checking oil lexus LS400 1996 Audio System / 1996 LS400: ENGINE

189
SECTION 6 ± 2
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications 190
Fuel 192
Facts about engine oil consumption 193
Used engine oil 194
Checking the engine oil level 195
Checking the engine coolant level 197

ENGINE
194The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the
viscosity of the oil, the quality of the oil and the way the
vehicle is driven.
More oil is consumed by high±speed driving and frequent
acceleration and deceleration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since its pistons, piston
rings and cylinder walls have not become conditioned.
When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in
mind that the oil may have become diluted, making it
difficult to judge the true level accurately.
For example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips and
consumes a normal amount of oil, the dipstick may not show
any drop in the oil level at all, even after 1000 km (600 miles)
or more. This is because the oil is gradually becoming diluted
with fuel or moisture, making it appear that the oil level has
not changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle is
then driven at high speeds, as on an expressway, making it
appear that oil is excessively consumed after driving at high
speeds.
Importance of engine oil level check
One of the most important points in proper vehicle
maintenance is to keep the engine oil at the optimum level
so that oil function will not be impaired. Therefore, it is
essential that the oil level be checked regularly. Lexus
recommends that the oil level be checked every time you
refuel the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly could lead to
serious engine trouble due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check, see ªChecking the
engine oil levelº on page 195.
USED ENGINE OIL
CAUTION!

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 with it. To remove used engine oil from
your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
Do not leave used oil within the reach of children.
Dispose of used oil and used oil filters only in a safe
and acceptable manner. Do not dispose of used oil
and used oil filters in household trash, in sewers or
onto the ground. Call your Lexus dealer or a service
station for information concerning recycling or
disposal.

ENGINE
195
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
With the engine at operating temperature and turned
off, check the oil level on the dipstick.
1. To get a true reading, the vehicle should be on a level
spot. After turning off the engine, wait a few minutes for the
oil to drain back into the bottom of the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, and wipe it clean with a rag.
3. Reinsert the dipstick and push it in as far as it will go, or
the reading will not be correct.

Add oilO.K.Too full
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level on the end.
If it is between the full line () and the low line (), it is O.K.
If the oil level is below or only slightly above the low
line, add engine oil of the same type as already in the
engine.

ENGINE
196Remove the oil filler cap and add engine oil a little at a time,
checking the dipstick. The approximate quantity of oil
needed to fill between the low line and the full line on the
dipstick is indicated below for reference.
When the level reaches within the correct range, return the
filler cap and turn the cap clockwise until you hear a click.
Oil quantity. L (qt., Imp. qt.) 1.5 (1.6, 1.3)
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick once again after
adding the oil.
Engine oil selection
Use API SH, Energy±Conserving II multigrade engine oil or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
SAE 5W±30 is the best choice for your vehicle, for good
fuel economy, and good starting in cold weather.
If you use SAE 10W±30 engine oil in extremely low
temperatures, the engine may become difficult to start,
so SAE 5W±30 engine oil is recommended.

ENGINE
197
Oil identification marks
API Service SymbolILSAC Certification Mark
Either or both API registered marks are added to some oil
containers to help you select the oil you should use.
The API Service Symbol is located anywhere on the
outside of the container.
The top portion of the label shows the oil quality by API
(American Petroleum Institute) designation such as SH.
The center portion of the label shows the SAE viscosity
grade such as SAE 5W±30. ªEnergy±Conserving IIº,
shown in the lower portion, indicates that the oil has
fuel±saving capabilities. Oils marked ªEnergy±Conserving
IIº will have higher fuel±saving capabilities than oils
marked ªEnergy±Conservingº.
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee) Certification Mark is displayed on the
front of the container.
CHECKING THE ENGINE
COOLANT LEVEL

Reservoir capUpper lineLower line
Park the vehicle at a level spot and look at the
see±through coolant reservoir when the engine is cool.
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the
upper and lower lines on the tank. If the level is low, add
ethylene±glycol type coolant.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary with engine coolant
temperature. However, if the level is on or below the lower
line, add coolant to bring the level up to the upper line.
Use only ethylene±glycol type coolant. It will prevent
freezing and corrosion. Neither supplemental inhibitors nor
additives are needed nor recommended. (For information on
ethylene±glycol coolant, see also ªEngine coolant selectionº
described below.)