coolant level LEXUS NX300 2020 Owners Manual

752-1. Instrument cluster
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
2
Vehicle status information and indicators
Warning lights inform the driver of mal-
functions in any of the vehicle’s sys-
tems.
*1: These lights turn on when the engine
switch is turned to IGNITION ON
mode to indicate that a system check is
being performed. They will turn off after
Warning lights
(U.S.A.)
Brake system warning light*1
(  P.375)
(Red)
(Canada)
Brake system warning light*1
(  P.375)
Charging system warning
light
*2 (  P.375)
Low engine oil pressure warn-
ing light
*2 (  P.375)
High coolant temperature
warning light
*2 (  P.376)
(Yellow)
Brake system warning light*1
(  P.376)
(U.S.A.)
Malfunction indicator lamp*1
(  P.376)
(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp*1
(  P.376)
SRS warning light
*1 (  P.376)
(U.S.A.)
ABS warning light*1 ( P.377)
(Canada)
ABS warning light*1 ( P.377)
(Yellow)
Electric power steering sys-
tem warning light
*1 ( P.377)
(Red)
Electric power steering sys-
tem warning light
*1 ( P.377)
PCS warning light
*1 (  P.377)
(Orange)
LTA indicator*2 (if equipped)
(  P.378)
LDA indicator
*2 (if equipped)
(  P.378)
PKSB OFF indicator
*1, 3 (if
equipped) ( P.378)
Slip indicator light
*1 (  P.378)
Brake hold operated indica-
tor
*1, 3 (  P.379)
(U.S.A.)
Parking brake indicator*3
(  P.379)
(Canada)
Parking brake indicator*3
(  P.379)
Low fuel level warning light
(  P.379)
Driver’s and front passenger’s
seat belt reminder light
(  P.379)
Rear passengers’ seat belt
reminder light
*4 (  P.380)
Master warning light
*1
(  P.380)
Tire pressure warning light
*1
(  P.380)
Brake Override Sys-
tem/Drive-Start Control warn-
ing light
*2 (  P.381)

812-1. Instrument cluster
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
2
Vehicle status information and indicators
Switches between odometer, trip
meter and maintenance required infor-
mation displays. When the trip meter is
displayed, pressing and holding the
button will reset the trip meter. The brightness of the instrument panel
lights can be adjusted.
1
Darker
2
Brighter
■Instrument panel brightness adjustment
The instrument panel brightness levels
when the tail lights are on and off can be
adjusted individually. However, when the
surroundings are bright (daytime, etc.),
turning on the tail lights will not change the
instrument panel brightness. At this time,
any adjustments made to the instrument
panel brightness levels will be applied to
both settings at once.
WARNING
■The information display at low tem-
peratures
Allow the interior of the vehicle to warm
up before using the liquid crystal infor-
mation display. At extremely low tem-
peratures, the information display
monitor may respond slowly, and display
changes may be delayed.
For example, there is a lag between the
driver’s shifting and the new gear number
appearing on the display. This lag could
cause the driver to downshift again,
causing rapid and excessive engine brak-
ing and possibly an accident resulting in
personal death or injury.
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and
its components
●Do not let the indicator needle of the
tachometer enter the red zone, which
indicates the maximum engine speed.
●The engine may be overheating if the
engine coolant temperature gauge is
in the red zone (H); or “Engine Cool-
ant Temp High” is shown on the multi-
information display. In this case, imme-
diately stop the vehicle in a safe place,
and check the engine after it has
cooled completely. ( P.403)
Changing between the odome-
ter, trip meter and maintenance
required information
Changing the Instrument panel
light brightness

2664-6. Driving tips
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4-6.Driving tips
Use fluids that are appropriate to
the prevailing outside temperatures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
Have a service technician inspect
the condition of the battery.
 Have the vehicle fitted with four
snow tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the front tires
*.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and
brand, and that chains match the size of the
tires.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on the
225/60R18 tires.
Snow tires should be used instead.
Perform the following according to the
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary prepara-
tions and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive
the vehicle in a manner appropriate
to the prevailing weather condi-
tions.
Preparation for winter
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to
reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of
vehicle control and cause death or seri-
ous injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended level of air
pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120
km/h), regardless of the type of snow
tires being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some
wheels.
■Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to
reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle
being unable to be driven safely, and may
cause death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed
limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), which-
ever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces
or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt
steering, sudden br aking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine
braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering
a curve to ensure that vehicle control is
maintained.
●Do not use LDA (Lane Departure
Alert with steering control) (if
equipped).
●Do not use LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)
(if equipped).
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow
tires from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers.
This is because the removal and attach-
ment of snow tires affects the operation
of the tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters.
Before driving the vehicle

