engine coolant LEXUS LS500 2021 User Guide

3806-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Radiator, con-
denser, inter-
cooler radiator
and intercooler
sub radiator
( P.389)

Tire inflation pres-
sure ( P.406)• Tire pressure gauge
•Compressed air
source
Washer fluid
( P.390)
• Water or washer
fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter
use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or
washer fluid)
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many
mechanisms and fluids that may move
suddenly, become hot, or become elec-
trically energized. To avoid death or seri-
ous injury, observe the following
precautions.
■When working on the engine com-
partment
●Keep hands, clothi ng and tools away
from the moving fan and engine drive
belt.
●Be careful not to touch the engine,
radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil
and other fluids may also be hot.
●Do not leave anything that may burn
easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
●Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose
an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes are
flammable.
ItemsParts and tools■When working near the electric cool-
ing fan or radiator grille
Be sure the engine switch is off.
With the engine switch in IGNITION
ON mode, the electric cooling fan may
automatically start to run if the air condi-
tioning is on and/or the coolant tempera-
ture is high. ( P.389)
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc. from get-
ting in your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter
removed may cause excessive engine
wear due to dirt in the air.

3836-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Fuse boxes (P.412)
Engine oil filler cap ( P.387)
Engine coolant reservoir ( P.388)
Intercooler coolant reservoir ( P.388)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P.386)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P.389)
Washer fluid tank ( P.390)
Radiator ( P.389)
Intercooler radiator ( P.389)
Electric cooling fan
Condenser ( P.389)
Intercooler sub radiator ( P.389)
For AWD models:
The engine oil level dipstick is locate d on the opposite side of the engine.
Engine compartment
Components
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L

3886-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Engine coolant reservoir
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is
between the “F” and “L” lines on the
reservoir when the engine is cold. Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” line
If the level is on or
below the “L” line, add
coolant up to the “F” line. ( P.449)
■Intercooler coolant reservoir
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is
between the “F” and “L” lines on the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” line
If the level is on or below the “L” line, add
coolant up to the “F” line. ( P.449)
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or a similar high qua lity ethylene glycol
based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite,
and non-borate coolant with long-life
hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mix-
ture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized
water. (Minimum temperature: -31°F
[-35°C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mix-
ture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized
water. (Minimum temperature: -44°F
[-42°C])
For more details about coolant, contact
WARNING
●Dispose of used oil and filters only in a
safe and acceptable manner. Do not
dispose of used oil and filters in house-
hold trash, in sewers or onto the
ground.
Call your Lexus dealer, service station
or auto parts store for information
concerning recycling or disposal.
●Do not leave used engine oil within the
reach of children.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
■When replacing the engine oil
●Be careful not to spill engine oil on the
vehicle components.
●Avoid overfilling, or the engine could
be damaged.
●Check the oil level on the dipstick
every time you refill the vehicle.
●Be sure the engine oi l filler cap is prop-
erly tightened.
Checking the coolant
A
B
C
A
B
C

3896-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
your Lexus dealer.
■If the coolant level drops within a short
time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine
coolant reservoir caps, drain cock and
water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Lexus
dealer test the cap and check for leaks in
the cooling system.
Check the radiator, condenser, inter-
cooler radiator and intercooler sub
radiator and clear away any foreign
objects. If either of the above parts is
extremely dirty or you are not sure of their condition, have your vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer.
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines
on the tank.
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and
prepare the necessary item.
 Fluid type
FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703
brake fluid
FMVSS No.116 DOT 4 or SAE J1704
brake fluid
Item
Clean funnel
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from
the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause
WARNING
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the engine coolant reser-
voir cap, the intercooler coolant reser-
voir cap and the coolant inlet cap.
(  P.452)
The cooling system may be under pres-
sure and may spray hot coolant if the cap
is removed, causing serious injuries, such
as burns.
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor
straight antifreeze. The correct mixture
of water and antifreeze must be used to
provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read
the antifreeze or coolant label.
■If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to pre-
vent it from damagi ng parts or paint.
Checking the radiator, con-
denser, intercooler radiator (if
equipped) and intercooler sub
radiator (if equipped)
WARNING
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator, condenser,
intercooler radiator or intercooler sub
radiator as they may be hot and cause
serious injuries, such as burns.
Checking and adding the brake
fluid

4257-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
Fluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air condi-
tioning after use is normal.)
 Flat-looking tires or uneven tire
wear
 Engine coolant temperature gauge
continually points higher than nor-
mal.
 Changes in exhaust sound
 Excessive tire squeal when corner-
ing
 Strange noises related to the sus-
pension system
 Pinging or other noises related to
the engine
 Engine missing, stumbling or run-
ning roughly
 Appreciable loss of power
 Vehicle pulls heavily to one side
when braking 
Vehicle pulls heavily to one side
when driving on a level road
 Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy
feeling, pedal almost touches the
floor
If you think something is
wrong
If you notice any of the following
symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Con-
tact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms

4277-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
■Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)
■Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)
■High coolant temperature warning light* (warning buzzer)
*: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer sounds
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights comes on or
flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, bu t then goes off, this does not necessar-
ily indicate a malfunction in the system. However, if this continues to occur,
have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
Actions to the warning lights or warning buzzers
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(U.S.A.)
or
(red)
(Canada)
Indicates that:
 The brake fluid level is low; or
 The brake system is malfunctioning
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
Indicates that the brake pads are worn out (only the right-side pads can
be detected)
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(yellow)
Indicates a malfunction in:
The electronically controlled brake sy stem (vehicles with Lexus Safety
System + A); or
 The electric parking brake
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too high
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Handling method ( P.449)

4377-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
■If “Maintenance Required Soon” is dis-
played
Indicates that all maintenance according to
the driven distance on the maintenance
schedule
* should be performed soon.
Comes on approximately 4500 miles
(7200 km) after the message has been
reset. If necessary, perform maintenance.
Please reset the message after the mainte-
nance is performed. ( P.374)
*: Refer to the separa te “Scheduled Main-
tenance” or “Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment” for the maintenance interval
applicable to your vehicle.
■If “Maintenance Required Visit Your
Dealer” is displayed
Indicates that all maintenance is required to
correspond to the driven distance on the
maintenance schedule
*.
Comes on approximately 5000 miles
(8000 km) after the message has been
reset. (The indicator will not work properly
unless the message ha s been reset.) Per-
form the necessary maintenance. Please
reset the message after the maintenance is
performed. ( P.374)
*: Refer to the separa te “Scheduled Main-
tenance” or “Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment” for the maintenance interval
applicable to your vehicle.
■If “Oil Maintenance Required Soon” is
displayed
Indicates that the engine oil should be
scheduled to be changed.
Check the engine oil and change it if neces-
sary. After changing the engine oil, make
sure to reset the message. ( P.387)
■If “Oil Maintenance Required” is dis-
played
Indicates that the engine oil should be
changed.
Check and change the en gine oil, and oil fil-
ter by your Lexus deal er. After changing the
engine oil, make sure to reset the message.
(  P.387)
■If “Shift System Malfunction Driving
Unavailable” is displayed
There is a malfunction in the shift control
system. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer immediately.
■If a message that indicates the need for
the shift lever operation is displayed
To prevent the shift le ver from being oper-
ated incorrectly or the vehicle from moving
unexpectedly, a message that requires shift-
ing the shift position may be displayed on
the multi-information display. In that case,
follow the instruction of the message and
shift the shift position.
■If a message that indicates the need for
visiting your Lexus dealer is displayed
The system or part shown on the
multi-information display is malfunctioning.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer immediately.
■If a message that indicates the need for
referring to Owner’ s Manual is dis-
played
●If any of the following messages are
shown on the multi-information display,
follow the instructions.
• “Engine Coolant Temp High” ( P.449)
•“Battery Low” ( P.444)
• “Transmission Fluid Temp High” ( P.179)
●If any of the following messages are
shown on the multi-info rmation display, it
may indicate a malfunction. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
• “Access System with Elec. Key Malfunc- tion”
• “Shift System Malfunction”
• “P Switch Malfunction”
• “Shift System Unavailable”
●If any of the following messages are
shown on the multi-info rmation display, it
may indicate a malfun ction. Immediately
stop the vehicle and contact your Lexus
dealer.
• “Braking Power Low”
• “Charging System Malfunction”
• “Oil Pressure Low”

