oil level LEXUS SC300 1999 Owners Manual

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xiiPage
1
Turn signal indicator light 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Headlight high beam indicator light 35
. . . . . . . . . .
3 Headlight indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic transmission indicator lights 217 . . . . . .
5 Engine coolant temperature gauge 50
. . . . . . . . . . .
6 Tachometer 51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Clock 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Cruise information display 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Odometer and trip meter 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Fuel gauge 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low fuel level warning light 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Traction control system off indicator/warning
light 58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
13 Malfunction indicator lamp 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Slip indicator light 246
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Anti±lock brake system warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . Page
16 Snow mode indicator light
241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Power mode indicator light 220, 241
. . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Cruise control indicator light 242
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Low engine oil level warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Low washer fluid warning light 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Rear light failure warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Seat belt reminder light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Open door warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 SRS airbag warning light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Discharge warning light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Low oil pressure warning light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Instrument panel light control 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 Cruise information display mode
select button 60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30 ODO/TRIP, RESET button 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31 H.M : 00 button 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xivPage
1
Turn signal indicator light 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Headlight high beam indicator light 35
. . . . . . . . . .
3 Headlight indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Automatic transmission indicator lights 229 . . . . . .
5 Engine coolant temperature gauge 50
. . . . . . . . . . .
6 Tachometer 51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Clock 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Cruise information display 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Odometer and trip meter 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Fuel gauge 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Low fuel level warning light 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Traction control system off indicator/warning
light 58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
13 Malfunction indicator lamp 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Slip indicator light 246
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Anti±lock brake system warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . Page
16 Snow mode indicator light
241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 Power mode indicator light 232, 241
. . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Cruise control indicator light 242
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Low engine oil level warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Low washer fluid warning light 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Rear light failure warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Seat belt reminder light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Brake system warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Open door warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 SRS airbag warning light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Discharge warning light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Low oil pressure warning light 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Instrument panel light control 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 Cruise information display mode
select button 60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30 ODO/TRIP, RESET button 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31 H.M : 00 button 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
54(a) If parking brake is
off, stop and
check.
(b) Fasten seat belts.
(Indicator and buzzer)
(c) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer
immediately.
(d) Stop and check.
(e) Stop and check. (f) Add engine oil.

(g) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
(h) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
(i) Close all doors.
(j) Replace bulb.
(k) Take vehicle to Lexus dealer.
(l) Add washer fluid.
(m) Low fuel level Fill up tank. warning light
(n) Key reminder buzzer Remove key.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
56If the brake fluid level is correct ...
Have the warning system checked by your Lexus dealer.
(b) Seat Belt Reminder Light and Buzzer
Once the ignition key is turned to ºONº or ºSTARTº, the
reminder
light flashes and buzzer comes on if the driver's seat
belt is not fastened. Unless the driver fastens the belt, the light
stays flashing and the buzzer stops after about 4 to 8 seconds.
(c) SRS Airbag Warning Light
This indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned to
the ºACCº or ºONº position. It goes off after about 6
seconds. This means the SRS airbag system is operating
properly.
The SRS airbag warning light system monitors the airbag
sensor assembly, inflators, warning light, interconnecting
wiring and power sources.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a
malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the
warning light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.

The light does not come on as described above or remains
on.

The light comes on while driving.
(d) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, stop the vehicle, turn off
the engine, and check for the cause. Look first at the engine
drive belt.

If it is loose or broken, the generator will not charge the
battery properly.

If the belt is O.K., there is a problem somewhere in the
charging system.
The engine ignition will continue to operate, however, until
the battery is discharged. Turn off the air conditioning,
blower, radio, etc., and drive directly to the nearest Lexus
dealer or repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive belt is broken
or loose.
(e) Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil pressure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are driving, pull off the road
to a safe place and stop the engine immediately. Call a Lexus
dealer or qualified repair shop for assistance.

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.

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

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.)

INTRODUCTION
325

Right after driving, the engine compartment ± the
engine, radiator, exhaust manifold and power
steering fluid reservoir, etc. ± will be hot. So be
careful not to touch them. Oil and other fluids may
also be hot.

Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames
near fuel or the battery. Their fumes are fl ammable.

Be extremely cautious when working on the battery.
It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.

Do not get under your vehicle with just the body jack
supporting it. Al ways use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.

Use eye protection whenever you work on or under
your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc.
NOTICE

Remember that battery and ignition cables carry high
currents or voltages. Be careful of accidentally
causing a short circuit.

Before closing the engine hood, check to see that you
have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc.

Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or excessive
engine wear could result. Also backfiring could cause
a fire in the engine compartment.

Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, or the
transmission could be damaged.

Be careful not to scratch the glass surface with the
wiper frame.
PARTS AND TOOLS
Here is a list of parts and tools you will need to perform
do±it±yourself maintenance. Remember all Lexus parts are
designed in metric sizes, so your tools must be metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):

Use API grade SJ, ºEnergy±Conservingº multigrade
engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil. For
recommended oil viscosity, see page 346.
Tools:

INTRODUCTION
326

Rag or paper towel

Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):

ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
See ºChecking the engine coolant levelº on page 342 for
instructions.

Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)
Checking the engine fan fluid
Part (if level is low)

Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):

FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking power steering fluid
Parts (if level is low):

Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III
Tools:

Rag or paper towel

Funnel (only for adding fluid)

SECTION 6 ± 2
329
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications (SC400) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
330
Specifications (SC300) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
334
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . .
337
Facts about engine oil consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
339
Used engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
341
Checking the engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
342
Checking the engine coolant level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
347
Checking the engine fan fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
349
Spark plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . .
350