steering lexus LS400 2000 Engine / LEXUS 2000 LS400 (OM50533U) Owner's Guide

DRIVING TIPS
347
CAUTION
Never turn off the engine to coast down hills. Your
power steering and brake booster will not function
without the engine running. Also, the emission control
system operates properly only when the engine is
running.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
350
IF YOUR ENGINE STALLSWHILE DRIVING
If your engine stalls while driving . . . .
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line.
Move cautiously off the road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Try starting the engine again.
If the engine will not start, see ºIf your vehicle will not
startº.
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the
brakes and steering will not work, so steering and
braking will be much harder than usual.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
377
40L022±1
Place the ignition key in the ºACCº position.
NOTICE
Do not tow with the key removed or in theºLOCKº position, as the steering lockmechanism is not strong enough to hold thefront wheels straight.
When lifting wheels, take care to ensureadequate ground clearance for towing at theopposite end of the raised vehicle. Otherwise,the bumper and/or underbody of the towedvehicle will be damaged during towing.
(b) Using a flat bed truck

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
382
(d) Emergency towing
40L031±3
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have
it done by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow
truck service.
If towing service is not available in an emergency,
your vehicle may be temporarily towed by a cable or
chain secured to the emergency towing eyelet. Use
extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the
brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done only on
hard±surfaced roads for a short distance and at low
speeds. Also, the wheels, axles, drive train, steering
and brakes must all be in good condition.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
383
CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. Avoid
sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would
place excessive stress on the emergency towing eyelet
and towing cable or chain. The eyelet and towing cable
or chain may break and cause serious injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cableor chain to the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake and put the
transmission in ºNº. The ignition key must be in ºACCº
(engine off) or ºONº (engine running).
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the
brakes and steering will not work so steering and
braking will be much harder than usual.

MAINTENANCE
391
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g.
while performing periodic services, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn
signal lights, and other lights are working. Check
headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers function properly. Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified free play. Be alert for
changes in steering condition, such as hard steering,
excessive free play or strange noise.
Seats
Check
that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters,
seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly. Check that the
head restraints move up and down smoothly and that the
locks hold securely in any latched position.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles,
retractors and anchors operate properly and smoothly.
Make sure the belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or
damaged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal
effort or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and free play. Check the brake booster
function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one
side when applied.

MAINTENANCE
393
Engine oil level
Check
the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off
and the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 413 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 428 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

61L005b
INTRODUCTION
398
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
1 Engine oilfiller cap
2 Engine oilleveldipstick
3 Brake fluid
reservoir
4 Fuse box
5 Battery
6 Washerfluid tank
7 Power
steeringfluidreservoir
8 Engine
coolantreservoir

INTRODUCTION
400
CAUTION

When the engine is running, keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive
belt. (Removing rings, watches, and ties is
advisable.)

Right after driving, the engine compartment ± the
engine, radiator, exhaust manifold and power
steering fluid reservoir, etc. ± will be hot. So be
careful not to touch them. Oil and other fluids may
also be hot.

Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames
around fuel or the battery. Their fumes are
flammable.

Be extremely cautious when working on the battery.
It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.

Do not get under your vehicle with just the body jack
supporting it. Always use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.

Be sure the ignition is off if you work near the electric
cooling fan or radiator grille. With the ignition on, the
electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if
the air conditioning is on and/or if the coolant
temperature is high.

Use eye protection whenever you work on or under
your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc.

INTRODUCTION
402
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
Tools:

Warm water

Baking soda

Grease

Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
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
Adding washer fluid
Parts:

Water

Washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
Tools:

Funnel