service lexus LFA 2012 Technical Information / LEXUS 2012 LFA (OM77006U) User Guide

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4-2.Maintenance
Maintenance requirements
To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and regular mainte-
nance are essential. It is the owner’s re sponsibility to perform regular checks.
Lexus recommends performing the following maintenance:
■ General maintenance
General maintenance should be pe rformed on a daily basis. This can
be done by yourself or by a Lexus dealer.
■ Scheduled maintenance
Scheduled maintenance should be performed at specified intervals
according to the ma intenance schedule.
For details about maintenance items and schedules, refer to the “Warranty
and Service Guide”, “Owner’s Manual Supplement” or “Scheduled Mainte-
nance”.
■ Do-it-yourself maintenance
You can perform some maintenance procedures by yourself.
Please be aware that do-it-yourself maintenance may affect warranty
coverage.
The use of Lexus repair manuals is recommended.
For details about warranty coverage, refer to the separate “Owner’s
Guide”, “Warranty and Service Guide” , “Owner’s Manual Supplement” or
“Warranty Booklet”.
■Repair and replacement
It is recommended that genuine Lexus parts be used for repairs to ensure perfor-
mance of each system. If non-Lexus parts are used in replacement or if a repair
shop other than a Lexus dealer performs repairs, confirm the warranty coverage.
■Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Lexus dealer
●Lexus technicians are well-trained speciali sts and are kept up to date with the
latest service information. They are well informed about the operation of all sys-
tems on your vehicle.
●Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has been
performed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise while your
vehicle is under warranty, your Lexus de aler will promptly take care of it.

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4-2. Maintenance
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed at
the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Services Guide” or “Owners
Manual Supplement”. It is recommended that any problem you notice should
be brought to the attention of your Lexu s dealer or qualified service shop for
advice.
Engine compartment
Luggage compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluid Is the brake fluid at the correct level?
(P. 2 6 2 )
Engine coolant Is the engine coolant at the correct
level? (
P. 2 6 0 )
Engine oil Is the engine oil at the correct level?
(P. 1 3 2 )
Exhaust system There should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Condenser The condenser should be free from
foreign objects. (
P. 2 6 1 )
ItemsCheck points
Battery Check the connections. ( P. 2 6 5 )

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4-2. Maintenance
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs
Some states have vehicle emission in spection programs which include OBD
(On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system monitors the operation of
the emission control system.
■ If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in the
emission control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test and
may need to be repaired. Contact your Lexus dealer to service the
vehicle.
■ Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test:
●When the battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are set during ordinary driving are erased.
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes may not
be completely set.
● When the fuel tank cap is loose
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on as a temporary malfunc-
tion and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
■ When the malfunction indicator lamp goes off after several driving
trips
The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the vehi-
cle is driven 40 or more times.
■ If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test
Contact your Lexus dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-testing.

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4
Maintenance and care
4-3.Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct proce-
dures as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition ( P. 2 6 5 ) •Warm water
•Baking soda
•Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for the positive terminal clamp
bolt)
Brake fluid level ( P. 2 6 2 ) • FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
•Rag or paper towel
•Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Condenser ( P. 2 6 1 )

Engine coolant level ( P. 2 6 0 ) • “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high-quality ethylene gly-
col-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 engine cool-
ant)
Engine oil level ( P. 2 5 7 ) • “Mobil 1 5W-50”
•Funnel
(used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( P. 2 8 7 ) • Fuse with same amperage rating as
original

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■Used engine oil
●Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin
disorders such as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should be taken to avoid
prolonged 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 dis-
pose of used oil and filters in househol d trash, in sewers or onto the ground.
Call your Lexus dealer, service station or auto parts store for information con-
cerning 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 adding 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 using the “Oil Level” display on the meter every time you refill
the vehicle.
●Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves, transmitters
and tire valve caps
●When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters, contact your Lexus dealer as the tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters may be damage d if not handled correctly.
●When replacing tire valve caps, do not us e tire valve caps other than those speci-
fied. The cap may become stuck.
■To avoid damage to the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When a tire is repaired with liquid seal ants, the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter may not operate properly. If a liquid sealant is used, contact your Lexus
dealer or other qualified service shop as so on as possible. Make sure to replace the
tire pressure warning valve and transmitter when replacing the tire. ( P. 2 7 0 )
■Impacts from road surfaces
This vehicle is equipped with low prof ile tires, which may cause greater damage
than usual to tires, wheels, body and susp ension due to impacts from road surfaces.
Therefore, pay attention to the following:
●Be sure to use proper tire inflation pressure.
If tires are under-inflated, tires and wheels may be damaged more severely.
●Avoid potholes, uneven pavement, curbs and other road hazards.
Failure to do so may lead to severe ti re, wheel, body and suspension damage.
Even if there is no obvious damage, if the vehicle receives an impact from the road
surface, have it inspected at your Lexus dealer.
■If tire inflation pressure of each tire becomes low while driving
Do not continue driving, or your tires and/or wheels may be ruined.
■Tire precautions during cold weather
This vehicle is fitted with high-grip tires to enhance grip. These tires may be dam-
aged if their temperature falls below -31 F (-35C). In extremely cold conditions,
use snow tires on the vehicle and keep the high-grip tires in a warm place.
Even if there is no obvious damage, if the temperature of the high-grip tires falls
below -31 F (-35C), have them inspected at your Lexus dealer.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
■When replacing wheels
●Do not use wheels that are a different size from those recommended in the
Owner’s Manual, as this may result in loss of handling control.
●Never use an inner tube in a leaking wheel which is designed for a tubeless tire.
Doing so may result in an accident, causing death or serious injury.
■Wheel bolts
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death or serious injury:
●Do not over tighten.
●Never use oil or grease on the wheel bolts.
Oil and grease may cause the wheel bolts to be excessively tightened, leading to
bolt or disc wheel damage. In addition, the oil or grease can cause the wheel bolts
to loosen and the wheel may fall off, causing a serious accident. Remove any oil or
grease from the wheel bolts.
●If there are any cracks or deformations in the wheel bolts, or if the surface treat-
ment becomes worn, have the wheel bolts replaced at your Lexus dealer.
Failure to follow these precautions could cause the wheel bolts to loosen and the
tire to fall off, resulting in death or serious injury.
●If the wheels are frequently removed and installed due to circuit driving etc.,
Lexus recommends periodic changing of the wheel bolts.
NOTICE
■Replacing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
●Because tire repair or replacement may affect the tire pressure warning valves
and transmitters, make sure to have tires serviced by your Lexus dealer or other
qualified service shop. In addition, make sure to purchase your tire pressure
warning valves and transmitters at your Lexus dealer.
●Ensure that only genuine Lexus wheels are used on your vehicle.
Tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not work properly with non-
genuine wheels.

5
When trouble arises
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5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed and loaded/
unloaded by your Lexus dealer or a commercial towing service, using a flat-
bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/provincial and
local laws.
Before towing
The following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Lexus dealer before towing.
● The engine is running but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Emergency towing
If a flatbed truck is not available, in
an emergency your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using a cable or
chain secured to the emergency
towing eyelet. This should only be
attempted on hard, surfaced roads
for short distances at low speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to
steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles,
steering and brakes must be in
good condition.

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5-1. Essential information
Using a flatbed truckUse a flatbed truck suitable for vehicles with low ground clearance. To
prevent body damage, do not tow with a wheel-lift or sling type truck. We
recommend having your Lexus dealer or a commercial towing service
load and unload the vehicle whenever possible.
■ Before loading the vehicle on a flatbed truck
Deactivate the tilt sensor. ( P. 56)
■ After the vehicle is loaded
Select Neutral, apply the parking brake and turn the ignition
switch to the “LOCK” position.
Use wheel chocks for all 4 wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
Secure the vehicle by strapping
the tires to the deck of the tow
truck as shown.
STEP1
STEP2

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6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
■Recommendation of the use of cleaner burning gasoline
Cleaner burning gasoline, including reformulated gasoline that contains oxygen-
ates such as ethanol or MTBE (Methyl Te rtiary Butyl Ether) 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 perfor-
mance, reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.
■Non-recommendation of the use of blended gasoline
●Lexus allows the use of oxygenate blended gasoline where the oxygenate con-
tent is up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE.
●If you use gasohol in your vehicle, be sure that it has an octane rating no lower
than 87.
●Lexus does not recommend the use of gasoline containing methanol.
■Non-recommendation of the use of gasoline containing MMT
Some gasoline contains an octane enhancing additive called MMT (Methylcyclo-
pentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl).
Lexus does not recommend the use of gasoli ne that contains MMT. If fuel contain-
ing MMT is used, your emission control system may be adversely affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp on the inst rument cluster may come on. If this hap-
pens, contact your Lexus dealer for service.
■If your engine knocks
●Consult your Lexus dealer.
●You may occasionally notice light knocking for a short time while accelerating
or driving uphill. This is normal and there is no need for concern.