check LEXUS SC300 1999 Manual Online

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
396
ADDING WASHER FLUID
If the washer tank becomes nearly empty, add washer
fluid.
You may use plain water as washer fluid. However, in cold
areas where temperatures range below the freezing point, use
washer fluid containing antifreeze. This product is available
at your Lexus dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow the
manufacturer 's directions for how much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute
because it may damage your vehicle's paint.
CHECKING THE HEADLIGHTAIM
(For low beam only)

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
397
Before checking the headlight aim:
1. Be sure that the body around the headlight is not deformed.
2. Park the vehicle on a level spot.
3. The driver should stay in the driver's seat so that the
vehicle has its normal load (with the tank full).
4. Bounce the vehicle several times.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
398
To check the headlight aim, check the vertical and
horizontal gauges.
1. Look at the beam angle gauge (vertical movement). The
bubble of the gauge should not deviate from the center of the
gauge by more than two marks on either side of the gauge.

BODY
406
PROTECTING YOUR VEHICLEFROM CORROSION
Proper care of your Lexus can help ensure long±term
corrosion prevention.
The most common causes of corrosion to your vehicle are:

The accumulation of road salt, dirt and moisture in
hard±to±reach areas under the vehicle.

Chipping of paint or undercoating caused by minor
accidents or by stones and gravel.
The following conditions will cause or accelerate
corrosion of your vehicle, so it is important to keep your
vehicle, particularly the underside, as clean as possible
and to repair any damage to paint or protective coatings
as soon as possible.

The presence of road salt or dust control chemicals, salt in
the air near the sea coast, industrial air pollution.

High humidity, especially at temperatures just above
freezing point.

Certain parts of your vehicle are wet or damp for an
extended period of time, even though other parts of the
vehicle are dry.

Components of the vehicle which are prevented from
quick±drying due to lack of proper ventilation are exposed
to high temperature. To help prevent corrosion on your Lexus, follow these
guidelines:
Keep your vehicle clean by regular washing.
In addition,
observe the following points.

If you drive on salted roads in the winter or if you live near
the ocean, you should hose off the undercarriage at least
once a month to minimize corrosion.

High pressure water or steam is effective for cleaning the
vehicle's underside and wheel housings. Pay particular
attention to these areas as it is difficult to see all the mud
and dirt. It will do more harm than good to simply wet the
mud and debris without removing them. The lower edge
of doors, rocker panels and frame members have drain
holes which should not be allowed to clog with dirt as
trapped water in these areas can cause corrosion.

Wash the underside of the vehicle thoroughly when winter
is over.
See ºWashing and waxingº for more tips.
Check the condition of your vehicle's paint and trim. If
you find any chips or scratches in the paint, touch them up
immediately to prevent corrosion from starting. If the chips
or scratches have gone through the bare metal, have a
qualified body shop make the repair.

BODY
407
Check the interior of your vehicle.
Water and dirt can
accumulate under the floor mats and could cause corrosion.
Occasionally check under the mats to make sure the area is
dry. Be particularly careful when transporting chemicals,
cleansers, fertilizers, salt, etc. These should be transported in
proper containers. If a spill or leak should occur, immediately
clean and dry the area.
Use mud shields on your wheels. If you drive on salted or
gravel roads, mud shields help protect your vehicle. Full size
shields, which come near to the ground as possible, are the
best. We recommend that the fittings and the area where the
shields are installed be treated to resist corrosion. Your Lexus
dealer will be happy to assist in supplying and installing the
shields if they are recommended for your area.
Keep your vehicle in a well ventilated garage or a roofed
place. Do not park your vehicle in a damp, poorly
ventilated garage. If you wash your vehicle in the garage,
or if you drive it in covered with water or snow, your garage
may be so damp it will cause corrosion. Even if your garage
is heated, a wet vehicle can corrode if the ventilation is poor.
WASHING AND WAXING
Washing your Lexus
Keep your vehicle clean by regular washing.
The following cases may cause weakness to the paint or
corrosion to the body and parts. Wash your vehicle as soon
as possible.

When driving in a coastal area

When driving on a road sprinkled with antifreeze

When having stuck of coal tar, tree sap, bird droppings and
carcass of an insect

When driving in the areas where there is a lot of smoke,
soot, dust, iron dust and chemical substance

When the vehicle becomes remarkably dirty with dust and
mud
Hand±washing your Lexus
Work in the shade and wait until the vehicle body is not hot
to the touch.
1. Rinse off loose dirt with a hose. Remove any mud or road
salt from the underside of the vehicle or in the wheel wells.
2. Wash with a mild car±wash soap, mixed according to the
manufacturer 's instructions. Use a soft cotton mitt and keep
it wet by dipping it frequently into the wash water. Do not rub
hard ± let the soap and water remove the dirt.

BODY
412
Carpets, Windows and Seat Belts
Begin by vacuuming thoroughly to remove as much dirt as
possible. Several types of foam cleaners are available; some
are in aerosol cans and others are powders or liquids which
you mix with water to produce a foam. To shampoo the
carpets, use a sponge or brush to apply the foam. Rub in
overlapping circles. Do not apply water ± the best results are
obtained by keeping the carpet as dry as possible. Read the
shampoo instructions and follow them closely.
The seat belts may be cleaned with mild soap and water or
with lukewarm water.
Use a cloth or sponge. As you are cleaning, check the belts
for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.
NOTICE

Use a good foam±type shampoo to clean the carpets.

Do not use dye or bleach on the belts ± it may weaken
them.

Do not use the belts until they become dry.

The windows may be cleaned with any household
window cleaner.

When cleaning the inside of the rear window, be
careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires.
Air Conditioning Control Panel, Car Audio,
Instrument Panel, Console Panel, and
Switches
Use a soft damp cloth for cleaning.
Soak a clean soft cloth in water or lukewarm water then
lightly wipe off any dirt.
NOTICE

Do not use organic substances (solvents, kerosene,
alcohol, gasoline, etc.) or alkaline or acidic solutions.
These chemicals can cause discoloring, staining or
peeling of the surface.

If you use cleaners or polishing agents, make sure
their ingredients do not include the substances
mentioned above.

If you use a liquid car freshener, do not spill the liquid
onto the vehicle's interior surfaces. It may contain the
ingredients mentioned above. Immediately clean any
spill using the method mentioned above.
If you have any questions about the cleaning of your
Lexus, your local Lexus dealer will be pleased to answer
them.