3276-2. Maintenance
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
6
Maintenance and care
2Press or of the meter control
switches, select the “Vehicle Settings”
and then press .
3
Press or of the meter control
switches, select the “Scheduled Mainte-
nance” and then press and hold the .
4
Select the “Yes” and push .
“The Data Has Been Reset” is displayed
on the multi-information display.
You can perform some maintenance
procedures by yourself.
Please be aware that do-it-yourself
maintenance may affect warranty cov-
erage.
The use of Lexus repair manuals is recom-
mended.
For details about warranty coverage, refer
to the separate “Owner’s Guide”, “War-
ranty and Service Guide”, “Owner’s Man-
ual Supplement” or “Warranty Booklet”.
Do-it-yourself maintenance
General maintenance
Listed below are the general main-
tenance items that should be per-
formed at the intervals specified in
the “Warranty and Service Guide”
or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.
It is recommended that any prob-
lem you notice should be brought to
the attention of your Lexus dealer
or qualified service shop for advice.
WARNING
■If the engine is running
Turn the engine off and ensure that there
is adequate ventilati on before perform-
ing maintenance checks.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryCheck the connections.
(  P.340)
Brake fluid
Is the brake fluid at the
correct level?
( P.340)
Engine/inter-
cooler coolantIs the engine/intercooler
coolant at the correct
level? ( P.338)
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the
correct level? ( P.336)
Exhaust system
There should not be any
fumes or strange
sounds.

3316-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
6
Maintenance and care
6-3.Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service pre-
cautions
If you perform maintenance by
yourself, be sure to follow the cor-
rect procedure as given in these
sections.
Maintenance
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condi-
tion (P.340)
•Warm water
• Baking soda
•Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp
bolts)
Brake fluid level
( P.340)
•FMVSS No.116 DOT
3 or SAE J1703;
FMVSS No.116 DOT
4 or SAE J1704 brake
fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine/inter-
cooler coolant
level ( P.338)
•“Toyota Super Long
Life Coolant” or a sim-
ilar high quality eth-
ylene glycol-based
non-silicate, non-
amine, non-nitrite and
non-borate coolant
with long-life hybrid
organic acid technol-
ogy
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long
Life Coolant” is pre-
mixed with 50% cool-
ant and 50% deion-
ized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long
Life Coolant” is pre-
mixed with 55% cool-
ant and 45% deion-
ized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)
Engine oil level
( P.336)
•“Toyota Genuine
Motor Oil” or equiva-
lent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses
( P.358)Fuse with same amper-
age rating as original
Light bulbs
( P.361)Bulb with same number
and wattage rating as
original
Headlight aimPhillips-head screw-
driver
Radiator and
condenser
( P.339)
—
ItemsParts and tools

3356-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
6
Maintenance and care
Fuse box (P.358)
Engine coolant reservoir ( P.338)
Engine oil filler cap ( P.336)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P.336)
Intercooler coolant reservoir ( P.338)
Battery ( P.340)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P.340)
Radiator ( P.339)
Condenser ( P.339)
Electric cooling fans
Washer fluid tank ( P.342)
Engine compartment
Components
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K

3386-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
2
Press or of the meter control
switches, select the “Vehicle Settings”
and then press .
3
Press or of the meter control
switches, select the “Oil Maintenance”
and then press and hold the .
4
Select the “Yes” and push .
“The Data Has Been Reset” is displayed
on the multi-information display.
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is
between the “FULL” and “LOW” lines
on the reservoir when the engine is
cold.
■Engine coolant reservoir
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the “LOW” line,
add coolant up to the “FULL” line.
(  P.403)
WARNING
■Used engine oil
●Used engine oil contains potentially
harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflamma-
tion and skin cancer, so care should be
taken to avoid prolonged and
repeated contact. To remove used
engine oil from your skin, wash thor-
oughly with soap and water.
●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, ser-
vice 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 o il filler cap is prop-
erly tightened.
Checking the engine coolant
A
B
C

3396-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
6
Maintenance and care
■Intercooler coolant reservoir
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the “LOW” line,
add coolant up to the “FULL” line.
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or a similar high quality 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
your Lexus dealer.
■If the coolant level drops within a short
time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine
coolant reservoir cap, 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 and condenser and
clear away any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts is extremely
dirty or you are not sure of their condi-
tion, have your vehicle inspected by
your Lexus dealer.
A
B
C
WARNING
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the engine coolant reser-
voir and the intercooler coolant reservoir
cap.
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 damaging parts or paint.
Checking the radiator and con-
denser
WARNING
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser
as they may be hot and cause serious
injuries, such as burns.

3406-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
■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;
FMVSS No.116 DOT 4 or SAE J1704
brake fluid
Items
Clean funnel
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from
the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency. Use
only newly opened brake fluid.
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
WARNING
■When the electric cooling fans are
operating
Do not touch the engine compartment.
With the engine switch in IGNITION
ON mode, the electric cooling fans may
automatically start to run if the air condi-
tioning is on and/or the coolant tempera-
ture is high. Be sure the engine switch is
off when working near the electric cool-
ing fans or radiatorgrille.
Checking and adding the brake
fluid
WARNING
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your
hands and eyes and damage painted sur-
faces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes,
flush the affected area with clean water
immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a
doctor.
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 out
or when the fluid leve l in the accumulator
is high.
If the reservoir need s frequent refilling,
there may be a serious problem.
Checking the battery
A
B

3737-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
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
needle continually points higher
than normal
 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 misfire or misses, stumbling
or running 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