maintenance lexus LS400 1996 Audio System / 1996 LS400: ENGINE

ENGINE
191 ± COOLING SYSTEM
Capacity
11.0 L (11.6 qt., 9.7 Imp. qt.)
Coolant typeEthylene ± glycol coolant (Do not use alcohol type.)
± FUEL
Fuel type
Only UNLEADED
Research octane number96 (Octane Rating 91) or higher
± IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plug
± MakeNIPPONDENSOPK20R11
NGK BKR6EP11
± Gap1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
± ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery ±
Maintenance type battery
Specific gravity reading at 20C (68F): 1.260Fully charged
1.160Half charged
1.060Discharged
Charging rates Quick charge 15A max.
Slow charge 5A max.
±Non±maintenance battery
Open voltage at 20C (68F): 12.7VFully charged
12.3VHalf charged
11.9VDischarged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after the key is
removed with all the lights turned off]
Charging rates5A max.

ENGINE
192
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 nozzle on pumps with
leaded gas will not.
NOTICE
Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of leaded gasoline
will cause the three±way catalytic converter to lose
its effectiveness and the emission control system to
function improperly. Also, this can increase
maintenance costs.
Octane number
Select premium unleaded gasoline with a Research
Octane Number of 96 (Octane Rating 91) or higher for
optimum engine performance. However, if such
premium type cannot be obtained, you may temporarily
use unleaded gasoline with an octane number as low as
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, now and then, you may notice light knocking for a
short time while accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern.
Gasolines containing detergent additives
Lexus recommends use of gasolines that contain
detergent additives to avoid build±up of engine
deposits.
For further details, ask your Lexus dealer or a local gasoline
retailer.
Gasolines containing MTBE
Gasolines that contain MTBE (Methyl Tertiary±Butyl
Ether) are available in the market. If you use a gasoline
mixed with MTBE, make certain that it does not contain
more than 15% of MTBE.
If the use of gasolines containing MTBE causes poor
driveability and/or poor fuel economy, you should stop using
them.

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.