Lexus ES250 1996, ES300 1996, ES330 1996, ES350 1996 Owner Manual

SECTION 6 – 2

SERVICE PROCEDURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

Engine

Specifications 160 Fuel 162 Facts about engine oil consumption 163 Used engine oil 164 Checking the engine oil level 165 Checking the engine coolant level 167

159

ENGINE

SPECIFICATIONS

– GENERAL

Model 1MZ–FE Type 6 cylinder V type, 4 cycle, gasoline Bore and stroke 87.5 X 83 mm (3.44 X 3.27 in.) Displacement 2995 cm Valve clearance (engine cold)

Intake 0.15 – 0.25 mm (0.006 – 0.010 in.) Exhaust 0.25 – 0.35 mm (0.010 – 0.014 in.)

Drive belt tension (with Borroughs drive belt tension gauge No. BT–33–73F)

– LUBRICATION SYSTEM

Oil capacity

Drain and refill

with filter 4.7 L (5.0 qt., 4.1 Imp. qt.) without filter

Oil grade

Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):

115 ± 20 lb.

4.5 L (4.8 qt., 4.0 Imp. qt.) API SH, Energy–Conserving II multigrade engine oil or

ILSAC multigrade engine oil

(182.7 cu. in.)

160

– COOLING SYSTEM

Capacity 8.7 L (9.2 qt., 7.7 Imp. qt.) Coolant type Ethylene – glycol coolant (Do not use alcohol type.)

– FUEL

Fuel type Only UNLEADED Research octane number 91 (Octane Rating 87) or higher

– IGNITION SYSTEM

Spark plug – Make NIPPONDENSO PK20TR11

NGK BKR6EKPB11

– Gap 1.1 mm (0.043 in.)

– ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery –Maintenance type battery

Specific gravity reading at 20°C (68°F): 1.260 Fully charged

1.160 Half charged

1.060 Discharged

Charging rates Quick charge 15A max.

Slow charge 5A max.

– Non–maintenance battery

Open voltage at 20°C (68°F): 12.7V Fully charged

12.3V Half charged

11.9V Discharged [Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after the key is

removed with all the lights turned off]

Charging rates 5A max.

ENGINE

161

ENGINE

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.

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 number

Select Research Octane Number 91 (Octane Rating 87) or higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gasoline with a Research Octane Number of 96 (Octane Rating 91) or higher is recommended.

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 recommends 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.

Gasolines containing MTBE

Gasolines that contain MTBE (Methyl Tertiary–Butyl Ether) are available in the market. If you use a gasoline mixed with MTBE, make certain that it does not contain more than 15% of MTBE.

If the use of gasolines containing MTBE causes poor driveability and/or poor fuel economy , you should stop u s in g them.

162

ENGINE

Gasolines containing alcohol

Gasohol is a mixture of gasoline and ethanol. If you use gasohol in your Lexus, be sure that it is unleaded, has an octane rating no lower than 87 and does not contain more than 10% ethanol. Lexus does not recommend the use of gasolines containing methanol.

If you use gasoline containing methanol, use only gasoline meeting the requirements above and also containing less than 5% methanol with cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for methanol.

NOTICE



Do not use gasohol other than stated above. It will cause fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems.



If driveability problems are encountered (poor hot starting, vaporizing, engine knock, etc.), discontinue its use.



Take care not to spill gasohol during refueling. Gasohol may cause paint damage.

Fuel tank capacity

70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 Imp. gal.)

FACTS ABOUT ENGINE OIL

CONSUMPTION

Functions of engine oil

Engine oil has the primary function of lubricating and cooling the inside of the engine, and plays a major role in maintaining the engine in proper working order.

Engine oil consumption

It is normal that an engine should consume some engine oil during normal engine operation. The causes of oil consumption in a normal engine are as follows:

 Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston rings and cylinders.

A thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall when a piston moves downwards in the cylinder. High negative pressure generated when the vehicle is decelerating sucks some of this oil into the combustion chamber. This oil as well as some part of the oil film left on the cylinder wall is burned by the high temperature combustion gases during the combustion process.

 Oil is also used to lubricate the stems of the intake valves.

Some of this oil is sucked into the combustion chamber together with the intake air and is burned along with the fuel. High temperature exhaust gases also burn the oil used to lubricate the exhaust valve stems.

163

ENGINE The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the

viscosity of the oil, the quality of the oil and th e w ay t he vehicle is driven.

More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high speeds 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 “Checking the engine oil level” on page 165.

