maintenance LEXUS RX350 2011 Owner's Guide

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine oil
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
nChecking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground. After turning off the engine, wait
more than 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into the bottom of
the engine.
Hold a rag under the end and pull
the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check the
oil level.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
Low
Full
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP6

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Maintenance and care
nAdding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near the
low level mark, add engine oil of
the same type as that already in the
engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before
adding oil.
Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.
About 1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.) is required to raise the oil level from low to full on
the dipstick.
Engine oil
selection→P. 5 9 7
ItemsClean funnel
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
nEngine oil consumption
lThe amount of engine oil consumed depends on the oil viscosity, the quality of
the oil and the way the vehicle is driven.
lMore oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high speeds and fre-
quent acceleration and deceleration.
lA new engine consumes more oil.
lWhen judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in mind that the oil may
have become diluted, making it difficult to judge the true level accurately.
lOil consumption: Max. 1.1 qt./600 miles (0.9 Imp. qt./600 miles, 1.0 L/1000
km)
lIf your vehicle consumes more than 1.1 qt. (1.0 L, 0.9 Imp. qt.) every 600 miles
(1000 km), contact your Lexus dealer.
nAfter changing the engine oil (U. S. A. only)
The engine oil maintenance data should be reset. Perform the following procedure:
Display the trip meter “A” (→P. 167), then turn the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch off.
While pressing the “ODO/TRIP” button, turn the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch to ON mode.
STEP1
STEP2
Keep the “ODO/TRIP” button pressed for
about 5 seconds. The resetting procedure is
complete when “000000” in the trip meter
flashes once and the message in the multi-
information display disappears.
STEP3

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Maintenance and care
CAUTION
nUsed engine oil
lUsed engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin
disorders such as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should be taken to avoid
prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash
thoroughly with soap and water.
lDispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do not dis-
pose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the ground.
Call your Lexus dealer, service station or auto parts store for information con-
cerning recycling or disposal.
lDo not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
nTo prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
nWhen replacing the engine oil
lBe careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
lAvoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
lCheck the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
lBe sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine coolant
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line. (→P. 5 8 7 )
nCoolant 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 mixture of 50% coolant and 50%
deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -31°F [-35°C])
Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45%
deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -44°F [-42°C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Lexus dealer.

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Maintenance and care
nIf the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, radiator 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 systems.
CAUTION
nWhen the engine is hot
Do not remove the radiator cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the cap is
removed, causing burns or other injuries.
NOTICE
nWhen adding engine 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.
nIf you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or paint.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Radiator and condenser
Check the radiator and condenser, and clear away any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not sure of their
condition, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.
Brake fluid
nChecking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
nAdding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary item.
CAUTION
nWhen the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser, as they may be hot and cause burns.
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703
ItemsClean funnel

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Maintenance and care
nBrake 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.
CAUTION
nWhen filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted
surfaces.
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
nIf 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 level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious problem.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Battery
Check the battery as follows.
nBattery 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
nBefore recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Therefore, observe the following before recharging:
lIf recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect the
ground cable.
lMake sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and discon-
necting the charger cables to the battery.
nAfter recharging/reconnecting the battery
In some cases, the engine may not start. Follow the procedure below to initialize the
system.
Shift the shift lever to P, and turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.
Open and close any of the doors.
Start the engine. (If the engine does not start first time, repeat the proce-
dure.)
If the engine will not start even after multiple attempts at the above method, contact
your Lexus dealer.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

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Maintenance and care
CAUTION
nChemicals in the battery
Batteries contain poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce hydrogen
gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death or serious injury,
take the following precautions while working on or near the battery:
lDo not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.
lDo not smoke or light a match near the battery.
lAvoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
lNever inhale or swallow electrolyte.
lWear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.
lKeep children away from the battery.
nWhere to safely charge the battery
Always charge the battery in an open area. Do not charge the battery in a garage or
closed room where there is insufficient ventilation.
nHow to recharge the battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The battery may explode if charged at a
quicker rate.
nEmergency measures regarding electrolyte
lIf electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immediate medi-
cal attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or cloth while
traveling to the nearest medical facility.
lIf electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical atten-
tion immediately.
lIf electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the clothing and
follow the procedure above if necessary.
lIf you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten raw
egg or vegetable oil. Get emergency medical attention immediately.