lexus LS400 2000 Engine / LEXUS 2000 LS400 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM50533U)

MAINTENANCE
394If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs
adjustment or repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the vehicle unchecked. It
could result in serious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.

SECTION 6 ± 1
395
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Introduction
Vehicle identification395
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment overview 398
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Do±it±yourself service precautions 399
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts and tools 401
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
61L002

INTRODUCTION
396The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the legal
identifier
for your vehicle. This number is on the left
top of the instrument panel and can be seen through
the windshield from outside.
This is the primary identification number for your Lexus.
It is used in registering the ownership of your vehicle.
61L003
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is also on the
Certification Label.

INTRODUCTION
397
61L004b
The engine number is stamped on the engine block
as shown.

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
399
DO±IT±YOURSELF SERVICEPRECAUTIONS
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to
follow the correct procedure given in this Section.
You should be aware that improper or incomplete
servicing may result in operating problems.
Performing do±it±yourself maintenance during the
warranty period may affect your warranty coverage.
Read the separate Lexus Warranty statement for details
and suggestions.
This Section gives instructions only for those items that
are relatively easy for an owner to perform. As explained
in Section 5, there are still a number of items that must
be performed by a qualified technician with special tools.
For information on tools and parts for do±it±yourself
maintenance, see ºParts and toolsº on page 401.
Utmost care should be taken when working on your
vehicle to prevent accidental injury. Here are a few
precautions that you should be especially careful to
observe:

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
401
NOTICE

Remember that battery and ignition cablescarry high currents or voltages. Be careful ofaccidentally causing a short circuit.

Before closing the engine hood, check to seethat you have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc.

Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or
excessive engine wear could result. Alsobackfiring could cause a fire in the enginecompartment.

Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, orthe transmission could be damaged.

Be careful not to scratch the glass surface withthe wiper frame.
PARTS AND TOOLS
Here is a list of parts and tools you will need to perform
do±it±yourself maintenance. Remember all Lexus parts
are designed in metric sizes, so your tools must be
metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):

Use API grade SJ, ºEnergy±Conservingº multigrade
engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil. For
recommended oil viscosity, see page 416.
Tools:

Rag or paper towel

Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):

ªToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
See ºChecking the engine coolant levelº on page 417
for instructions.

Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)

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

SECTION 6 ± 2
403
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications404
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Fuel 407
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption 409
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil 411
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 413
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 417
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 421
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .