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

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
64
(a) Brake System Warning Light
This light has the following two functions:
Parking brake reminder
If this light is on, make sure the parking brake is fully
released. The light should go off.
Low brake fluid level warning
If this light comes on and stays on while you are driving,
slow down and pull off the road. Then stop the vehicle
carefully. Remember that stopping distance and pedal
effort may be increased. There may be a problem
somewhere in the brake system. Check the fluid level
of the see±through reservoir.
To make sure the parking brake has not caused the
warning light to come on, check to see that the parking
brake is fully released.
If the brake fluid level is low ...
At a safe place, test your brakes by starting and
stopping.
If you judge that the brakes still work adequately, drive
cautiously to your nearest dealer or shop for repairs.
 If the brakes are not working, have the vehicle towed
in for repairs. (For towing information, see page 366.)

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
65
CAUTION
It is dangerous to continue driving normally when the
brake fluid level is low.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
66If the brake fluid level is correct ...
Have
the warning system checked by your Lexus dealer.
(b) Driver's Seat Belt Reminder Light
and Buzzer
Once the ignition key is turned to ºONº or ºSTARTº, the
reminder light flashes and buzzer sounds if the driver's
seat belt is not fastened. Unless the driver fastens the
belt, the light stays flashing and the buzzer stops after
about 4 to 8 seconds.
(c) Front Passenger's Seat BeltReminder Light
Once the ignition key is turned to ºONº or ºSTARTº, the
reminder light flashes if a passenger sits in the front
passenger seat and does not fasten the seat belt.
Unless the front passenger fastens the belt, the light
stays flashing.
If luggage load is placed on the front passenger seat,
depending on its weight and how it is placed on the seat,
built±in sensors in the seat cushion may detect the
pressure, causing the reminder light to come on.
(d) SRS Warning Light
The indicators come on when the ignition key is
turned to the ºACCº or ºONº position. It goes off
after about 6 seconds. This means the SRS is
operating properly.
The SRS warning light system monitors the airbag
sensor assemblies, inflators, seat belt pretensioners,
warning light, interconnecting wiring and power sources.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates
a malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the
warning light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible to service the vehicle.
 The light does not come on as described above.
 The light stays on or flashes.
 The light comes on or starts flashing while driving.
If the light stays on, it indicates that the driver and front
passenger airbags fail. If the light flashes, the side
airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners fail.

DRIVING TIPS
325
See page 408 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a
heavy summer oil in your vehicle during winter months
may cause harder starting. If you are not sure about
which oil to use, call your Lexus dealer ± they will be
pleased to help.
Check the electronic ignition system for loose
connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de±icer or glycerine into the locks to keep
them from freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most
auto parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions
for how much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other
substitute because it may damage your vehicle'spaint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a
possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ºPº and block
the front wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow
or water accumulated in and around the parking brake
mechanism may freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the
fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make
steering difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and
check under the fenders occasionally.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
349
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 p arking brake and put the transmission
in ºPº.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side away

MAINTENANCE
383
Parking 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 ºParkº mechanism
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held
securely with the selector lever in ºPº 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
459 for additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the Upper and
Lower lines on the see±through reservoir when the
engine is cold. See page 409
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 443 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 417
for additional information.

MAINTENANCE
384Engine oil level
Check
the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off
and the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 405 for
additional information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in
the ºHOTº or ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 419 for additional information.
Exhaust system
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 3±1.)
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEED REPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds,
and visual tip±offs that indicate service is needed. Some
important clues are:

Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging

Appreciable loss of power

Strange engine noises

A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water
dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)

Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a
dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the
windows open and have the exhaust system checked
immediately.)

Flat±looking tires, excessive tire squeal when
cornering, uneven tire wear

Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a
level road

Strange noises related to suspension movement

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake
pedal, pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to
one side when braking

Engine coolant temperature continually higher than
normal

61L005a
INTRODUCTION
389
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
1 Brake fluidreservoir
2 Fuse box
3 Battery
4 Washerfluid tank
5 Engine oilleveldipstick
6 Engine oil
filler cap
7 Power
steeringfluidreservoir
8 Engine
coolantreservoir

INTRODUCTION
393
Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):

FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking power steering fluid
Parts (if level is low):

Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III
Tools:

Rag or paper towel

Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking battery condition
Non±maintenance batteries
Tools:

Warm water

Baking soda

Grease

Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Maintenance type batteries Parts (if level is low):


Distilled water
Tools:

Warm water

Baking soda

Grease

Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)

Coin (for vent plugs)

Funnel (only for adding distilled water)
Checking and replacing the blade type
fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):

Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Checking the cartridge type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):

Genuine Lexus fuse or equivalent with same
amperage rating as original

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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .