maintenance LEXUS LS430 2006 Owner's Guide

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Radiator and condenser
Check the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects. If the parts are
extremely dirty or you are not sure of their condition, have your vehicle checked
by your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the radiator cap. The cooling system may be under pressure and
ma

y spray hot coolant if the cap is removed, causing burns or other injuries.
Do not touch the radiator or condenser, as they may be not and may cause burns.
NOTICE
■When adding engine coolant
Do not use plain water alone.
■If you spill coolant:
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or point.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Brake fluid
■Fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
betw
een the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
■ A
dding fluid
Turn the ignition switch off.
Depress the brake pedal 40 times or more.
Remove the reservoir cap.
Add newly opened brake fluid up to the “MAX” line.
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemsFunnel (for adding brake fluid only)
■Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency. Use
o

nly newly opened brake fluid.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Be careful because brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damage painted
sur
faces. 
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately. 
If you still experience discom for
t, seek medical attention.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads wear or
whe

n the fluid level in the accumulator is high. 
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious mechanical prob -
lem. Have the system checked by your Lexus dealer.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Power steering fluid
■Fluid level
The fluid level should be within the
appropriate range.
Full line when cold
Add fluid if at or below line
when cold.
Full line when hot
Add fluid if at or below line
when hot.
Hot : If the vehicle has been driven around 50 mph (80 km/h) for 20 min -
utes (slightly longer in frigid te mper
atures), the fluid is hot (140F -
175
F or 60C - 80C).
Cold : If the engine has not been run for about
five hours, the fluid is cold.
(about room temperature, 50
F - 85F or 10C - 30C).
■ Checking the fluid level
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items before
checking.
Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
Remove the reservoir cap by tu rning it counter
clockwise and
wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinstall the reservoir cap.
Remove the reservoir cap again and look at the fluid le
vel.
1
2
3
4
Fluid typeAutomatic transmission fluid DEXRON II or III
ItemsRag or paper towel and funnel (only for adding fluid)

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Battery
Check the battery as follows:
■Battery exterior
Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that there are no
loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
CAUTION
■Checking the fluid level
Take care, as the reservoir may be hot.
NOTICE
■When adding fluid
Avoid overfilling, or the po w
er steering may be damaged.
■After replacing the reservoir cap
Check the steering box case, pump and ho
se connections for leaks or damage.
1
2

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Checking battery condition
Check the battery condition by the indicator color.
Blue: 
Good condition
White: 
Charging necessary. Have the
batter
y checked by your Lexus
dealer.
Red: 
Have the battery checked by
y
our Lexus dealer.
1
2
3
■Before recharging
Recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive.
Be

fore recharging:
• If recharging with the battery installe d in the vehicle, be sure to dis-
connect the ground cable.
• Make sure the power switch on th e r
echarger is off when connecting
and disconnecting the char ger cables to the battery.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
●If electrolyte gets in your eyes 
Flush them with clean water for at leas t 15 minutes
and get immediate medical
attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or cloth while travel -
ing to the medical office.
●If electrolyte gets on your skin 
Thoroughly wash the affected area. If you feel p
ain or burning, get medical atten-
tion immediately.
●If electrolyte gets on your clothes 
It can seak through clothing on to your skin. Immediat
ely take off the clothing and
follow the procedure above if necessary.
●If you accidentally swallow electrolyte 
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Fo l
low with milk of magnesia, beaten raw
egg or vegetable oil. Get emergency medical attention immediately.
■Chemicals in the battery
A battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce hydro -
gen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death or serious
injur
y, take the following precautions while working on or near battery:
• Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.
• Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
• Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
• Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
• Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.
• Keep children away from the battery.
■Where to safe charge the battery
Always charge the battery in an open area. Do not charge the battery in a garage or
cl
osed room where there is not sufficient ventilation.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
■How to recharge the battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). T
he battery may explode if charged at a
quicker rate.
NOTICE
■When recharging the battery
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also, be sure all accesso -
ries are turned off.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
Washer fluid
Add washer fluid if “Low Washer Fluid” appears on the multi-information dis-
play. ( P.334 )
■Adding fluid
Add washer fluid until it approaches
the NORMAL (maximum) line.
NOTICE
■Use washer fluid only
Do not use soapy water or engine anti-freeze instead of washer fluid. 
Doing so may result in streaking the vehicle’s painted surface.
■Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary. 
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the washer fluid tank when diluting
wa
sher fluid.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Tires
Replace the tires when the tread wear indicators show.
■Checking tires
New tread
Tread wear indicator
Worn tread
The location of tread wear indica-
tors is shown by the “TWI” or “
”
marks, etc., molded on the sidewall
of each tire.
■ Tire rotation
Use the spare tire and rotate the tires
in the order shown.
Lexus recommends tire rotation
per the maintenanc
e schedule to
equalize tire wear and extend tire
life.
1
2
3
Front