light lexus LS400 1996 Gauges, Meters and Service Reminders / 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
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.