checking oil lexus LS400 1998 Audio System / LEXUS 1998 LS400 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM50498U)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
45 If you continue driving with any door or trunk open, the reminder
light starts flashing and the warning tone sounds to remind you to
close the door or trunk.
W52 W52
If the driver’s door is opened with the ignition switch turned off
and the moon roof opened, the above message appears and the
reminder light flashes.
W48 W48
In the following cases, the warning message appears and the
reminder light next to the warning message and the ”VSC OFF”
indicator light come on. And the warning tone also sounds.
(a) After the removal of the battery terminals (See ”Initial
adjustment of vehicle skid control system” on page 175.)
(b) If the vehicle skid control system malfunctions
If the above message appears for the cause of (b), have your vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Although the above message appears, you can continue your normal
driving, but without the vehicle skid control system function.
W49 W49
In the following cases, the above message appears, the reminder
light comes on and the warning tone sounds.
When the headlight switch is turned to the first or second
clickstop with one or more of tail light bulbs burned out.
When the brake pedal is held down with one or more of stop light
bulbs burned out.
Have defective bulbs replaced as soon as possible.
W50 W50
When the engine oil level is too low, the above message appears,
the reminder light comes on and the warning tone sounds.
Add oil as soon as possible. (For instructions, see ”Checking the
engine oil level” on page 230.)
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oil will damage the
engine.

INTRODUCTION
222Remember that battery and ignition cables carry high
currents or voltages. Be careful of accidentally causing a
short circuit.
Before closing the engine hood, check to see that you have not
forgotten any tools, rags, etc.
Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or excessive engine
wear could result. Also backfiring could cause a fire in the
engine compartment.
Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, or the
transmission could be damaged.
Be careful not to scratch the glass surface with the wiper
frame.
PARTS AND TOOLS
Here is a list of parts and tools you will need to perform
doityourself maintenance. Remember all Lexus parts are
designed in metric sizes, so your tools must be metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):
Use API grade SH, ”EnergyConserving II” or SJ,
”EnergyConserving” multigrade engine oil or ILSAC
multigrade engine oil. For recommended oil viscosity, see page
232.
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
Ethyleneglycol coolant
Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:
Funnel (only for adding coolant)

SECTION 6 2
224
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications 225. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 227. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption 229. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil 230. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 230. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 234. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ENGINE
230Failure to check the oil level regularly could lead to serious
engine trouble due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check, see ”Checking the
engine oil level” on page 230.
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.
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL
LEVEL
62L004-4
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.

ENGINE
231
62L002-1
1
Add oil 2
O.K. 3
Too full
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level on the end. If it is
between the full line (
5
) and the low line ( 4
), it is O.K.
62L003-3
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.Remove 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., lmp. 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.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
253
CHECKING BATTERY CONDITION
Precautions
CAUTION
BATTERY PRECAUTIONS
The battery produces flammable and explosive hydrogen gas.
Do not cause a spark by contacting the battery terminals
with tools.
Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
The electrolyte contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin or clothes.
Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
Wear protective safety glasses when working near the
battery.
Keep children away from the battery.
EMERGENCY MEASURES
If electrolyte gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean
water for at least 15 minutes and get immediate medical
attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge
or cloth while traveling to the medical office.
If electrolyte gets on your skin, thoroughly wash the
contacted area. If you feel a pain or burn, get medical
attention immediately.
If electrolyte gets on your clothes, there is a possibility of its
soaking through to your skin, so immediately take off the
exposed clothing and follow the procedure above, if
necessary.
If you happen to swallow electrolyte, drink a large quantity
of water or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten raw
egg or vegetable oil. Then go immediately for emergency
help.

INDEX (A C)
278
A
”ABS” warning light 178
Adding washer fluid 261. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustment
Driver’s seat lumbar support 73. . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seat cushion angle and height 72. . . . . .
Front seat position 71. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seatback angle 72
Seat belts 80. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbags (SRS) 86. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 247. . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system 177. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antitheft steering column lock 157. . . . . . . . . .
Appearance care
Cleaning the interior 273
Protecting your Lexus from corrosion 270. . .
Washing and waxing 271
Audio system 132. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic air conditioning controls 121. . . . . . .
Automatic transmission
Driving with an automatic
transmission 160. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift pattern 160. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting speed 163. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary catch, Engine hood 62. . . . . . . . . . . . .
B
Battery
Checking battery condition 253. . . . . . . . . . . .
Recharging precautions 257. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 157. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Belts
Seat belts 80. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit warning light 178. . . . . . .
Brake system warning light 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes
Antilock brake system 177. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Booster 176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking tips 176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level 239. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pad wear limit warning light 178. . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 158. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake reminder light 37. . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakin period 181. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness control 46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C
Carbon monoxide caution 156. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette tape player 140
Car audio operating tips 148. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center vents 130. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing the
blade type fuses 258. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 239. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the cartridge type fuses 260. . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 230. . . . . . . . . . . .
Child restraint 98. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child restraint precautions 98. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Childprotector, Rear door 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter and ashtray 52. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the interior 273. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 51. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cold weather, Operation 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact disc player 143. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Converter, Threeway catalytic 155. . . . . . . . . .

