fuel type LEXUS SC300 1999 Owners Manual

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
49
FUEL GAUGE
The gauge is displayed when the ignition switch is on and
indicates the approximate quantity of fuel remaining in
the tank.
It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4 full.
This fuel gauge has a non±return type needle which remains
at the last indicated position when the ignition switch is turned
off.
If the fuel level approaches ºEº or the low fuel level warning
light comes on, fill the fuel tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the tank,
the fuel gauge needle may fluctuate or the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than usual.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the malfunction indicator
lamp comes on. Fill the fuel tank immediately.The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times. If the
indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible.
See the inner back cover for fuel capacity and recommended
fuel selection.

DRIVING TIPS
260

Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. It can cause dangerous overheating,
needless wear, and poor fuel economy.

To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed
and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and not work
properly. See page 234.

Be careful when accelerating, upshifting,
downshifting or braking on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed, such as sudden
acceleration or engine braking, could cause the
vehicle to spin or skid.

Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the
legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140
km/h (85 mph) unless your vehicle has high±speed
capability tires. Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph)
may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine
whether the tires on your vehicle are high±speed
capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.

Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are
wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a
longer stopping distance, and it may pull to one side
when the brakes are applied. Also, the parking
brake will not hold the vehicle securely.WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have a proper freeze protection of engine
coolant.
Your coolant must contain ethylene±glycol type coolant for
a proper corrosion protection of aluminum components. Use
ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent. See ºChecking
the engine coolant levelº on page 347 for instructions.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
When it is extremely cold, we recommend to use 60%
solution for your Lexus, to provide protection down to about
±50 C (±58F). Do not use more than 70% solution for better
coolant performance.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter
starting. Page 380 tells you how to visually inspect the
battery. Your Lexus dealer and most service stations will be
pleased to check the battery charge level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
See page 346 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy
summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call

ENGINE
331
Oil capacity
Drain and refillwith filter
without filter
Oil grade
Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):
4.7 L (5.0 qt., 4.2 lmp.qt.)
4.8 L (5.1 qt., 4.2 lmp.qt.)
API SJ, ºEnergy±Conservingº multigrade engine oil or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil
± COOLING SYSTEM
Capacity
Coolant type
11.6 L (12.3 qt., 10.2 lmp.qt.)
ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
With ethylene±glycol type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of aluminum components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
± FUEL
Fuel type
Octane rating
Only UNLEADED
91 (Research octane number 96) or higher

ENGINE
335
Oil capacity
Drain and refillwith filter
without filter
Oil grade
Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):
5.2 L (5.5 qt., 4.5 lmp.qt.)
4.9 L (5.2 qt., 4.4 lmp.qt.)
API SJ, ºEnergy±Conservingº multigrade engine oil or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil
± COOLING SYSTEM
Capacity
Coolant type
8.4 L (8.9 qt., 7.4 lmp.qt.)
ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
With ethylene±glycol type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of aluminum components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
± FUEL
Fuel type
Octane rating
Only UNLEADED
91 (Research octane number 96) or higher

ENGINE
337
FUEL
Fuel type
Your vehicle must use only unleaded gasoline.
To help prevent gas station mixups, your Lexus has a smaller
fuel tank opening. The special nozzle on pumps with
unleaded fuel will fit it, but the larger nozzle on pumps with
leaded gas will not.
At a minimum, the gasoline you use should meet the
specifications of ASTM D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB
3.5±M93 in Canada.
NOTICE
Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of leaded gasoline will
cause the three±way catalytic converter to lose its
effectiveness and the emission control system to function
improperly. Also, this can increase maintenance costs.
Octane rating
Select premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating
of 91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher for
optimum engine performance. However, if such premium
type cannot be obtained, you may temporarily use
unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating as low as 87
(Research Octane Number 91). Use of unleaded fuel with an octane number or rating lower
than stated above will cause persistent heavy knocking. If
severe, this will lead to engine damage.
If your engine knocks ...
If you detect heavy knocking even when using the
recommended fuel, or if you hear steady knocking while
holding a steady speed on level roads, consult your Lexus
dealer.
However, now and then, you may notice light knocking for a
short time while accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern.
Gasolines containing detergent additives
Lexus r
ecommends use of gasolines that contain detergent
additives to avoid build±up of engine deposits.
For further details, ask your Lexus dealer or a local gasoline
retailer.
Improved gasolines
The American Automobile Manufacturers Association
(AAMA) has developed a specification of improved
gasolines. The AAMA specification offers optimal fuel
information for better vehicle performance and better
protection of your engine.
Lexus recommends the use of gasolines that meet the AAMA
specification, if available, for improved drivability and
emission control system.