coming from your engine:
Turn off the engine. Leave the hood closed until there is no sign
of steam or coolant. Your engine could have been seriously
damaged already. Call your Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until
there is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is sign of
very high pressure.
B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning.
Check the following.
Is the cooling fan operating?
 Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
 Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
CAUTION
When the eng ine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
 Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the
engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out
under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the
acceptable range, turn off the engine and call your Lexus
dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant
temperature has cooled to normal, continue driving your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your
vehicle overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible
by your Lexus dealer.
03 07.09

MAINTENANCE
309
Where to go for service?
Lexus technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up
to date with the latest service information through technical
bulletins, service tips, and in-dealership training programs.
They are well informed about the operation of all the systems
on your vehicle.
You can be confident that your Lexus dealer's service
department performs the best job to meet the maintenance
requirements of your vehicle.
Your copy of the repair order is proof that all required
maintenance has been performed for warranty coverage. If
any problems should arise with your vehicle while under
warranty, your Lexus dealer will promptly take care of it. Again,
be sure to keep a copy of the repair order for any service
performed on your Lexus.
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. Simple instructions for how to perform them are
presented in Section 6.
If you are a skilled do-it-yourself mechanic, the Lexus service
manuals are recommended. Please be aware that
do-it-yourself maintenance can affect your warranty
coverage. See ºOwner's Guideº, ºOwner's Manual
Supplementº or ºWarranty Bookletº for the details.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified. It is recommended that
any problem you notice be brought to the attention of your
Lexus dealer or qualified service shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only with adequate ventilation if you
run the engine.
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 384 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 337 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 378 for additional information.
03 07.09

MAINTENANCE
312
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEEDREPAIRING?
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 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 driving straight on a level
road

Strange noises related to suspension movement

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal,
pedal almost touches floors, 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 your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs adjustment or
repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the vehicle unchecked. It
could result in serious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.
03 07.09