engine coolant lexus LS400 1998 Engine / LEXUS 1998 LS400 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM50498U)

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
ix
Page
1
Engine coolant temperature gauge 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
3 Turn signal indicator light 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Headlight indicator light 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Headlight high beam indicator light 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 160
. . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Fuel gauge 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
8 Low fuel level warning light 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Cruise control indicator light 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Height control indicator light 172
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Power mode indicator light 167
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Snow mode indicator light 167
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Antilock brake system warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14 Vehicle skid control system off
indicator light 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Malfunction indicator lamp 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Slip indicator light 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Multi information display 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Odometer and trip meter 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Brake system warning light 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 SRS warning light 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Open door warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Driver’s seat belt reminder light 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Discharge warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Instrument panel light control 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 ODO/TRIP RESET button 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xi
Page
1
Engine coolant temperature gauge 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Tachometer 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
3 Turn signal indicator light 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Tail light indicator light 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Headlight high beam indicator light 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Automatic transmission indicator lights 160
. . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Fuel gauge 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
8 Low fuel level warning light 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Cruise control indicator light 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Power mode indicator light 167
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Snow mode indicator light 167
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Antilock brake system warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
13 Vehicle skid control system
off indicator light 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Malfunction indicator lamp 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Slip indicator light 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Multi information display 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Odometer and trip meter 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Brake system warning light 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 SRS warning light 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Open door warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Driver’s seat belt reminder light 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Discharge warning light 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Instrument panel light control 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 ODO/TRIP RESET button 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 1 3
33
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder
indicators
Fuel gauge 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer and trip meter 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi information display 41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel light control 46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
34
FUEL GAUGE
13L0011
Low fuel level warning light
The gauge is displayed when the ignition switch is on and
indicates the approximate quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.
It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4 full.
If the fuel level approaches ”E” or the low fuel level warning light
comes on, fill the fuel tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the tank, the
fuel gauge needle may fluctuate or the low fuel level warning light
may come on earlier than usual.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on. Fill the fuel tank immediately.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times. If the
indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
See the inner back cover for fuel capacity and recommended fuelselection.
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
13L0022
Normal range
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature when the
ignition switch is on. The engine operating temperature will
vary with changes in weather and engine load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your vehicle and
allow the engine to cool.
Your vehicle may overheat during severe operating conditions, such
as:
Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
Reducing speed or stopping after high speed driving.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
35 Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in
stopandgo traffic.
Towing a trailer.
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in the engine cooling system as
this may cause the engine to overheat. The thermostat is
designed to control the flow of coolant to keep the
temperature of the engine within the specified operating
range.
Do not continue driving with an overheated engine. See ”If
your vehicle overheats” on page 196.
TACHOMETER
13L0031
The tachometer indicates engine speed in thousands of rpm
(revolutions per minute). Use it while driving to prevent engine
overrevving.
Driving with the engine running too fast causes excessive engine
wear and poor fuel economy. Remember, in most cases the slower
the engine speed, the greater the fuel economy.
NOTICE
Do not let the indicator needle get into the red zone. This may
cause severe engine damage.

STARTING AND DRIVING
162
31L008-3
1
Power mode 2
Normal mode 3
Snow mode
2. Set the driving pattern selector switch to the ”Normal”
position.
Your transmission has a driving pattern selector switch which allows
you to select ”Power”, ”Normal” or ”Snow” mode to suit your
driving condition. For ordinary driving, Lexus recommends that
you use the ”Normal” position to improve fuel economy.
3. For more powerful acceleration and sporty driving, use the
”Power” position.
In the POWER position, the ”ECT PWR” light in the instrument
cluster is on and the transmission is shifted up at higher vehicle
speeds and shifted down more responsively than in the NORMAL
position.
For ”Snow” mode, see ”Electronic Throttle Control System” on
page 167.
31l0552
1
”D” (Drive) position 2
Brake pedal
4. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the
selector lever to ”D”.
Always use the ”D” position to improve fuel economy and quiet
driving. Only in this position, shifting into the overdrive gear is
possible. However, while the engine coolant temperature is low, the
transmission will not shift into the overdrive gear even in the ”D”
position. (See ”(b) Using engine braking” and ”(f) Good driving
practice” for exceptions.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while shifting.

DRIVING TIPS
188Because of the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine
may overheat on hot days (at temperatures over 30C [85F])
when going up a long or steep grade with a trailer. If the engine
coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, immediately
turn off the air conditioning (if in use), pull your vehicle off the
road and stop in a safe spot. See ”If your vehicle overheats” on
page 196 of this manual.
Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. Put the
transmission in ”P”. Avoid parking on a slope with a trailer, but
if it cannot be avoided, do so only after performing the following:
1. Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and
trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release your brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the parking brake firmly.
5. Shift into ”P” and turn off the engine.When restarting out after parking on a slope:
1. With the transmission in ”P” position, start the engine. Be sure
to keep the brake pedal depressed.
2. Shift into the ”3”, ”2”, ”L” or ”R” position.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal and slowly pull or back
away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply your brakes.
4. Have someone retrieve the blocks.
CAUTION
Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) or the posted towing speed
limit, whichever is lower. Because instability (swaying) of
a towing vehicletrailer combination usually increases as
the speed increases, exceeding 72 km/h (45 mph) may cause
loss of control.
Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long
downhill grades. Do not make sudden downshifts.
Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too
frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
196
CAUTION
When making the connections, to avoid serious injury, do not
lean over the battery or accidentally let the jumper cables or
clamps touch anything except the correct battery terminals or
the ground.
5. Start your engine in the normal way. After starting, run it at about
2000 rpm for several minutes with the accelerator pedal lightly
depressed.
6. Carefully disconnect the cables in the exact reverse order: the
negative cable and then the positive cable.
7. Carefully dispose of the battery cover cloths which may now
contain sulfuric acid.
8. If removed, replace all the battery vent plugs.
If the cause of your battery discharging is not apparent (for example,
lights left on), you should have it checked.
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating,
if you experience a loss of power, or if you hear a loud knocking
or pinging noise, the engine has probably overheated.
When the engine overheats
Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your emergency
flashers. Put the transmission in ”P” and apply the parking brake.
A: If steam is coming from your engine:
Turn off the engine. Leave the hood closed until there is no sign of
steam or coolant. Your engine could have been seriously damaged
already. Call your Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until there
is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is sign of very high
pressure.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
197 B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning. Check
the following.
Is the cooling fan operating?
Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing away
from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the engine
and radiator are hot. Serious injury could result from
scalding hot fluid and steam blown out under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the
acceptable range, turn off the engine and call your Lexus dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant temperature has
cooled to normal, continue driving your vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your
vehicle overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible by your
Lexus dealer.
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move
cautiously off the road to a safe place well away from the traffic.
Avoid stopping on the center divider of a highway. Park on a level
spot with firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Firmly set the parking brake and put the transmission in ”P”.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side away from
traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.
NOTICE
For vehicles equipped with the height control switch, be sure to
turn the ignition switch off before jacking. If this is not done, the
vehicle height adjustment function will operate, which may
cause body damage.
CAUTION
When jacking, be sure to observe the following to reduce the
possibility of personal injury:
Follow jacking instructions.
Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is
supported by the jack.

MAINTENANCE
216Parking brake
Check that the pedal has the proper travel and that, on a safe incline,
your vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission ”Park” mechanism
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with the
selector lever in ”P” position and all brakes released.
Engine compartment
Items listed below should be checked from time to time, e.g. each
time when refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See page 261 for
additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the Upper and Lower lines
on the seethrough reservoir when the engine is cold. See page 233
for additional information.
Battery
Your Lexus has a maintenance free battery. You do not have to add
distilled water. For longer life of the battery, however, see page 253
for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 239 for
additional information.Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and the
vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 230 for additional
information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in the ”HOT”
or ”COLD” range depending on the fluid temperature. See page 240
for additional information.
Exhaust system
Look for cracks, holes and loose supports. If you notice any change
in the sound of the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes, have the cause
located and corrected immediately. (See engine exhaust cautions in
Section 31.)