USED ENGINE OIL

CAUTION

 Used engine oil contains potentially harmful

contaminants which may cause skin disorders such as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact with it. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.

 Do not leave used oil within the reach of children.  Dispose of use d o i l and used oil filters only in a safe

and acceptable manner. Do not dispose of used oil and used oil filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the ground. Call your Lexus dealer or a service station for information concerning recycling or disposal.

164

CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL

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

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

If the oil level is below or only slightly above the low line, add engine oil of the same type as already in the engine.

165

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 and the full line 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., Imp. qt.) 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.

Engine oil selection

Use API SH, Energy–Conserving II multigrade engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil.

Recommended viscosity (SAE):

SAE 5W–30 is the best choice for your vehicle, for good fuel economy, and good starting in cold weather.

If you use SAE 10W–30 engine oil in extremely low temperatures, the engine may become difficult to start, so SAE 5W–30 engine oil is recommended.

166

ENGINE

Oil identification marks

Either or both API registered marks are added to some oil containers to help you select the oil you should use.

 The API Service Symbol is located anywhere on the

outside of the container. The top portion of the label shows the oil quality by API (American Petroleum Institute) designation such as SH. The center portion of the label shows the SAE viscosity grade such as SAE 5W–30. “Energy–Conserving II,” shown in the lower portion, indicates that the oil has fuel–saving capabilities. Oils marked “Energy– Conserving II” will have higher fuel–saving capabilities than oils marked “Energy–Conserving.”

 The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and

Approval Committee) Certification Mark is displayed on the front of the container.

CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT

LEVEL

Park the vehicle at a level spot and look at the see–through coolant reservoir when the engine is cool. The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the upper and lower lines on the tank. If the level is low, add ethylene–glycol type coolant.

The coolant level in the reservoir will vary with the engine coolant temperature. However, if the level is on or below the lower line, add coolant to bring the level up to the upper line.

Use only ethylene–glycol type coolant. (For information on ethylene–glycol coolant, see also “Engine coolant selection” described below.)

If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing, there may be a leak in the system. Visually check the radiator, hoses, radiator cap, drain cock and water pump.

167

ENGINE

If you can find no leak, have your Lexus dealer test the cap pressure and check for leaks in the cooling system.

CAUTION

To prevent burning yourself, do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot.

Engine coolant selection

Your coolant must contain ethylene–glycol antifreeze. In addition to preventing freezing and subsequent damage to the engine, this will also prevent corrosion. Further supplemental inhibitors or additives are neither needed nor recommended.

Read the antifreeze container for information on freeze protection. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how much to mix with water. The total capacity of the cooling system is given on page 161. We recommend 50% solution be used for your Lexus, or a sufficient quantity to provide protection to about –35°C (–31°F).

NOTICE

Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.

168

SECTION 6 – 5

SERVICE PROCEDURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

Body

Specifications 200 Protecting your vehicle from corrosion 201 Washing and waxing 202 Cleaning the interior 203

199

BODY

SPECIFICATIONS

– DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

Overall length 4770 mm (187.8 in.) Overall width 1780 mm (70.1 in.) Overall height 1370 mm (53.9 in.)

1390 mm (54.7 in.) Wheelbase 2620 mm (103.1 in.) Tread – Front 1550 mm (61.0 in.)

– Rear 1500 mm (59.1 in.)

Vehicle capacity weight (occupants + luggage) 400 kg (880 lb.)

*1: Unladen vehicle plus 2 occupants *2: Unladen vehicle

– FUEL TANK

Capacity 70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 Imp. gal.)

*1 *2

200

PROTECTING YOUR VEHICLE

FROM 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.

BODY

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 “Washing and waxing” 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.

201

BODY 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.

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 by hand

Work in the shade and wait until the vehicle body is not hot to the touch.

1. Rinse of f 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. No not rub hard – let the soap and water remove the dirt.

Aluminum wheels: Use only a mild soap or neutral detergent.

Urethane bumpers and side moldings: Wash carefully. Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners. The bumper and side molding faces are soft.

Road tar: Remove with turpentine or cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces.

NOTICE

Do not use gasoline or strong solvents, which may be toxic or cause damage.

3. Rinse thoroughly – dried soap can cause streaking. In hot weather you may need to rinse each section right after you wash it.

202

4. To prevent water spots, dry the vehicle using a clean soft cotton towel. Do not rub or press hard – you might scratch the paint.

Automatic car wash

Your vehicle may be washed in an automatic car wash, but remember that the paint can be scratched by some type of brushes, unfiltered washing water, or the washing process itself. Scratching reduces paint durability and gloss, especially on darker colors. The manager of the car wash should be able to advise you whether the process is safe for the paint on your vehicle.

Waxing your Lexus

Polishing and waxing is recommended to maintain the original beauty of your Lexus’ finish.

1. Always wash and dry the vehicle before you begin waxing, even if you are using a combined cleaner and wax.

2. Use a good quality polish and wax. If the finish has become extremely weathered, use a car–cleaning polish, followed by a separate wax. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and precautions. Be sure to polish and wax the chrome trim as well as the paint.

3. Wax the vehicle again when water does not bead but remains on the surface in large patches.

BODY

CLEANING THE INTERIOR

CAUTION

Do not wash the vehicle floor with water, or allow

water to get onto the floor when cleaning the vehicle

interior or exterior. Water may get into audio

components or other electrical components above

or under the floor carpet (or mat) and cause a

malfunction; and it may cause body corrosion.

Leather Interior

Remove dirt using a soft cloth dampened with 5% solution of neutral detergent for wool. Then thoroughly wipe off all traces of detergent with a clean damp cloth. After cleaning or whenever any part of the leather gets wet, dry with a soft clean cloth. Allow the leather to dry in a ventilated shaded area.

NOTICE



If a stain should fail to come out with a neutral detergent, apply a cleaner that does not contain an organic solvent.



Never use organic substances such as benzine, alcohol or gasoline, or alkaline or acid solutions for cleaning the leather as these could cause discoloring.



Use of a nylon brush or synthetic fiber cloth, etc. may scratch the fine grained surface of the leather.



Mildew may develop on soiled leather upholstery. Be especially careful to avoid oil spots. Try to keep your upholstery always clean.

203

BODY



Long exposure to direct sunlight may cause the leather surface to harden and shrink. Keep your vehicle in a shaded area, especially in the summer.



The interior of your vehicle is apt to heat up on hot summer days, so avoid placing on the upholstery items made of vinyl or plastic or containing wax as these tend to stick to leather when warm.



Improper cleaning of the leather upholstery could result in discoloration or staining.

Synthetic Leather Areas (Dash)

The synthetic leather areas may be easily cleaned with a mild soap or detergent and water.

First vacuum over the upholstery to remove loose dirt. Then, using a sponge or soft cloth, apply the soap solution to the synthetic leather. After allowing it to soak in for a few minutes to loosen the dirt, remove the dirt and wipe off the soap with a clean damp cloth. If all the dirt does not come off, repeat the procedure. Commercial foaming–type cleaners are also available which work well. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

NOTICE

Do not use solvent, thinner, gasoline or window cleaner on the interior.

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.



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.

204

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.

BODY

205

BODY

206

SECTION 6 – 3

SERVICE PROCEDURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

Chassis

Specifications 170 Checking brake fluid 172 Checking power steering fluid 173 Checking tire pressure 174 Rotating tires 175 Checking and replacing tires 175 Installing snow tires and chains 178 Replacing wheels 179 Aluminum wheel precautions 179 Suspension and chassis 179

169

CHASSIS

SPECIFICATIONS

– AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Fluid capacity

Transmission

Drain and refill

Differential

Fluid type Automatic transmission fluid DII or DEXRONIII

– BRAKES

Pedal clearance 70 mm (2.8 in.) Min. Pedal freeplay 1 – 6 mm (0.04 – 0.24 in.) Brake pad wear limit 1.0 mm (0.04 in.) Parking brake lining wear limit 1.0 mm (0.04 in.) Parking brake adjustment 5 – 8 clicks Fluid type SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3

Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with the pressure of 490 N (50 kgf, 110 lbf) with the engine running

Parking brake adjustment when pulled with the force of 196 N (20 kgf, 44 lbf)

3.5 L (3.7 qt., 3.1 Imp. qt.)

0.85 L (0.9 qt., 0.7 lmp. qt.)

(DEXRONII)

170

– STEERING

Wheel freeplay Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.) Power steering fluid type Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III

– TIRES AND WHEELS

Tire size Recommended cold tire inflation pressure

Vehicle load up to 4 occupants Vehicle loaded up to vehicle capacity weight Spare tire

Trailer towing (conventional and snow tires) Wheel size Wheel nut torque

P205/65 R15 92V

180 kPa (1.8 kgf/cm2 or bar, 26 psi) (Both front and rear) 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and rear) 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi) 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and rear) 15 x 6 JJ 103 N⋅m (10.5 kgf⋅m, 76 ft⋅lbf.)

