Lexus LS400 1996, LS430 1996, LS460 1996, LS600H 1996 Owner Manual
SECTION 6 – 3
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications 200
Checking brake fluid 202
Checking power steering fluid 203
Checking tire pressure 204
Rotating tires 205
Checking and replacing tires 206
Installing snow tires and chains 208
Replacing wheels 209
Aluminum wheel precautions 210
Suspension and chassis 210
199
CHASSIS
SPECIFICATIONS
– AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Fluid capacity
Drain and refill 1.9 L (2.0 qt., 1.7 Imp. qt.)
Fluid type Automatic transmission fluid Type T – II or equivalent
– DIFFERENTIAL
Oil capacity 1.3 L (1.4 qt., 1.1 Imp. qt.)
Oil type Hypoid gear oil API GL–5
Oil viscosity Above –18C (0F): SAE 90
Below –18C (0F): SAE 80W or SAE 80W–90
– BRAKES
Pedal clearance 70 mm (2.8 in.) Min. *
Pedal freeplay 1 – 6 mm (0.04 – 0.24 in.)
Brake pad wear limit Front: 3.0 mm (0.12 in.)
Rear: 2.5 mm (0.10 in.)
Parking brake lining wear limit 1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
Parking brake adjustment 5 – 7 clicks *
Fluid type SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
2
1
*1: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with the pressure of 490 N (50 kgf, 110 lbf.) with the engine running
*2: Parking brake adjustment when depressed with the pressure of 294 N (30 kgf, 66.1 lbf.)
200
– STEERING
Freeplay Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Power steering fluid Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III
– TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire size P225/60R16 97V
Tire inflation pressure
Recommended cold tire inflation pressure
Vehicle load up to four occupants Front 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm2 or bar, 29 psi)
Rear 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm2 or bar, 29 psi)
Vehicle loaded up to vehicle capacity weight Front 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi)
Rear 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi)
For sustained high speeds above 160 km/h (100 mph), in
countries where such speeds are permitted by law, add 80
kPa (0.9 kgf/cm2, 0.8 bar, 12 psi) to the front tires and rear
tires, but never exceed the maximum cold tire pressure
molded on the tire sidewall.
CHASSIS
Wheel size 16 x 7 JJ
Wheel nut torque 103 N·m (10.5 kgf·m, 76 ft·lbf.)
201
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.
202
CHECKING POWER STEERING
FLUID
CHASSIS
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 (60C–80C or 140F–175F). You may also check the
level when the fluid is cold (about room temperature,
10C–30C or 50F–85F) if engine has not been run for
about five hours.
1. Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
2. Remove the filler cap by turning it counterclockwise and
wipe the dipstick clean.
3. Reinstall the filler cap.
4. Remove the filler cap again and look at the fluid level. If
the fluid is cold, the level should be in the “COLD” range on
the dipstick. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level should be in
the “HOT” range. If the level is at the low side of either range,
add automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III to bring
the level within the range.
5. After replacing the filler cap, visually check the steering
box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or
damage.
If cold O.K.
If hot O.K.
Add fluid
203
CHASSIS
CAUTION
!
The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn
yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be
damaged.
When adding the power steering fluid, avoid
spilling it. The generator under the power steering
reservoir could be damaged if fluid is spilled on it.
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 pressure
for the spare tire should be 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32
psi). 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.
204
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.
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.
If the optional chrome–plated wheels are mounted, rotate
them as pattern A. For the standard wheels, use pattern B.
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.
205
CHASSIS
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.).
New tread
Worn tread
Tread wear indicator
If you have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep
enough to expose the fabric, or bulges indicating
internal damage, the tires should be replaced.
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.
206
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 vehicles 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.
CHASSIS
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 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.
207
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.
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
!
Do not drive with the snow tires incorrectly inflated.
Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph) with any type of
snow tires.
208
CHASSIS
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 rear 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.
REPLACING WHEELS
When to replace your wheels
If you have wheel damage such as bending, 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.
209
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.
210
SECTION 7
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS FOR
U.S. OWNERS
Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners 238
237
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
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 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.
238
SECTION 6 – 5
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Body
Specifications 230
Protecting your vehicle from corrosion 231
Washing and waxing 232
Cleaning the interior 233
229
BODY
SPECIFICATIONS
– DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Overall length 4995 mm (196.7 in.)
Overall width 1830 mm (72.0 in.)
Overall height 1420 mm (55.9 in.)
1435 mm (56.4 in.) *
Wheelbase 2850 mm (112.2 in.)
Tread – Front 1575 mm (62.0 in.)
– Rear 1575 mm (62.0 in.)
Vehicle capacity weight (occupants + luggage) 410 kg (900 lb.)
*1: Unladen vehicle plus 2 occupants *2: Unladen vehicle
– FUEL TANK
Capacity 85 L (22.5 gal., 18.7 Imp. gal.)
*1
2
230
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.
231
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 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. Do 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.
232
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 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.
233
BODY
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.
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.
234
BODY
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.
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 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.
235
BODY
236
SECTION 6 – 2
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications 190
Fuel 192
Facts about engine oil consumption 193
Used engine oil 194
Checking the engine oil level 195
Checking the engine coolant level 197
189
ENGINE
SPECIFICATIONS
– GENERAL
Model 1UZ–FE
Type 8 cylinder V type, 4 cycle, gasoline
Bore and stroke 87.5 X 82.5 mm (3.44 X 3.25 in.)
Displacement 3969 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 Automatic adjustment
– LUBRICATION SYSTEM
Oil capacity
Drain and refill
with filter 5.1 L (5.4 qt., 4.5 Imp. qt.)
without filter 4.8 L (5.1 qt., 4.2 Imp. qt.)
Oil grade API SH, Energy–Conserving II multigrade engine oil or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil
Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):
3
(242.1 cu.in.)
190
– COOLING SYSTEM
Capacity 11.0 L (11.6 qt., 9.7 Imp. qt.)
Coolant type Ethylene – glycol coolant (Do not use alcohol type.)
– FUEL
Fuel type Only UNLEADED
Research octane number 96 (Octane Rating 91) or higher
– IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plug – Make NIPPONDENSO PK20R11
NGK BKR6EP11
– Gap 1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
– ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery – Maintenance type battery
Specific gravity reading at 20C (68F): 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 20C (68F): 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
191
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 premium unleaded gasoline with a Research
Octane Number of 96 (Octane Rating 91) or higher for
optimum engine performance. However, if such
premium type cannot be obtained, you may temporarily
use unleaded gasoline with an octane number as low as
91.
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 using
them.
192
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
85 L (22.5 gal., 18.7 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.
193
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 by high–speed driving 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 195.
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 used oil 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.
194
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
ENGINE
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.
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.
Add oil
O.K.
Too full
195
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.
196
Loading...