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.
INTRODUCTION
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is also on the
Certification Label.
The engine number is stamped on the engine block as
shown.
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INTRODUCTION
THEFT PREVENTION LABELS
(U.S.A. ONLY)
Your new vehicle carries theft prevention labels which are
approximately 56 mm (2.20 in.) by 16 mm (0.63 in.).
The purpose of these labels is to reduce the incidence of
vehicle thefts by facilitating the tracing and recovery of parts
from stolen vehicles. The label is designed so that once it is
applied to a surface, any attempt to remove it will result in
destroying the integrity of the label. Transferring these labels
intact from one part to another will be impossible.
536
NOTICE
You should not attempt to remove the theft prevention
labels as it may violate certain state or federal laws.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
61PY009
INTRODUCTION
1
Engine oil level
dipstick
2
Engine oil filler cap
3
Brake fluid reservoir
4
Fuse box
5
Battery
6
Condenser
7
Electric cooling fan
8
Radiator
9
Engine coolant
reservoir
10
Washer fluid tank
11
Power steering fluid
reservoir
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INTRODUCTION
Removing the engine compartment covers
Before checking the power steering fluid or fuses in the
engine compartment, remove the engine compartment
covers as follows:
61PY010
1
Turn the plastic nuts counterclockwise and remove them.
2
Push the core of the clips using a Phillips–head
screwdriver and remove the clips.
538
3
Remove the covers.
Be careful not to lose the removed plastic nuts and clips.
After checking the items, install the engine compartment
covers and insert the plastic nuts and clips in their original
positions.
When inserting the clips, do as shown above.
NOTICE
After installing the engine compartment covers, make
sure the covers are securely in their original positions.
INTRODUCTION
539
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 af fect 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” on page 542.
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:
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, other fluids and spark
plugs may also be hot.
If the engine is hot, do not remove the radiator cap or
loosen the drain plugs to prevent burning yourself.
Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as
paper or rags, in the engine compartment.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames
around fuel or the battery. Their fumes are
flammable.
Do not get under your vehicle with just the body jack
supporting it. Always use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.
Use eye protection whenever you work on or under
your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc.
Be extremely cautious when working on the battery.
It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
540
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 and
power steering fluid, or the transmission and power
steering could be damaged.
Be careful not to scratch the glass surface with the
wiper frame.
INTRODUCTION
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INTRODUCTION
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):
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
See page 559 for details about engine oil selection.
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality
ethylene glycol based non–silicate, non–amine, non–nitrite,
and non–borate coolant with long–life hybrid organic acid
technology (Coolant with long–life hybrid organic acid
technology is a combination of low phosphates and organic
acids.)
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant
and 50% deionized water (for the U.S.A.) or 55% coolant
and 45% deionized water (for Canada). This coolant
provides protection down to about –35C (–31F).
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:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking power steering fluid
Parts (if level is low):
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking battery condition
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
Adding washer fluid
Parts:
Water
Washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
4780 mm (188.2 in.)
Overall width1880 mm (74.0 in.)
Overall height*
1
1855 mm (73.0 in.)*
1895 mm (74.6 in.)*
Wheelbase2790 mm (109.8 in.)
Tread— Front
— Rear
1585 mm (62.4 in.)
1585 mm (62.4 in.)
Vehicle capacity weight
(occupants + luggage)
With third seats
Without third seats
544 kg (1200 lb.)
454 kg (1000 lb.)
Towing capacity2948 kg (6500 lb.)
*1: Unladen vehicle
*2: Without roof luggage carrier
*3: With roof luggage carrier
2
3
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— FUEL TANK
Capacity
87 L (23 gal., 19.1 Imp. 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 ambient temperature.
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 dif ficult to see all the mud and
dirt. It will do more harm than good to simply wet the mud
and debris without removing. 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” on page 630 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.
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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.
Use mud shields on your wheels.If you drive on salted or
gravel roads, mud shields help protect your vehicle. Full–size
shields, which come as near to the ground as possible, are the
best. We recommend that the fittings and the area where the
shields are installed be treated to resist corrosion. Your Lexus
dealer will be happy to assist in supplying and installing the
shields if they are recommended for your 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 covered with water or snow, your garage may be
so damp as to cause corrosion. Even if your garage is heated,
a wet vehicle can corrode if the ventilation is poor.
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. W ash your vehicle as soon as
possible.
When driving in a coastal area
When driving on a road sprinkled with antifreeze
When exposed to coal tar, tree sap, bird droppings and
carcass of an insect
When driving in areas where there is a lot of smoke, soot,
dust, iron dust or chemical substances
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.
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Fuel filler door: Do not apply water (high–pressure car wash,
for example) at or near the fuel tank inlet with the fuel filler door
opened. If the water enters the air vent, you may experience
trouble with refueling or rough engine idling.
Plastic wheel ornaments: The plastic wheel ornaments are
damaged easily by organic substances. If any organic
substance splashes an ornament, be sure to wash it off with
water and check if the ornament is damaged.
CAUTION
Do not attach the heavily damaged plastic wheel
ornament. It may fly off the wheel and cause accidents
while the vehicle is moving.
NOTICE
Do not use organic substances (gasoline, kerosene,
benzine or strong solvents), which may be toxic or
cause damage.
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.
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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 types 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.
Apply wax once a month or if the vehicle surface does not repel
water well.
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.
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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–trimmed 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.
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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. T ry 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.
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Non–leather Trim
(Part of door panels)
The non–leather trim may be easily cleaned with a mild
soap or detergent and water.
NOTICE
Do not use solvent, thinner, gasoline or window cleaner
on the interior.
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.
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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.
636
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.
Do not apply detergent to or wet the automatic wiper
control sensor when cleaning the inside of the
windshield.
When cleaning the inside of the quarter and rear
windows, be careful not to scratch or damage the
wire antennas, heater wires or connectors.
BODY
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Air Conditioning Control Panel, Audio Panel,
Instrument Panel, Console Panel and
Switches
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.
638
Use a soft damp cloth for cleaning.
Soak a clean soft cloth in water or lukewarm water then lightly
wipe off any dirt.
RAIN CLEARING MIRRORS
The rear view mirrors have been coated to produce a “rain
clearing” effect. This coating causes the raindrops to
spread, clearing the driver’s rear view when it rains.
It is sufficient to wash the mirrors with water for day to day care.
The rain clearing effect is reduced in drizzle and light rain.
In the following cases, the rain clearing effect will be reduced
temporarily, but will gradually recover.
After wiping dirt off the mirrors
When the mirrors fog up
BODY
After waxing your vehicle in an automatic car wash After your vehicle has been parked for a long period in
underground parking lots, etc. where there is no direct
sunlight.
If you would like to restore the rain clearing effect to its normal
level immediately in the above cases, wash the mirrors with
neutral detergent, then rinse thoroughly.
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NOTICE
To maintain the rain clearing ability, and prevent the
mirrors from being scratched, observe the following
precautions.
Do not use any glass cleaners that contain
compounds.
If ice should jam the mirror, do not scrape the mirror.
Use a spray de–icer to free the mirror.
Wash off any wax stuck to the mirrors with neutral
detergent and rinse thoroughly as any wax on the
surface of the mirrors can cause the rain clearing
effect to be lost.
Do not use any water repellents as they can destroy
the rain clearing effect. If any repellent gets stuck on
the surface of the mirrors, wash it off with neutral
detergent, then rinse thoroughly.
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 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.