4497-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
1Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
turn off the air conditioning system,
and then stop the engine.
2 If you see steam:
Carefully lift the hood after the
steam subsides.
If you do not see steam:
Carefully lift the hood.
3 After the engine has cooled down
sufficiently, inspect the hoses and
WARNING
■After recharging the battery
Have the battery inspected at your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible.
If the battery is dete riorating, continued
use may cause the battery to emit a mal-
odorous gas, which may be detrimental
to the health of passengers.
■When replacing the battery
●When the vent plug and indicator are
close to the hold down clamp, the bat-
tery fluid (sulfuric acid) may leak.
●For information regarding battery
replacement, contact your Lexus
dealer.
●After replacing, securely attach the
exhaust hose and exhaust hole plug to
the exhaust hole of the replaced bat-
tery. If not properly installed, gases
(hydrogen) may leak into the vehicle
interior, and there is the possible dan-
ger of the gas igniting and exploding.
NOTICE
■When handling jumper cables
When connecting the jumper cables,
ensure that they do not become entan-
gled in the cooling fan or engine drive
belt.
■To prevent damaging the vehicle
The exclusive jump starting terminal is to
be used when charging the battery from
another vehicle in an emergency. It can-
not be used to jump start another vehicle.
If your vehicle overheats
The following may indicate that
your vehicle is overheating.
 The engine coolant temperature
gauge ( P.75, 78) is in the red
zone or a loss of engine power is
experienced. (For example, the
vehicle speed does not increase.)
 “Engine Coolant Temp High Stop
in a Safe Place See Owner’s
Manual” is shown on the
multi-information display.
 Steam comes out from under the
hood.
Correction procedures

4507-2. Steps to take in an emergency
radiator core (radiator) for any
leaks.
Radiators
Cooling fan
If a large amount of coolant leaks, immedi-
ately contact your Lexus dealer.
4The coolant level is satisfactory if it
is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir.
Engine
Reservoir
“F” line
“L” line
Coolant inlet cap
IntercoolerReservoir
“F” line
“L” line
5 Add coolant if necessary.
Water can be used in an emergency if
coolant is unavailable.
Engine
P.451
Intercooler
Remove the engine compartment cover
and add coolant.
A
B
A
B
C
D
A
B
C

4517-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
6Start the engine and turn the air
conditioning system on to check
that the radiator cooling fan oper-
ates and to check for coolant leaks
from the radiator or hoses.
The fan operates when the air conditioning
system is turned on immediately after a
cold start. Confirm that the fan is operating
by checking the fan sound and air flow. If it
is difficult to check these, turn the air con-
ditioning system on and off repeatedly.
(The fan may not operate in freezing tem-
peratures.)
7 If the fan is not operating:
Stop the engine immediately and
contact your Lexus dealer.
If the fan is operating:
Have the vehicle inspected at the
nearest Lexus dealer.
■When adding engine coolant
Add coolant in accordance with the follow-
ing procedure. 1
Remove the engine compartment
cover.
2 Remove the engine cover. ( P.384)
3 Remove the caps and .
4 Add coolant through the inlet of the cap
up to the “F” line , and then
replace the cap .
5 Add coolant through the inlet of the cap
until it is full, and then replace the
cap .
6 Install the engine compartment cover
and engine cover. ( P.385)
WARNING
■When inspecting under the hood of
your vehicle
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in serious
injury such as burns.
AB
AC
A
B
B