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

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
58

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 ºEº 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 fuel selection.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
67
(e) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, stop the vehicle, turn
off the engine, and check for the cause. Look first at the
engine drive belt.
If it is loose or broken, the generator will not charge
the battery properly.
 If the belt is O.K., there is a problem somewhere in the
charging system.
The engine ignition will continue to operate, however,
until the battery is discharged. Turn off the air
conditioning, blower, radio, etc., and drive directly to the
nearest Lexus dealer or repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive belt is broken or loose.
(f) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See ºFuel gaugeº
on page 57 for instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely. (See
ºFuel tank capº on page 114 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your engine
electrical system, automatic transmission electrical
system or electronic throttle control system.
If it comes on while you are driving in case ªc.º, have your
vehicle checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon
as possible.
If this lamp comes on and the engine speed does not
increase with the accelerator pedal depressed down to
about the middle position, there may be a problem
somewhere in your electronic throttle control system.
At this time, if you depress the accelerator pedal more
firmly and slowly, you can drive your vehicle at low
speeds. Have your Lexus checked by your Lexus dealer
as soon as possible.
Even if the abnormality of the electronic throttle control
system is corrected during low speed driving, the system
may not be recovered until the engine is stopped and the
ignition key is turned to ªACCº or ªLOCKº position.

SECTION 1 ± 5
108
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Exterior equipment
Hood109
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
Trunk lid 111 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\

Fuel tank cap 114 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Moon roof 118 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
11 4
15L018±1
1 If you do not want to activate the trunk lid
opener system, push in the main switch.
2
To activate the system, insert the master key
and turn it counterclockwise.
To protect things put in the trunk, when you have your
vehicle parked, push in the main switch.
FUEL TANK CAP

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
11 6
CAUTION
Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames
when refuelling. The fumes are flammable.
 When opening the cap, do not remove the cap
quickly. In hot weather, fuel under pressure could
cause injury by spraying out of the filler neck if the
cap is suddenly removed.
15L027
2. To remove the fuel tank cap, turn the cap slowly
counterclockwise, then pause slightly before
removing it. The removed cap can be stored on the
back side of the fuel filler door.
It is not unusual to hear a slight swoosh when the cap is
opened. When installing the cap, turn the cap clockwise
until you hear a click.
If the cap is not tightened securely, the malfunction
indicator lamp comes on. Make sure the cap is tightened
securely.
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.

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
11 7
CAUTION
Make sure the cap is tightened securely to prevent
fuel spillage in case of an accident.
 Use only a genuine Lexus fuel tank cap for
replacement. It has a built±in check valve to reduce
fuel tank vacuum.
In case the opener is not actuated
15L008-2
Pull the manual lever toward the back.
This is used in case the fuel filler door cannot be opened
due to a discharged battery or other trouble.Refueling the vehicle
As soon as the correctly operated nozzle switches
off automatically for the first time, the tank is full. Do
not try to add more fuel, because fuel may spill out.

DRIVING TIPS
333
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. It can cause dangerous overheating,
needless wear, and poor fuel economy.
 To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your
speed and downshift. Remember, if you ride
the brakes excessively, they may overheat and
not work properly. See page 296.
 Be careful when accelerating, upshifting,
downshifting or braking on a slippery surface.
The abrupt change in engine speed, such as
sudden acceleration or engine braking, could
cause the vehicle to spin or skid.
 Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even
if the legal speed limit permits it, do not drive
over 140 km/h (85 mph) unless your vehicle has
high±speed capability tires. Driving over 140
km/h (85 mph) may result in tire failure, loss of
control and possible injury. Be sure to consult
a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on
your vehicle are high±speed capability tires or
not before driving at such speeds.
 Do not continue normal driving when the
brakes are wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will
require a longer stopping distance, and it may
pull to one side when the brakes are applied.
Also, the parking brake will not hold the vehicle
securely.WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have a proper freeze protection of
engine coolant.
Your coolant must contain ethylene±glycol type coolant
for a proper corrosion protection of aluminum
components. Use ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or
equivalent. See ºChecking the engine coolant levelº on
page 417 for instructions.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water
alone.
When it is extremely cold, we recommend to use 60%
solution for your Lexus, to provide protection down to
about ±50 C (±58 F). Do not use more than 70%
solution for better coolant performance.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so
it must be in top shape to provide enough power for
winter starting. Page 453 tells you how to visually
inspect the battery. Your Lexus dealer and most service
stations will be pleased to check the battery charge
level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the
cold weather.

ENGINE
406± COOLING SYSTEM
Capacity
Coolant type
10.8 L (11.4 qt., 9.5 lmp.qt.)
ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
With ethylene±glycol type coolant for a proper
corrosion protection of aluminum components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water
alone.
± FUELFuel type
Octane rating
Only UNLEADED
91 (Research octane number 96) or higher
± IGNITION SYSTEMSpark plug ± Make DENSO NGK
± Gap
SK20R11
IFR6A11
1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
± ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery Open voltage at 20 C (68F):
Charging rates
12.7V Fully charged
12.3V Half charged
11.9V Discharged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after the key is
removed with all the lights turned off]
5A max.

ENGINE
409
Gasoline containing MMT
Some gasoline contain an octane enhancing
additive called MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl
Manganese Tricarbonyl).
Lexus does not recommend the use of gasoline that
contains MMT. If fuel containing MMT is used, your
emission control system may be adversely affected.
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp on the instrument
cluster may come on. If this happens, contact your
Lexus dealer for service.
Gasoline quality
In a very few cases, you may experience driveability
problems caused by the particular gasoline that you are
using. If you continue to have unacceptable driveability,
try changing gasoline brands. If this does not rectify your
problem, then consult your Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
Do not use gasohol other than stated above. It will cause fuel system damage or vehicleperformance problems.
If drivability problems are encountered (poorhot starting, vaporizing, engine knock, etc.),discontinue its use.
Take care not to spill gasohol during refueling.Gasohol may cause paint damage.
Fuel tank capacity
83 L (21.9 gal., 18.3 lmp.gal.)
FACTS ABOUT ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION
Functions of engine oil
Engine oil has the primary function of lubricating and
cooling the inside of the engine, and plays a major role
in maintaining the engine in proper working order.
Engine oil consumption
It is normal that an engine should consume some
engine oil during normal engine operation. The
causes of oil consumption in a normal engine are as
follows.
Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston rings and
cylinders. A thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall
when a piston moves downwards in the cylinder.
High negative pressure generated when the vehicle
is decelerating sucks some of this oil into the
combustion chamber. This oil as well as some part of
the oil film left on the cylinder wall is burned by the
high temperature combustion gases during the

ENGINE
417
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