CHASSIS

171

CHASSIS

CHECKING BRAKE FLUID

To check the fluid level, simply look at the see–through reservoir. The level should be between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines on the tank.

It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads wear. So be sure to keep the reservoir filled.

If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious mechanical problem.

If the level is low, add FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid to the brake reservoir.

Remove and replace the reservoir cover by hand. Add brake fluid up to the “MAX” line.

Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once opened, brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air, and excess moisture can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency.

CAUTION

Take care when filling the reservoir because brake fluid can harm your eyes and damage painted surfaces. If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water.

NOTICE

If you spill some of the fluid, be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging the parts or paintwork.

172

CHECKING POWER STEERING

FLUID

Check the fluid level on the dipstick. If necessary, add automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III.

If the vehicle has been driven around 80 km/h (50 mph) for 20 minutes (a little more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is hot (60°C–80°C or 140°F–175°F). You may also check the level when the fluid is cold (about room temperature, 10°C–30°C or 50°F–85°F) if the engine has not been run for about five hours.

CHASSIS

Clean all the dirt off the reservoir and look at the fluid level. If the fluid is cold, the level should be in the “COLD” range. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level should be in the “HOT” range. If the level is at the low side of the appropriate range, add automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III to bring the level within the range.

To remove the filler cap, turn it counterclockwise and lift up. To reinstall it, turn it clockwise. After replacing the filler cap, visually check the steering box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or damage.

CAUTION

The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn yourself.

NOTICE

Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be damaged.

173

CHASSIS

CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE

The recommended cold tire pressures, tire size and the vehicle capacity weight are given on the label inside the glovebox lid.

You should check the tire pressures every two weeks, or at least once a month. And don’t forget the spare! The air pressure for the spare tire should be 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm2 or bar, 4 psi) above the recommended cold tire pressure. Incorrect tire pressure can reduce tire life and make your vehicle less safe to drive.

Low tire pressure results in excessive wear, poor handling, reduced fuel economy, and the possibility of blowouts from overheated tires. Also, low tire pressure can cause poor sealing of the tire bead. If the tire pressure is excessively low, there is the possibility of wheel deformation and/or tire separation. So keep your tire pressures at the proper level. If a tire needs frequent refilling, have it checked by your Lexus dealer.

High tire pressure produces a harsh ride, handling problems, excessive wear at the center of the tire tread, and a greater possibility of tire damage from road hazards.

The following instructions for checking tire pressure should be observed:

 The pressure should be checked only when the tires

are cold. If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours and has not been driven for more than 1.5 km or 1 mile since, you will get an accurate cold tire pressure reading.

 Always use a tire pressure gauge. The appearance of

the tire can be misleading. Besides, tire pressures that are even just a few pounds off can degrade handling and ride.

 Do not bleed or reduce tire pressure after driving. It is

normal for the tire pressure to be higher after driving.

 Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight. The

passengers and luggage weight should be located so that the vehicle is balanced.

 Be sure to reinstall the tire valve caps. Without the valve

caps, dirt or moisture could get into the valve core and cause air leakage. If the caps have been lost, have new ones put on as soon as possible.

174

CHASSIS

ROTATING TIRES

To equalize tire wear and help extend tire life, Lexus recommends that you rotate your tires approximately every 12000 km (7500 miles). However, the most appropriate timing for tire rotation may vary according to your driving habits and road surface conditions.

The wheel assemblies must be rotated as illustrated above. When rotating tires, check for uneven wear and damage.

Abnormal wear is usually caused by incorrect tire pressure, improper wheel alignment, out–of–balance wheels, or severe braking.

Before storing radial, snow or studded tires, mark the direction of rotation and be sure to install them in the same direction when using them again. Tires should be stored in a cool dry place.

CHECKING AND REPLACING TIRES

When to replace your tires

Replace the tires when the tread wear indicators show. The location of the tread wear indicators is shown by the “TWI” or “∆” marks molded on the sidewall of each tire.

The tires on your Lexus have built–in tread wear indicators to help you know when the tires need replacement. When the tread depth wears to 1.6 mm (0.06 in.) or less, the indicators will appear. If you can see the indicators in two or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.

The effectiveness of snow tires is lost if the tread wears down below 4 mm (0.16 in.).

If you have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to expose the fabric, or bulges indicating internal damage, the tire should be replaced.

175

CHASSIS

If a tire often goes flat or cannot be properly repaired due to the size or location of a cut or other damage, it should be replaced. If you are not sure, consult with your Lexus dealer.

