The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the legal
identifier for your vehicle. This number is on the left
top of the instrument panel and can be seen through
the windshield from outside.
This is the primary identification number for your Lexus.
It is used in registering the ownership of your vehicle.
61G006
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is also on the
Certification Label.
INTRODUCTION
369
INTRODUCTION
61G007a
GS400
The engine number is stamped on the engine block
as shown.
GS300
370
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW (GS400)
61G008a
1
Engine oil
filler cap
2
Engine oil
level
dipstick
3
Brake fluid
reservoir
4
Fuse box
5
Washer
fluid tank
6
Engine
coolant
reservoir
7
Power
steering
fluid
reservoir
8
Fuse box
9
Battery
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INTRODUCTION
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW (GS300)
61G009–2
1
Engine oil
filler cap
2
Engine oil
level
dipstick
3
Brake fluid
reservoir
4
Fuse box
5
Washer
fluid tank
6
Power
steering
fluid
reservoir
7
Engine
coolant
reservoir
8
Fuse box
9
Battery
372
DO–IT–YOURSELF SERVICE
PRECAUTIONS
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to
follow the correct procedure given in this Section.
You should be aware that improper or incomplete
servicing may result in operating problems.
Performing do–it–yourself maintenance during the
warranty period may affect your warranty coverage.
Read the separate Lexus Warranty statement for details
and suggestions.
This Section gives instructions only for those items that
are relatively easy for an owner to perform. As explained
in Section 5, there are still a number of items that must
be performed by a qualified technician with special tools.
For information on tools and parts for do–it–yourself
maintenance, see ”Parts and tools”.
Utmost care should be taken when working on your
vehicle to prevent accidental injury. Here are a few
precautions that you should be especially careful to
observe:
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373
INTRODUCTION
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive
belt. (Removing rings, watches, and ties is
advisable.)
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
around fuel or the battery. Their fumes are
flammable.
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. Always use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.
Be sure the ignition is off if you work near the electric
cooling fan o r radiator grille. With the ignition on, the
electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if
the air conditioning is on and/or if the coolant
temperature is high.
Use eye protection whenever you work on or under
your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc.
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INTRODUCTION
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, ”Energy–Conserving” multigrade
engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil. For
recommended oil viscosity, see page 396.
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
“Toyota Long Life Coolant” or equivalent
See ”Checking the engine coolant level” on page 397
for instructions.
Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:
Funnel (only for adding coolant)
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INTRODUCTION
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
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
II or III
Checking battery condition
Non–maintenance batteries
Tools:
Warm water
Baking soda
Grease
Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Maintenance type batteries
Parts (if level is low):
Distilled water
Tools:
Warm water
Baking soda
Grease
Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Coin (for vent plugs)
Funnel (only for adding distilled water)
Checking and replacing the blade type
fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):
Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Checking the cartridge type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):
Genuine Lexus fuse or equivalent with same
amperage rating as original
376
Adding washer fluid
Parts:
Water
Washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
Tools:
Funnel
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INTRODUCTION
New vehicle warranty
Your new vehicle is covered by the following Lexus
limited warranties:
New vehicle warranty
Emission control systems warranty
Others
For further information, please refer to the separate
”Owner’s Guide”, ”Owner’s Manual Supplement” or
”Warranty Booklet”.
Your responsibility for maintenance
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure the specified
maintenance is performed. Section 5 of this Owner’s
Manual gives details of these maintenance
requirements. Included in Section 6 is general
maintenance. For scheduled maintenance information,
please refer to the separate ”Owner’s Manual
Supplement/Maintenance Schedule”.
Accessories, spare parts and
modification of your Lexus
A wide variety of non–genuine spare parts and
accessories for Lexus vehicles are currently available in
the market. You should know that Toyota does not
warrant these products and is not responsible either for
their performance, repair or replacement, or for any
damage they may cause to, or adverse effect they may
ii
have on, your Lexus vehicle.
This vehicle should not be modified with non–genuine
Lexus products. Modification with non–genuine Lexus
products could affect its performance, safety or
durability, and may even violate governmental
regulations. In addition, damage or performance
problems resulting from the modification may not be
covered under warranty.
Spark ignition system of your Lexus
The spark ignition system in your Lexus meets all
requirements of the Canadian Interference–Causing
Equipment Standard.
Installation of a mobile two–way radio
system
As the installation of a mobile two–way radio system in
your vehicle could affect electronic systems such as the
multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system, cruise control system, anti–lock brake
system and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), be
sure to check with your Lexus dealer for precautionary
measures or special instructions regarding installation.
Scrapping of your Lexus
The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in your
Lexus consists of driver and front passenger airbags,
side airbags and seat belt pretensioners. The SRS
device contains explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is
scrapped with the airbags and seat belt pretensioners
left as they are, it may cause an accident such as a fire.
Be sure to have the SRS removed and disposed of by
a qualified service shop or by your Lexus dealer before
you scrap your vehicle.
iii
FOREWORD
Welcome to the growing group of value–conscious people who drive Lexus
vehicles. We are proud of the advanced engineering and quality construction
of each vehicle we build.
This Owner’s Manual explains the features of your new Lexus. Please read it
and follow the instructions carefully so that you can enjoy many years of safe
motoring.
When it comes to service, remember that your Lexus dealer knows your vehicle
best and is interested in your complete satisfaction. Your Lexus dealer will
provide quality maintenance and any other assistance you may require.
If there is not a Lexus dealer near you, or you need emergency assistance for
any reason, please call the following number:
Lexus Customer Service Assistance1–800–25–LEXUS (Toll–Free)
CANADIAN OWNERS
Please refer to the separate ”Owner’s Guide” or ”Owner’s Manual
Supplement”.
Please leave this Owner’s Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The
next owner will need this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time
of printing. However, because of the Lexus policy of continual product
improvement, we reserve the right to make changes at any time without
(1–800–255–3987)
(1–800–255–3987)
i
notice.
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all
equipment, including options. Therefore, you may find some
explanations for equipment not installed on your vehicle.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
FOR U.S. OWNERS
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately inform
the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
(Toll–free: 1–800–25–LEXUS).
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a
safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it
may order a recall and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer ,
or Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the
Auto Safety Hotline toll–free at
SECTION 7
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
FOR U.S. OWNERS
Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners475. . . . . . . . .
1–800–424–9393 (or 366–0123 in
Washington.D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA,
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Washington. D.C. 20590. You can also obtain
other information about motor vehicle safety
from the Hotline.
Overall length
Overall width
Overall height
Wheelbase
Tread– Front
Vehicle capacity weight (occupants + luggage)
*: Unladen vehicle
– FUEL TANK
Capacity
466
– Rear
4805 mm (189.2 in.)
1800 mm (70.9 in.)
1440 mm (56.7 in.)*
2800 mm (110.2 in.)
1535 mm (60.4 in.)
1510 mm (59.4 in.)
410 kg (900 lb.)
75 L (19.8 gal., 16.5 lmp.gal.)
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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.
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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 w a te r o r s t ea m i s e ffective 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 co n d ition 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.
Check the inte r i o r o f 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.
Keep your vehicle in a well ventilated garage or a
roofed place. 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.
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WASHING AND WAXING
Washing your Lexus
Keep your vehicle clean by regular washing.
The following cases may cause weakness to the paint
or corrosion to the body and parts. Wash your vehicle
as soon as possible.
When driving in a coastal area
When driving on a road sprinkled with antifreeze
When having stuck of coal tar, tree sap, bird
droppings and carcass of an insect
When driving in the areas where there is a lot of
smoke, soot, dust, iron dust and chemical substance
When the vehicle becomes remarkably dirty with dust
and mud
Hand–washing your Lexus
Work in the shade and wait until the vehicle body is
not hot to the touch.
1. Rinse off loose dirt with a hose. Remove any mud or
road salt f r o m t h e 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. Do not rub hard – let the soap and water remove
the dirt.
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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.
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.
Once a month or if the vehicle does not repel water well,
apply wax.
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.
470
CLEANING THE INTERIOR
CAUTION
Be careful not to splash water or spill liquid on the
floor. This may prevent the side airbags from
activating correctly, resulting in serious injury.
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.
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Leather Interior
The selected leather is used in your Lexus. Due to a
leather product, some parts of leather may be rough,
uneven or scratched originally.
To keep good appearance, we recommend you to clean
it periodically twice a year.
Remove dirt on the leather in the following ways:
1. Wipe it off lightly using a soft cloth (e.g. gauze)
dampened with 5% solution of neutral detergent for
wool.
2. Wring water from a clean cloth and thoroughly wipe
off all traces of detergent with it.
3. Wipe of f the surface of the leather with a dry soft cloth.
Allow the leather to dry in a ventilated shaded area.
Excess of wet may cause the hardening or shrinking of
the leather.
NOTICE
472
Dirt or sand adhered to the leather may damage
the treated surface and cause it to wear earlier.
Remove dirt or sand using a vacuum cleaner.
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.
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 and sun visors)
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. T o shampoo the carpets, use a sponge or brush
to apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not
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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.
Do not use the belts until they become dry.
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.
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.