Lexus LS400 owner's manual: Section 4: In case of an emergency

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SECTION 4

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

• If your engine stalls while driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ 193

• If your vehicle will not start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ 193

• If your vehicle overheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

IF YOUR ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING

If your engine stalls while driving . . .

1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move cautiously off the road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Try starting the engine again.

If the engine will not start, see "If your vehicle will not start".

CAUTION If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not work, so steering and braking will be much harder than usual.

IF YOUR VEHICLE WILL NOT START

(a) Simple checks

Before making these checks, make sure you have followed the correct starting procedure instructions in "How to start the engine" on page 159 and that you have sufficient fuel. Since your vehicle is equipped with the engine immobiliser system, also check whether the other keys will start the engine. If they work, your key may be broken. Have the key checked at your Lexus dealer. If none of your keys work, the system is possibly broken. Call your Lexus dealer. See "Keys" on page 8.

If the engine is not turning over or is turning over too slowly –

1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior light.
3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is cranked, the battery is discharged. You may try jump starting. See "(c) Jump starting" for further instruction.

If the light is O.K., but the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service Assistance. (See "Foreword".)

NOTICE Do not pull- or push-start the vehicle. It may damage the vehicle or cause a collision when the engine starts. Also the three-way catalytic converter may overheat and become a fire hazard.

If the engine turns over at its normal speed but will not start –

1. The engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking. See "(b) Starting a flooded engine" for further instructions.
2. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service Assistance. (See "Foreword".)

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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

(b) Starting a flooded engine If the engine will not start, your engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking.

If this happens, turn the key to "START" with the accelerator pedal held down. Continue this operation for 30 seconds and then stop cranking. Then try starting the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal.

If the engine does not start after 30 seconds of cranking, release the key, wait a few minutes and try again.

If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call a Lexus dealer. Roadside Assistance or Customer Service Assistance. (See "Foreword".)

NOTICE Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may overheat the starter and wiring systems.

(c) Jump starting To avoid serious personal injury and damage to your vehicle which might result from battery explosion, acid burns, electrical burns, or damaged electronic components, these instructions must be followed precisely.

If you are unsure about how to follow this procedure, we strongly recommend that you seek help from your Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service Assistance. (See "Foreword".).

CAUTION

• Batteries contain sulfuric acid which is poisonous and corrosive. Wear protective safety glasses when jump starting, and avoid spilling acid on your skin, clothing, or vehicle.
• If you should accidentally get acid on yourself or in your eyes, remove any contaminated clothing and flush the affected area with water immediately. Then get immediate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or cloth while en route to the medical office.
• The gas normally produced by a battery will explode if a flame or spark is brought near. Use only standardized jumper cables and do not smoke or light a match while jump starting.

NOTICE The battery used for boosting must be 12 V. Do not jump start unless you are sure that the booster battery is correct.

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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

► 5 Discharged battery 6 Booster battery

JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE

1. If the booster battery is installed in another vehicle, make sure the vehicles are not touching. Turn off all unnecessary lights and accessories.
2. If required, remove all the vent plugs from the booster battery. Lay a cloth over the open vents on the booster battery. (This helps reduce the explosion hazard, personal injuries and burns.)

If the booster battery is an extended maintenance interval battery, it is not necessary to remove the vent plugs.

3. If the engine in the vehicle with the booster battery is not running, start it and let it run for about 5 minutes. During jump starting, run the engine at about 2000 rpm with the accelerator pedal lightly depressed.

4. Locate positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of each battery. Connect the jumper cables in the exact order ( 1 2 3 4 ) shown in the illustration.

5. Connect a positive (red) jumper cable clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the discharged battery.

6. Connect the clamp at the other end of the positive (red) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the booster battery.

7. Connect a negative (black) cable clamp to the negative (-) terminal of the booster battery.

8. Connect the clamp at the other end of the negative (black) cable to a solid, stationary, unpainted metallic point (e.g. engine hanger) away from the battery. Do not connect it to or near any part that moves when the engine is cranked.

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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

CAUTION When making the connections, to avoid serious injury, do not lean over the battery or accidentally let the jumper cables or clamps touch anything except the correct battery terminals or the ground.

5. Start your engine in the normal way. After starting, run it at about 2000 rpm for several minutes with the accelerator pedal lightly depressed.
6. Carefully disconnect the cables in the exact reverse order: the negative cable and then the positive cable.
7. Carefully dispose of the battery cover cloths which may now contain sulfuric acid.
8. If removed, replace all the battery vent plugs.

If the cause of your battery discharging is not apparent (for example, lights left on), you should have it checked.

IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS

If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, if you experience a loss of power, or if you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine has probably overheated.

When the engine overheats

Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your emergency flashers. Put the transmission in "P" and apply the parking brake.

A: If steam is coming from your engine:

Turn off the engine. Leave the hood closed until there is no sign of steam or coolant. Your engine could have been seriously damaged already. Call your Lexus dealer for assistance.

CAUTION To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until there is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is sign of very high pressure.

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B: If no steam is coming from your engine: Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning. Check the following.

• Is the cooling fan operating?
• Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
• Is the engine drive belt O.K.?

CAUTION

• When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
• Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out under pressure.

If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the acceptable range, turn off the engine and call your Lexus dealer.

If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant temperature has cooled to normal, continue driving your vehicle.

If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your vehicle overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible by your Lexus dealer.

IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE

1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move cautiously off the road to a safe place – well away from the traffic. Avoid stopping on the center divider of a highway. Park on a level spot with firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Firmly set the parking brake and put the transmission in "P".
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side away from traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.

NOTICE For vehicles equipped with the height control switch, be sure to turn the ignition switch off before jacking. If this is not done, the vehicle height adjustment function will operate, which may cause body damage.

CAUTION When jacking, be sure to observe the following to reduce the possibility of personal injury:

• Follow jacking instructions.
• Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is supported by the jack.

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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

• Stop the vehicle on a level firm ground, firmly set the parking brake and put the transmission in "P". Block the wheel diagonally opposite to the one being changed if necessary.
• Make sure to set the jack properly in the jack point. Raising the vehicle with jack improperly positioned will damage the vehicle or may allow the vehicle to fall off the jack and cause personal injury.
• Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is supported by the jack alone.
• Use the jack only for lifting your vehicle during wheel changing.
• Do not raise the vehicle with someone in the vehicle.
• When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or under the jack.
• Raise the vehicle only high enough to remove and change the tire.

1 Tool box 2 Jack 3 Spare tire 4 Jack handle

1. Get the tool, jack and spare tire.

To prepare yourself for an emergency, you should familiarize yourself with the use of the jack and each tool, and their storage locations.

NOTICE

Do not continue driving with a deflated tire. Driving even a short distance can damage a tire beyond repair.

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[1] Joint [2] When removing the jack, turn the joint by hand in the "contract" direction until the jack is free. [3] When storing, turn the joint by hand in the "expand" direction until the jack is firmly secured to prevent it from flying forward during a collision or sudden braking.

To remove the spare tire: [1] Remove the spare tire cover. [2] Loosen the bolt and remove it.

When storing the spare tire, place it with the inner side of the wheel facing up. Then bolt the tire in place and install the spare tire cover to prevent the tire from flying forward during a collision or sudden braking.

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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

4DL006-1

2. Block the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire to keep the vehicle from rolling when it is jacked up.

When blocking a wheel, place a wheel block in front of the front wheels or behind the rear wheels.

4DL007-4

►Paper for protecting surface

3. Remove the wheel ornament.

Pry off the wheel ornament, using the screwdriver as shown.

CAUTION Do not try to pull off the ornament by hand. Take due care in handling the ornament to avoid unexpected personal injury.

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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

4. Loosen all the wheel nuts. Always loosen the wheel nuts before raising the vehicle. Turn the nuts counterclockwise to loosen them. To get maximum leverage, fit the wrench to the nut so that the handle is on the right side, as shown above. Grab the wrench near the end of the handle and pull up on the handle. Be careful that the wrench does not slip off the nut. Do not remove the nuts yet – just unscrew them about one-half turn.

5. Position the jack at the jack points as shown. Make sure the jack is positioned on a level and solid surface.

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40L010-2

6. After making sure no one is in the vehicle, raise it high enough so that the spare tire can be installed.

Allow for the fact that you need more ground clearance when putting on the spare tire than when removing the flat tire.

To raise the vehicle, insert the jack handle into the jack (it is a loose fit) and turn it clockwise. As the jack touches the vehicle and begins to lift, double-check that it is properly positioned.

CAUTION

Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is supported by the jack alone.

40L011-1

7. Remove the wheel nuts and remove the flat tire.

Lift the flat tire straight off and put it aside.

40L012-1

Before putting on the wheel, remove any corrosion on the mounting surfaces with a wire brush or such. Installation of wheels without good metal-to-metal contact at the mounting surface can cause wheel nuts to loosen and eventually cause a wheel to come off while driving.

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8. Reinstall all the wheel nuts finger tight.

Align the holes in the wheel with the bolts. Then lift up the wheel and get at least the top bolt started through its hole. Wiggle the tire and press it back over the other bolts.

Reinstall the wheel nuts and tighten them as much as you can by hand. Press the tire back and see if you can tighten them more.

9. Lower the vehicle completely and tighten the wheel nuts.

Turn the jack handle counterclockwise to lower the vehicle.

Use only the wheel nut wrench to tighten the nuts. Do not use other tools or any additional leverage other than your hands, such as a hammer, pipe or your foot. Make sure the wrench is securely engaged over the nut.

Tighten each nut a little at a time in the order shown. Repeat the process until all the nuts are tight.

CAUTION

• When lowering the vehicle, make sure all portions of your body and all other persons around will not be injured as the vehicle is lowered to the ground.

• As soon as possible after changing wheels, have the wheel nuts tightened by torque wrench at 103 N·m (10.5 kgf·m, 76 ft·lbf.).

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

43L015-1

10. Reinstall the wheel ornament. Put the wheel ornament into position and then tap it firmly with the side or heel of your hand to snap it into place.

CAUTION Take due care in handling the ornament to avoid unexpected personal injury.

11. After changing the wheel, check the air pressure of the replaced tire. Stow all the tools, jack and flat tire securely.

If the pressure of the replaced tire is low, drive slowly to the nearest service station and fill to the correct pressure.

Do not forget to reinstall the tire valve cap as dirt and moisture could get into the valve core and possible cause air leakage. If the cap is missing, put a new one on as soon as possible.

This is the same procedure for changing or rotating your tires.

CAUTION Before driving, make sure all the tools, jack and flat tire are securely in place in their storage location to reduce the possibility of personal injury during a collision or sudden braking.

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IF YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE TOWED

If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service. In consultation with them, have your vehicle towed using either (a) or (b).

(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck (b) Using a flat bed truck (c) Never tow with a sling type truck

Only when you cannot receive a towing service from a Lexus dealer or commercial tow truck service, tow your vehicle carefully in accordance with the instructions given in "(d) Emergency towing" on page 208.

Proper equipment will help ensure that your vehicle is not damaged while being towed. Commercial operators are generally aware of the state/provincial and local laws pertaining to towing.

Your vehicle can be damaged if it is towed incorrectly. Although most operators know the correct procedure, it is possible to make a mistake. To avoid damage to your vehicle, make sure the following few precautions are observed. If necessary, show this page to the tow truck driver.

TOWING PRECAUTIONS:

Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by the state/provincial and local laws. The wheels and axle on the ground must be in good condition. If they are damaged, use a towing dolly.

(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck • From front

Use a towing dolly under the rear wheels.

NOTICE

Never tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission from the front with rear wheels on the ground, as this may cause serious damage to the transmission.

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● From rear

(b) Using a flat bed truck

Place the ignition key in the "ACC" position.

NOTICE

• Do not tow with the key removed or in the "LOCK" position, as the steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight.
• When lifting wheels, take care to ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Otherwise, the bumper and/or underbody of the towed vehicle will be damaged during towing.

401-016

● Tie down points

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If your Lexus is transported by a flat bed, it should be tied down at locations A and B as shown above.

►Rear emergency towing eyelets

NOTICE

• Do not use the rear emergency towing eyelets.

• For vehicles sold in U.S.A., before your vehicle is transported by flat bed, the height control switch, if so equipped, must be in the "HIGH" mode.

• Tie down angle

If you use chains or wires to tie down your vehicle, the angles shaded black must be at 45°.

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(c) Towing with a sling type truck

NOTICE Do not tow with a sling type truck, either from the front or rear. This may cause body damage.

(d) Emergency towing

If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service.

If towing service is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be temporarily towed by a cable or chain secured to the emergency towing eyelet. Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.

A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the brakes.

Towing in this manner may be done only on hard-surfaced roads for a short distance and at low speeds. Also, the wheels, axles, drive train, steering and brakes must all be in good condition.

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CAUTION Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would place excessive stress on the emergency towing eyelet and towing cable or chain. The eyelet and towing cable or chain may break and cause serious injury or damage.

NOTICE Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cable or chain to the towing eyelet provided.

Before towing, release the parking brake and put the transmission in "N". The ignition key must be in "ACC" (engine off) or "ON" (engine running).

CAUTION If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not work so steering and braking will be much harder than usual.

IF YOU CANNOT SHIFT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER

If you cannot shift the selector lever, use the shift lock override button as follows:

[1] Turn the ignition key to "LOCK" or "ACC". Make sure the parking brake is applied. Pry up the cover with a flat-bladed screwdriver or equivalent.

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[2] Insert your finger, the screwdriver or equivalent into the hole to push down the shift lock override button. You can shift the selector lever while pushing the button.

For your safety, keep the brake pedal depressed.

Be sure to have the system checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.

IF YOU LOSE YOUR KEYS OR LOCK YOURSELF OUT

Many Lexus dealers can make a new key if you can give them the key number. Since your vehicle is equipped with the engine immobiliser system, the dealer will also need your master key.

See the suggestion given in "Keys" on page 8.

If your keys are locked in the vehicle and you cannot get a duplicate, many Lexus dealers can still open the door for you, using their special tools. If you must break a window to get in, we suggest breaking the smallest side window because it is the least expensive to replace. Be extremely cautious to avoid cuts from the glass.

