fuel Lexus IS300 2005 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2005 IS300 (OM53489U) Owner's Guide

DRIVING TIPS
275
Towing capacity
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your
vehicle. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.
Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on
the size (weight) and the number of occupants. For
details, see ªCapacity and distributionº that follows.
CAUTION
Do not apply the load more than each load limit.
That may cause not only damage to the tires, but
also deterioration to the steering ability and
braking ability, which may cause an accident.
CARGO AND LUGGAGE
Stowage precautions
When stowing cargo and luggage in the vehicle,
observe the following:
 Put cargo and luggage in the trunk or luggage
compartment when at all possible. Be sure all items are secured in place.
 Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight
as far forward as possible helps maintain vehicle
balance.
 For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary
weight.
CAUTION
To prevent cargo and luggage from sliding
forward during braking, do not stack anything
in the trunk or luggage compartment. Keep
cargo and luggage low, as close to the floor as
possible.
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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
281
IF YOUR VEHICLE WILL NOTSTART
(a) Simple checks
Before making these checks, make sure you have followed the
correct starting procedure instructions in ªHow to start the
engineº on page 237 and that you have sufficient fuel. Since
your vehicle is equipped with the engine immobilizer 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, there may be a
malfunction in the immobilizer system. Call your Lexus dealer.
See ªKeysº 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 ª(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
ªForewordº.)
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 ª(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 ªForewordº.)
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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
287
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
wording ªTEMPORARY USE ONLYº molded into the
sidewall 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 ªChecking and replacing tiresº on page
368.)
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.
 Replace the compact spare tire with the
standard tire as soon as possible.
 Avoid sudden acceleration, sudden
deceleration and sharp turns with the compact
spare tire.
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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 ªOwner's Guideº, ªOwner's Manual
Supplementº or ªWarranty 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 386 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 380 for additional information.
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MAINTENANCE
311
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 ªParkº mechanism
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in ªPº position and all brakes released.
Vehicle exterior
Items
listed below should be performed from time to time,
unless otherwise specified.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath 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.
Tire inflation pressure
Check the tire inflation pressure with a gauge every two
weeks, or at least once a month and adjust as shown on
the tire and loading information label. See page 351 for
additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive
wear. See page 368 for additional information.
Tire 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 366 or 367 for additional
information.
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MAINTENANCE
313
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.
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INTRODUCTION
319
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 ªParts and toolsº on page 320.
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 leave anything that may burn easily, such as
paper or rags, in the engine compartment.

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.
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SECTION 6 ± 2
325
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications326
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Fuel 329
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 331
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption 331
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil 333
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 333
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 337
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Checking the radiator and condenser 338
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. . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 339
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04 06.30

ENGINE
328± COOLING SYSTEM
Capacity
7.5 L (7.9 qt., 6.6 lmp.qt.)
Coolant typeªToyota Super Long Life Coolantº or similar high quality ethylene glyco\
l
based non±silicate, non±amine, non±nitrite, and non±borate c\
oolant with
long±life hybrid organic acid technology. (Coolant with long±life hybrid
organic acid technology is a combination of low phosphates and organic
acids.)
Do not use plain water alone.
NOTE:
ªToyota Super Long Life Coolantº is used in your Lexus vehicle at facto\
ry fill. In order to avoid technical problems, only use ªToyota
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. (Coolant with long±life hybrid organic acid technology is a combin\
ation of low
phosphates and organic acids.) Do not use plain water alone. Please con\
tact your Lexus dealer for further details.
± FUEL
Fuel type
Unleaded gasoline only
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.
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ENGINE
329
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 four
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.
04 06.30