engine lexus LS400 1998 Engine / LEXUS 1998 LS400 (OM50498U) Manual Online

ENGINE
232
Engine oil selection
Use API SH, ”EnergyConserving II” or SJ, ”EnergyConserving”
multigrade engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
62L0051
Temperature range anticipated before next oil change
SAE 5W30 is the best choice for your vehicle, for good fuel
economy, and good starting in cold weather.
If you use SAE 10W30 engine oil in extremely low
temperatures, the engine may become difficult to start, so SAE
5W30 engine oil is recommended.
Oil identification marks
62L0061
API Service Symbol
ILSAC 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 SJ. The
center portion of the label shows the SAE viscosity grade such as
SAE 5W30. ”EnergyConserving”, shown in the lower portion,
indicates that the oil has fuelsaving capabilities.
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee) Certification Mark is displayed on the
front of the container.

ENGINE
233
CHECKING THE ENGINE
COOLANT LEVEL
62L007-2
1
Reservoir cap 2
Upper line 3
Lower line
Park the vehicle at a level spot and look at the seethrough
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 ethyleneglycol 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 ethyleneglycol type coolant. It will prevent freezing and
corrosion. Neither supplemental inhibitors nor additives are needed
nor recommended. (For information on ethyleneglycol coolant,
see also ”Engine coolant selection” described below.)If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing, there
may be a leak in the system. Visually check the radiator, hoses,
reservoir cap, drain cock and water pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Lexus dealer test the cap pressure
and check for leaks in the cooling system.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not remove the reservoir cap
when the engine is hot.
Engine coolant selection
Your coolant must contain ethyleneglycol antifreeze. In addition
to preventing freezing and subsequent damage to the engine, this
will also prevent corrosion. Further supplemental inhibitors or
additives are neither needed nor recommended.
Read the antifreeze container for information on freeze protection.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how much to mix with
water. The total capacity of the cooling system is given on page 226.
We recommend 50% solution be used for your Lexus, or a sufficient
quantity to provide protection to about 35C (31F).
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.

ENGINE
234
SPARK PLUGS
Your engine is fitted with iridium spark plugs.
NOTICE
Use only iridium spark plugs for your engine performance.

ENGINE
235

CHASSIS
237
SPECIFICATIONS
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Fluid capacity
Drain and refill
Fluid type
1.9 L (2.0 qt., 1.7 lmp.qt.)
Automatic transmission fluid Type T IV or equivalent
DIFFERENTIAL
Oil capacity
Oil type
Oil viscosity
1.3 L (1.4 qt., 1.1 lmp.qt.)
Hypoid gear oil API GL5
Above 18C (0F): SAE 90
Below 18C (0F): SAE 80W or SAE 80W90
BRAKES
Pedal clearance
Pedal freeplay
Brake pad wear limit
Parking brake lining wear limit
Parking brake adjustment
Fluid type
70 mm (2.8 in.) Min. *1
1 6 mm (0.04 0.24 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
5 7 clicks *
2
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
*1: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with the pressure of 490 N (50 kgf, 110 lbf.) with the engine running
*
2: Parking brake adjustment when depressed with the pressure of 294 N (30 kgf, 66.1 lbf.)

CHASSIS
240
CHECKING POWER STEERING
FLUID
63L0021
Check the fluid level on the dipstick. If necessary, add automatic
transmission fluid DEXRONII or III.
If the vehicle has been driven around 80 km/h (50 mph) for 20
minutes (a little more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is hot (60C
8 0C or 140F 175F). You may also check the level when the
fluid is cold (about room temperature, 10C 30C or 50F 85F)
if the engine has not been run for about five hours.
63L0031
1
If cold O.K. 2
If hot O.K. 3
Add fluid
1. Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
2. Remove the filler cap by turning it counterclockwise and wipe the
dipstick clean.
3. Reinstall the filler cap.
4. Remove the filler cap again and look at the fluid level. If the fluid
is cold, the level should be in the ”COLD” range on the dipstick.
Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level should be in the ”HOT” range.
If the level is at the low side of either range, add automatic
transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III to bring the level within the
range.
5. After replacing the filler cap, visually check the steering box case,
vane pump and hose connections for leaks or damage.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
249
SPECIFICATIONS
FUSE LOCATIONS
64L0061
1
Engine compartment
2
Driver’s side instrument panel FUSES
64L0071
Driver’s side instrument panel

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
250
64L0081
Engine compartment

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
254
Checking battery exterior
64L009
1
Terminals 2
Holddown clamp
Check the battery for corroded or loose connections, cracks, or
loose holddown clamps.
1. If the battery is corroded, wash it off with a solution of warm
water and baking soda. Coat the terminals with grease to prevent
further corrosion.
2. If the connections are loose, tighten the clamp bolts but do not
overtighten.
3. Tighten the holddown clamp only enough to keep the battery
firmly in place. Overtightening may damage the battery case.
NOTICE
Make sure the engine and all accessories are turned off
before performing maintenance.
When checking the battery, remove the ground cable first and
reinstall it last.
Be careful not to cause a short circuit with tools.
Take care no solution gets into the battery when washing it.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
257
Adding distilled water
(Maintenance type battery only)
64L062
1
Low 2
O.K.
1. Remove the vent plugs.
2. Add distilled water to cells needing fluid.
If the side of your battery is covered, check the water level by looking
down directly above the cell as illustrated above.
3. Retighten the vent plugs securely.
NOTICE
Do not overfill the cells. Excess electrolyte could squirt out
of the battery during heavy charging, causing corrosion or
damage.
Use a cover on the battery for longer life.
BATTERY RECHARGING
PRECAUTIONS
During recharging, the battery is producing hydrogen gas.
Therefore, before recharging:
1. Maintenance type batteries Remove the vent plugs.
2. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to
disconnect the ground cable.
3. Make sure the power switch on the recharger is off when
connecting the charger cables to the battery and when disconnecting
them.
CAUTION
Always charge the battery in an unconfined area. Do not
charge the battery in a garage or closed room where there
is not sufficient ventilation.
Nonmaintenance batteries: Only do a slow charge (5 A or
less). Charging at a quicker rate is dangerous. The battery
may explode causing personal injuries.
Maintenance type batteries: Be sure to remove the vent
plugs before recharging.
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also,
make sure all accessories are turned off.