lexus LS400 1999 Comfort Adjustment / LEXUS 1999 LS400 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM50514U)

ENGINE
405
CHECKING THE ENGINE OILLEVEL
62L004a
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
406
62L002-1

1Add oil 2O.K. 3Too 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.
62L003a

ENGINE
407
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. Ch eck the oil level on the dipstick once
again after adding the oil.

ENGINE
408
Engine oil selection
Use API SJ, ºEnergy±Conservingº multigrade engine oil
or ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
62L005±1
Temperature range anticipated before next oil change
SAE 5W±30 is the best choice for your vehicle, for
good fuel economy, and good starting in cold
weather.
If you use SAE 10W±30 engine oil in extremely low
temperatures, the engine may become difficult to
start, so SAE 5W±30 engine oil is recommended.

ENGINE
409
Oil identification marks
62L006±1

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 5W±30.
ºEnergy±Conservingº, shown in the lower portion,
indicates that the oil has fuel±saving capabilities.
 The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization
and Approval Committee) Certification Mark is
displayed on the front of the container.
CHECKING THE ENGINE
COOLANT LEVEL

ENGINE
410
62L007-2

1Reservoir cap 2Upper line 3Lower line
Look at the see±through coolant reservoir when the
engine is cold. The coolant level is satisfactory if it
is between theºFULLº and ºLOWº lines on the
reservoir. If the level is low, add ethylene±glycol
type coolant for a proper corrosion protection of
aluminum components.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary with engine
temperature. However, if the level is on or below the
ºLOWº line, add coolant. Bring the level up to the ºFULLº
line.
Always use ethylene±glycol type coolant for a proper
corrosion protection of aluminum components. See
information in the next column. If the coolant level drops within a short time after
replenishing,
there may be a leak in the system. V isually
check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant filler cap,
radiator cap and 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.

ENGINE
411
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not remove the
reservoir cap when the engine is hot.

ENGINE
412
Coolant type selection
Use of improper coolants may damage your engine
cooling system. Your coolant must contain
ethylene±glycol type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of your engine that contains aluminum
components. Use ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or
equivalent.
In addition to preventing freezing and subsequent
damage to the engine, this type of coolant will also
prevent corrosion. Further supplemental inhibitors or
additives are neither needed nor recommended.
Read the coolant container for information on freeze
protection. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how
much to mix with plain water (preferably demineralized
water or distilled water). The total capacity of the cooling
system is given on page 398.
We recommend to use 50% solution for your Lexus, to
provide protection down to about ±35C (±31F). When
it is extremely cold, to provide protection down to about
±50 C (±58F), 60% solution is recommended. Do not
use more than 70% solution for better coolant
performance.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.

ENGINE
413
SPARK PLUGS
62R031a
Your engine is fitted with iridium±tipped spark
plugs.
NOTICE
Use only iridium±tipped spark plugs for yourengine performance and smooth drivability.

SECTION 6 ± 3
414
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications415
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 417
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid 419
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 421
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 423
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 425
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 429
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 431
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 431
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 432
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .