oil dipstick LEXUS SC300 1999 Owners Manual

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
57
The light may occasionally flicker when the engine is idling
or it may come on briefly after a hard stop. There is no cause
for concern if it then goes out when the engine is accelerated
slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level is extremely low.
It is not designed to indicate low oil level, and the oil level
must be checked using the oil level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the warning light on ± even
for one block. It may ruin the engine.
(f) Low Engine Oil Level Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil level is too low. Add oil
as soon as possible. (For instructions, see ºChecking the
engine oil levelº on page 342.)
While driving on steep inclines or rough roads which causes
the vehicle to substantially sway or on curves, this light may
come on due to the movement of engine oil in the engine.
NOTICE
Continued engine operation with low engine oil will
damage the engine.
(g) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See ºFuel gaugeº on
page 49 for instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely (SC400 only).
(See ºFuel tank capº on page 85 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem
somewhere in your engine or automatic
transmission electrical system.
If it comes on while you are driving in case ºc.º, have your
vehicle checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
(h) ºABSº Warning Light
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in your
anti±lock brake system.
If the light comes on while you are driving, have your vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to
ºONº, and will go off after about a few seconds.
When the ºABSº warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the brake system operates
conventionally but anti±lock brake system is not assisting
brake performance so that the wheels could lock up during a
sudden brake or braking on slippery road surfaces.

MAINTENANCE
314
Engine compartment
Items listed below should be checked from time to time,
e.g. each time when refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See page 396
for additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the Upper and Lower
lines on the see±through reservoir when the engine is cold.
See page 347 for additional information.
Battery
Your Lexus has a maintenance free battery. You do not have
to add distilled water. For longer life of the battery, however,
see page 380 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 359 for
additional information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and
the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 342 for additional
information.Power steering fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in the
ºHOTº or ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 361 for additional information.
Engine fan fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in
ºHOTº or ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 349 for additional information.
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell
exhaust fumes, have the cause located and corrected
immediately. (See engine exhaust cautions in Section 3±1.)

ENGINE
340The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the
viscosity of the oil, the quality of the oil and the way the
vehicle is driven.
More oil is consumed by high±speed driving and frequent
acceleration and deceleration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since its pistons, piston
rings and cylinder walls have not become conditioned.
When 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.
For example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips and
consumes a normal amount of oil, the dipstick may not show
any drop in the oil level at all, even after 1000 km (600 miles)
or more. This is because the oil is gradually becoming diluted
with fuel or moisture, making it appear that the oil level has
not changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle is
then driven at high speeds, as on an expressway, making it
appear that oil is excessively consumed after driving at high
speeds.
Importance of engine oil level check
One of the most important points in proper vehicle
maintenance is to keep the engine oil at the optimum level so
that
oil function will not be impaired. Therefore, it is essential
that the oil level be checked regularly. Lexus recommends
that the oil level be checked every time you refuel the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly could lead to
serious engine trouble due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check, see ºChecking the
engine oil levelº on page 342.

ENGINE
342
CHECKING THE ENGINE OILLEVEL
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off,
check the oil level on the dipstick.
1. To get a true reading, the vehicle should be on a level spot.
After turning off the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to
drain back into the bottom of the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, and wipe it clean with a rag.
3. Reinsert the dipstick and push it in as far as it will go, or
the reading will not be correct.

ENGINE
343
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level on the end.
If it is between the full line (full level mark) and the low line
(low level mark), it is O.K.

ENGINE
345
If the oil level is below or only slightly above the low line
(low
level mark), add engine oil of the same type as alr eady
in the engine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine oil a little at a time,
checking the dipstick. The approximate quantity of oil
needed to fill between the low line (low level mark) and the
full line (full level mark) on the dipstick is indicated below for
reference. When the level reaches within the correct range, return the
filler cap and turn the cap clockwise until you hear a click.
Oil quantity. L (qt., lmp. qt.) SC400, SC300 ± 1.5 (1.6,
1.3)
NOTICE
Avoid
overfilling, or the engine could be damaged. Check
the oil level on the dipstick once again after adding the oil.