Even if you lose only one key, contact your Lexus dealer to make a new key. If you lose all your master keys, you cannot make new keys; the whole system must be replaced.

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SECTION 5

MAINTENANCE

• Maintenance requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ 213
• General maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ 214
• Does your vehicle need repairing? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........

MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

Your Lexus vehicle has been designed to have fewer maintenance requirements with longer service intervals to save both your time and money. However, each regular maintenance as well as day-to-day care is more important than ever before to ensure smooth, trouble-free, safe, and economical driving.

It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure the specified maintenance, including general maintenance services, is performed. Note that both the new vehicle and emission control system warranties specify that proper maintenance and care must be performed. See the Owner’s Guide, Owner’s Manual Supplement or Warranty Booklet for complete warranty information.

General maintenance

General maintenance items are those day-to-day care practices that are important to your vehicle for proper operation. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the general maintenance items are performed regularly.

These checks or inspections can be done either by yourself or your Lexus dealer.

Scheduled maintenance

The scheduled maintenance items listed in the "Owner's Manual Supplement/Maintenance Schedule" are those required to be serviced at regular intervals.

For details of your maintenance schedule, read the separate "Owner's Manual Supplement/Maintenance Schedule".

It is recommended that any replacement parts used for maintenance or for the repair of the emission control system be Lexus supplied.

The owner may elect to use non-Lexus supplied parts for replacement purposes without invalidating the emission control system warranty. However, use of replacement parts which are not of equivalent quality may impair the effectiveness of the emission control systems.

You may also elect to have maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and system performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual without invalidating this warranty. See Owner’s Guide, Owner’s Manual Supplement or Warranty Booklet for complete warranty information.

Where to go for service?

Lexus technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date with the latest service information through technical bulletins, service tips, and in-dealership training programs. They are well informed about the operation of all the systems on your vehicle.

You can be confident that your Lexus dealer’s service department performs the best job to meet the maintenance requirements of your vehicle – reliably and economically.

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MAINTENANCE

Your copy of the repair order is proof that all required maintenance has been performed for warranty coverage. And if any problems should arise with your vehicle while under warranty, your Lexus dealer will promptly take care of it. Again, be sure to keep a copy of the repair order for any service performed on your Lexus.

What about do-it-yourself maintenance?

Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself, if you have a little mechanical ability and a few basic automotive tools. Simple instructions for how to perform them are presented in Section 6.

If you are a skilled do-it-yourself mechanic, the Lexus service manuals are recommended. Please be aware that do-it-yourself maintenance can affect your warranty coverage. See your Owner's Guide, Owner's Manual Supplement or Warranty Booklet for the details.

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GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed at the intervals specified. It is recommended that any problem you notice be brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service shop for their advice.

CAUTION Make these checks only where adequate ventilation can be obtained if you run the engine.

Vehicle exterior

Items listed below should be performed from time to time, unless otherwise specified.

Tire pressure

Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks, or at least once a month and adjust as shown on the tire pressure label. See page 241 for additional information.

Tire surface

Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive wear. See page 243 for additional information.

Wheel nuts

When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for looseness. Tighten them if necessary.

5

MAINTENANCE

Tire rotation Rotate the tires every 12000 km (7500 miles). See page 242 for additional information.

Fluid leaks Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid after the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected immediately.

Doors and engine hood Check that all doors, including trunk lid, operate smoothly and all latches lock securely. Make sure the engine hood secondary latch secures the hood when the primary latch is released.

Vehicle interior Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.

Lights Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are working. Check headlight aim.

Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers Check that all service reminder indicators and warning buzzers function properly.

Steering wheel Check that it has the specified freeplay. Be alert for changes in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive freeplay or strange noise.

Seats Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly. Check that the head restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold securely in any latched position.

Seat belts Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors and anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.

Accelerator pedal Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal effort or catching.

Brake pedal Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper clearance and freeplay. Check the brake booster function.

Brakes At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side when applied.

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Parking brake Check that the pedal has the proper travel and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake applied.

Automatic transmission "Park" mechanism On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in "P" position and all brakes released.

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 261 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 233 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 253 for additional information.

Brake fluid level Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 239 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 230 for additional information.

Power steering fluid level Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in the "HOT" or "COLD" range depending on the fluid temperature. See page 240 for additional information.

Exhaust system Look for cracks, holes and loose supports. 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.)

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MAINTENANCE

DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEED REPAIRING?

Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:

• Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
• Appreciable loss of power
• Strange engine noises
• A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
• Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
• Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear
• Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level road
• Strange noises related to suspension movement
• Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to one side when braking
• Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal

If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your Lexus dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs adjustment or repair.

Do not continue driving with the vehicle unchecked. It could result in serious vehicle damage and possibly personal injury.

⚠ CAUTION

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