radiator cap LEXUS RX350 2011 Owners Manual

463
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4

Maintenance and care
Engine compartment
Engine oil filler cap
(→P. 466)
Engine oil level dipstick
(→P. 466)
Battery (→P. 4 74 )
Brake fluid reservoir
(→P. 4 7 2 )
Fuse box (→P. 4 9 8 )
Engine coolant reservoir
(→P. 470)
Condenser (→P. 4 7 2 )
Radiator (→P. 4 7 2 )
Electric cooling fans
Washer fluid tank
(→P. 477)

471
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4

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.

588
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
nOverheating
If you observe the following, your vehicle may be overheating:
lThe engine coolant temperature gauge enters the red zone or a loss of power is
experienced.
lSteam comes out from under the hood.
CAUTION
nTo prevent an accident or injury when inspecting under the hood of your vehicle
lIf steam is seen coming from under the hood, do not open the hood until the
steam has subsided. The engine compartment may be very hot, causing serious
injuries such as burns.
lKeep hands and clothing away from the fans and drive belt while the engine is
running.
lDo not loosen the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are hot.
Serious injury, such as burns, may result from hot coolant and steam released
under pressure.
Add engine coolant if neces-
sary.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency if engine coolant is
unavailable. (→P. 599)
Have the vehicle inspected at the nearest Lexus dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
STEP6