If an air loss occurs while driving, do not continue driving with a deflated tire. Driving even a short distance can damage a tire beyond repair.

Any tires which are over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if damage is not obvious.

Tires deteriorate with age even if they have never or seldom been used.

This also applies to the spare tire and tires stored for future use.

Uniform tire quality grading

This information has been prepared in accordance with regulations issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. It provides the purchasers and/or prospective purchasers of Lexus vehicles with information on uniform tire quality grading.

Your Lexus dealer will help answer any questions you may have as you read this information.

DOT quality grades – All passenger vehicle tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades. These quality grades are molded on the sidewall.

Treadwear – The treadwear grade is a comparative rating

based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1–1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.

Traction A, B, C – The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B and C, and they represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.

176

Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering (turning) traction.

Temperature A, B, C – The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

Warning: The temperature grade of this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

CHASSIS

Tire selection

When replacing a tire, use only the same size and construction as originally installed and with the same or greater load capacity.

Using any other size or type of tire may seriously affect handling, ride, speedometer/odometer calibration, ground clearance, and clearance between the body and tires or snow chains.

Do not mix radial, belted, or conventional tires on your vehicle.

Do not use tires or wheels other than the manufacturer’s recommended size.

It can cause dangerous handling characteristics, resulting in loss of control. If you need to change from conventional tires to radial tires or vice versa, replace them as a set.

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CHASSIS

INSTALLING SNOW TIRES AND

CHAINS

When to use snow tires or chains

Snow tires or chains are recommended when driving on snow or ice.

On wet or dry roads, conventional or radial tires provide better traction than snow or studded tires.

Snow tire selection

If you need snow tires, select the same size, construction and load capacity as the original tires on your Lexus.

Do not use tires other than stated above. Since your vehicle has radial tires as original equipment, make sure your snow tires also have radial construction. Do not install studded tires without first checking local regulations for possible restrictions.

Snow tire installation

Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.

Installing snow tires on the rear wheels only can lead to an excessive difference in road grip capability between the front and rear tires which could cause loss of vehicle control.

CAUTION

Tire chain selection

Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to location or type of road. Always check the local regulations before installing chains.

Use SAE Class “S” type radial tire chains, with the exception of radial cable chains or V–bar type chains.

Chain installation

Install the chains on the front tires as tightly as possible. Do not use tire chains on the front tires. Retighten chains after driving 0.5 – 1.0 km (1/4 – 1/2 mile).

When installing chains on your tires, carefully follow the instructions of the chain manufacturer.

CAUTION

 Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) or the chain

manufacturer’s recommended speed limit, whichever is lower.

 Drive carefully avoiding bumps, holes, and sharp

turns, which may cause the vehicle to bounce.

 Avoid sharp turns or locked–wheel braking, as use

of chains may adversely affect vehicle handling.

 Snow tires should be inflated to the same pressure

as the original tires.

 Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph) with any type

of snow tires.

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CHASSIS

REPLACING WHEELS

When to replace your wheels

If you have wheel damage such as bends, cracks or heavy corrosion, the wheel should be replaced.

If you fail to replace damaged wheels, a tire may slip off a wheel or they may cause loss of handling control.

Replacement with used wheels is not recommended as they may have been subjected to rough treatment or high mileage and could fail without warning. Also, bent wheels which have been straightened may have hidden structural damage and therefore should not be used. Never use an inner tube in a leaking wheel which is designed for a tubeless tire.

Wheel selection

When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that they are equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter, rim width, and offset.

Correct replacement wheels are available at your Lexus dealer.

A wheel of a different size or type may adversely affect handling, wheel and bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer/odometer calibration, stopping ability, headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and tire or snow chain clearance to the body and chassis.

ALUMINUM WHEEL PRECAUTIONS

 After driving your vehicle the first 1600 km (1000 miles),

check that the wheel nuts are tight.

 If you have rotated, repaired, or changed your tires, check

that the wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1600 km (1000 miles).

 When using tire chains, be careful not to damage the

aluminum wheels.

 Use only the Lexus wheel nuts and wrench designed for

your aluminum wheels.

 When balancing your wheels, use only Lexus balance

weights or equivalent and a plastic or rubber hammer.

 As with any wheel, periodically check your aluminum

wheels for damage. If damaged, replace immediately.

SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS

CAUTION

Do not modify the suspension/chassis with lift kits, spacers, springs, etc. It can cause dangerous handling characteristics, resulting in loss of control.

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CHASSIS

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