INDEX (E G)
280
Checking the coolant level 233. . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant temperature gauge 34. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emission control device 155. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment 220 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 156. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood release 62. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil consumption 229. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil level 230. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 196. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 226. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting procedure 159. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Threeway catalytic converter 155. . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant, Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . .
Engine immobiliser system 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil, Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 34. . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 156. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F
Facts about engine oil consumption 229. . . . . . .
Flasher, Headlight 5, 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire
After changing wheels 204. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing tires 202. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 197 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack point 201. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking precautions 197. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking up 201. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loosening wheel nuts 201 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lowering vehicle 203. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reinstalling wheel ornament 204. . . . . . . . . . .
Removing wheel ornament 200. . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel block 200. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel nuts 201. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor mat 58. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level
Brake 239. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 240. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid 261. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign countries, Operation in 181. . . . . . . . . . Front seat
Lumbar support 73. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Position 71. . . . . . . . . .
Seat cushion angle and height 72. . . . . . . . . . .
Seatback angle 72. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel
Filler door opener 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel economy 189. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel information 227. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gauge 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MTBE 228. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 181. . . . . . . . . .
Tank cap 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse
Blade type fuses 258. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cartridge type fuses 260. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 249. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse box 220. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G
Garage door opener 54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gas station information Inside back cover. . . . .
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature 34. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glovebox 54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 166 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

INDEX (M Q)
282
M
Maintenance
Doityourself maintenance 221. . . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing? 217. . . . . .
General maintenance 214
Maintenance requirements 213. . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts and tools 222. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to go for service? 213. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction indicator lamp 39. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi information display 41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maximum allowable speed 164. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors
Antiglare inside rear view 79. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Folding rear view 79. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside rear view 77. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power rear view 78. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vanity 48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Moon roof 66. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MTBE 228. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
N
New vehicle breakin 181
O
Odometer 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil
Checking the engine oil 230. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consumption 229. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 240. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Viscosity and grade 232. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Opener
Trunk lid 63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel filler door 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 181. . . . . . . . . . .
Outside rear view mirrors 77. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating, Engine 196 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview
Engine compartment 220
P
Parking brake
Operation 158. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reminder light 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts 222. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal lights 50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Polishing 271. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power door locks 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power outlet 53. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power rear view mirror control 78. . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering fluid level 240. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power window switches 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting your Lexus from corrosion 270. . . . .
Q
Quick index Back cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAS STATION INFORMATION
Fuel selection:
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).
Fuel tank capacity:
85 L (22.5 gal., 18.7 lmp.gal.)
Engine oil:
API SH, ”EnergyConserving II” or SJ, ”EnergyConserving”
multigrade engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended oil viscosity SAE 5W30 if normal
temperatures are below 38C (100F)
Oil capacity: L (qt., lmp.qt.)
Drain and refill
with filter 5.6 (5.9, 4.9)
without filter 5.3 (5.6, 4.7)
See page 230 for detailed information.
Engine coolant:
Capacity: 10.8 L (11.4 qt, 10.4 lmp.qt.)
Coolant type Ethylene glycol coolant (Do not use alcohol
coolant.)
For checking the engine coolant, see page 233.
For changing the engine coolant, see the label on the coolant
reservoir.Automatic transmission:
Fluid type Automatic transmission fluid Type TIV or
equivalent
Tire information:
See page 241 through 247 for detailed information.
Tire pressure:
Tire size: P225/60R16 97V
cold tires
kPa (kgf/cm
2
or bar, psi)
Vehicle loaded up
Vehicle load up to vehicle capacity
up to occupants weight
Front tires 200 (2.0, 29) 220 (2.2, 32). . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear tires 200 (2.0, 29) 220 (2.2, 32). . . . . . . . . . . . .
For sustained high speeds above 160 km/h (100 mph), in
countries where such speeds are permitted by law, add 80 kPa
(0.9 kgf/cm
2, 0.8 bar, 12 psi) to the front tires and rear tires, but
never exceed the maximum cold tire pressure molded on the tire
sidewall.
LS400 (U) 98