Lexus GS300 1999, GS350 1999, GS400 1999, GS430 1999, GS450H 1999 Owner Manual

SECTION 6 ± 1

SERVICE PROCEDURES AND

SPECIFICATIONS

Introduction

Vehicle identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368

Engine compartment overview (GS400) . . . . . . . . . . 371

Engine compartment overview (GS300) . . . . . . . . . . 372

Do±it±yourself service precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373

Parts and tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION

368

INTRODUCTION

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.

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is also on the

Certification Label.

369

INTRODUCTION

GS400

GS300

The engine number is stamped on the engine block as shown.

370

INTRODUCTION

ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW (GS400)

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

371

INTRODUCTION

ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW (GS300)

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

INTRODUCTION

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 ºParts and toolsº.

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:

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 or 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.

374

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, ºEnergy±Conservingº 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):

ªToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent

See ºChecking the engine coolant levelº on page 397 for instructions.

Demineralized or distilled water

Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)

375

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 II or III

Tools:

Rag or paper towel

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)

Funnel (only for adding fluid)

Checking battery condition

Non±maintenance batteries

Tools:

Warm water

Baking soda

Grease

Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)

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

INTRODUCTION

Adding washer fluid

Parts:

Water

Washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)

Tools:

Funnel

377

INTRODUCTION

New vehicle warranty

have on, your Lexus vehicle.

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 ºOwner's Guideº, ºOwner's Manual Supplementº or ºWarranty Bookletº.

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 ºOwner's Manual Supplement/Maintenance Scheduleº.

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

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:

U.S. OWNERS

When traveling in the U.S. mainland or Canada:

Lexus Roadside Assistance 1±800±25±LEXUS (Toll±Free) (1±800±255±3987)

HAWAII:

Lexus Customer Service Assistance 1±800±25±LEXUS (Toll±Free) (1±800±255±3987)

CANADIAN OWNERS

Please refer to the separate ºOwner's Guideº or ºOwner's Manual Supplementº.

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

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. owners . . . . . . . . . 475

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.

475

SECTION 6 ± 5

SERVICE PROCEDURES AND

SPECIFICATIONS

Body

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466 Protecting your vehicle from corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . 467 Washing and waxing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469 Cleaning the interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 471

465

BODY

SPECIFICATIONS

± DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

Overall length	4805 mm (189.2 in.)
Overall width	1800 mm (70.9 in.)
Overall height	1440 mm (56.7 in.)*
Wheelbase	2800 mm (110.2 in.)
Tread ± Front	1535 mm (60.4 in.)
± Rear	1510 mm (59.4 in.)
Vehicle capacity weight (occupants + luggage)	410 kg (900 lb.)
*: Unladen vehicle
± FUEL TANK
Capacity	75 L (19.8 gal., 16.5 lmp.gal.)

466

BODY

PROTECTING YOUR VEHICLE

FROM CORROSION

exposed to high temperature.

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

467

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 ºWashing and waxingº 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.

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.

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.

468

BODY

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 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. Do not rub hard ± let the soap and water remove the dirt.

469

BODY

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.

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.

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.

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

BODY

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.

471

BODY

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 off 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

BODY

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. To shampoo the carpets, use a sponge or brush to apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not

473

BODY

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.

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

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.

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.

474

SECTION 6 ± 4

SERVICE PROCEDURES AND

SPECIFICATIONS

Electrical components

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430 Checking battery condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439 Battery recharging precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446 Checking and replacing the blade type fuses . . . . . 448 Checking the cartridge type fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453 Adding washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455 Checking the headlight aim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455 Replacing light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459

429

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS

SPECIFICATIONS

± FUSE LOCATION

1 Engine compartment

± FUSES

2Passenger's side kick panel

3Driver's side kick panel

4Engine compartment (Canada only)

430

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS

Driver's side kick panel

Passenger's side kick panel

431

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS

Engine compartment

432

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS

Engine compartment (Canada only)

433