Lexus RX300 2000, RX330 2000, RX350 2000, RX400H 2000 Owner Manual

SECTION 6 –

SERVICE PROCEDURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

Chassis

Specifications 442. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Checking brake fluid 446. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Checking power steering fluid 447. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Checking tire pressure 452. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rotating tires 453. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Checking and replacing tires 454. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Installing snow tires and chains 458. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Replacing wheels 463. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Aluminum wheel precautions 463. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Suspension and chassis 464. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

441

CHASSIS

SPECIFICATIONS

– TRANSFER

Oil capacity Oil type Recommended oil viscosity

– AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

Fluid capacity

Drain and refill

Two–wheel drive models Four–wheel drive models

Fluid type

– DIFFERENTIAL

442

0.9 L (1.0 qt., 0.8 Imp.qt.) Hypoid gear oil API GL–5 Above –18C (0F) SAE 90

Below –18C (0F) SAE 80W or 80W–90

3.1 L (3.3 qt., 2.7 lmp.qt.)

3.9 L (4.1 qt., 3.4 lmp.qt.)

Automatic transmission fluid type T–IV*

CHASSIS

Oil capacity Oil type Recommended oil viscosity

*Change automatic transmission fluid only as necessary. Generally, it is necessary to change automatic transmission fluid only if your vehicle is driven under one of the Special Operating Conditions listed in your “Owner’s Manual Supplement / Maintenance Schedule”. When changing the automatic transmission fluid, use only Toyota Genuine ATF Type T–IV (ATF JWS3309 or NWS6500) to aid in assuring optimum transaxle performance.

0.9 L (1.0 qt., 0.8 Imp. qt.) Hypoid gear oil API GL–5 Above –18C (0F) SAE 90

Below –18C (0F) SAE 80W or 80W–90

NOTICE

Using automatic transmission fluid other than Toyota Genuine ATF Type T–IV may cause deterioration in shift quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage the automatic transmission of your vehicle.

443

CHASSIS

– BRAKES

Pedal clearance Pedal free play Brake pad wear limit Parking brake lining wear limit Parking brake adjustment Fluid type

122 mm (5.0 in.) Min. * 1 – 6 mm (0.04 – 0.24 in.)

1.0 mm (0.04 in.)

1.0 mm (0.04 in.) 5 – 7 clicks *

SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3

*1Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with the pressure of 490 N (50 kgf, 110 lbf.) with the engine running

Parking brake adjustment when depressed with the pressure of 294 N (30 kgf, 66 lbf.)

– STEERING

444

Wheel free play Power steering fluid type

Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.) Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON



II or III

– TIRES AND WHEELS

CHASSIS

Tire size

P225/70R16 101S

Recommended cold tire inflation pressure

Vehicle loaded up to vehicle capacity weight Spare tire Trailer towing (conventional and snow tires)

210 kPa (2.1 kgf/cm rear)

210 kPa (2.1 kgf/cm 210 kPa (2.1 kgf/cm

or bar, 30 psi) (Both front and

or bar, 30 psi)

or bar, 30 psi) (Both front and

rear) For sustained high speeds above 160 km/h (100

Wheel size Wheel nut torque

mph), in countries where such speeds are permitted by law, add 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm front tires and rear tires, but never exceed the maximum cold tire pressure molded on the tire sidewall.

or bar, 5 psi) to the

16 x 6.5 JJ 103 N·m (10.5 kgf·m, 76 ft·lbf.)

NOTE: For complete information on tires (e.g. replacing tires or replacing wheels), see “Checking tire pressure” through “Aluminum wheel precautions” on page 452 through 463.

445

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CHECKING BRAKE FLUID

63R001b

To check the fluid level, simply look at the see–through reservoir. T h e 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 cap 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.

446

CAUTION

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

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NOTICE

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

CHECKING POWER STEERING

FLUID

447

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63R002

Check the fluid level through the reservoir. If necessary, add automatic transmission fluid DEXRON

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



II or III.

448

63R003



If hot O.K. 2If hot add 3If cold O.K.

If cold add

Clean all dirt off the reservoir and look at the fluid level. If the fluid is cold, the level should be in the ”COLD” range. Similarly , if it is hot, the fluid level should b e in t he ”HOT” range. If the level is at the low side of the appropriate range, add automatic transmission fluid DEXRON

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



II or III to bring the level within the range.

CHASSIS

449

CHASSIS

CAUTION

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

450

NOTICE

Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be damaged.

CHASSIS

451

CHASSIS

CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE

63R004a

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

Y ou should check the tire pressures every two weeks, or at least once a month. And don’t forget the spare! The air pressure for the spare tire should be 210 kPa (2.1

or bar, 30 psi). Incorrect tire pressure can

kgf/cm reduce tire life and make your vehicle less safe to drive.

452

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

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

The following instructions for checking tire pressure should be observed:

 The pressure should be checked only when the

tires are cold. If your vehicle has been parked for at

CHASSIS

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.

63E005–1

ROTATING TIRES

453

CHASSIS

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

The wheel assemblies must be rotated as illustrated above.

When rotating tires, check for uneven wear and damage. Abnormal wear is usually caused by incorrect tire pressure, improper wheel alignment, out–of balance wheels, or severe braking.

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

CHECKING AND REPLACING

TIRES

When to replace your tires

454

63R006



New tread 2Tread wear indicator 3Worn

tread

Replace the tires when the tread wear indicators show. The location of the tread wear indicators is shown by the marks such as ”TWI” or ” 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.).

∆” marks

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455

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

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

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

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

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

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

Uniform tire quality grading

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

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

DOT quality grades – All passenger vehicle tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades. Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A

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 AA, A, B, C – The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B and C, and they represent the

456

CHASSIS

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.

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 grades for this tire are 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.

457

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 front 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.

458

CAUTION

 Snow tires should be inflated to the same pressure as

the original tires.

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

snow tires.

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459

CHASSIS

Tire chain selection

63r007a

460



Side chain 2Cross chain

Use the tire chains of correct size.

For P225/70R16 101S tires, use the following type chains.

mm (in.)

A: Diameter of side chain 3.0 (0.1

2) B: Width of side chain 10.0 (0.3

9) C: Length of side chain 30.0 (1.1

8) D: Width of cross chain 14.0(0.5

5) E: Length of cross chain 25.0 (0.9

8) F: Diameter of cross chain 4.0 (0.1

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

CHASSIS

NOTICE

461

CHASSIS

If the wrong combination of tire and chain is used, the chains could damage the vehicle body.

Chain installation

Install the chains on the front tires as tightly as possible. Do not use tire chains on the rear 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.

462

CHASSIS

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, the tire may slip off the wheel or cause loss of handling control.

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

Wheel selection

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

Correct replacement wheels are available at your Lexus dealer.

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

ALUMINUM WHEEL

PRECAUTIONS

 After driving your vehicle the first 1600 km (1000

miles), check that the wheel nuts are tight.

 If you have rotated, repaired, or changed your tires,

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

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

aluminum wheels.

 Use only the Lexus wheel nuts and wrench designed

for your aluminum wheels.

 When balancing your wheels, use only Lexus

balance weights or equivalent and a plastic or rubber hammer.

 As with any wheel, periodically check your aluminum

wheels for damage. If damaged, replace immediately.

463

CHASSIS

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.

464

CHASSIS

465

SECTION 7

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS FOR U.S. OWNERS

Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners 506. . . . . . . . .

505

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 dea th, 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.

506

SECTION 6 –

SERVICE PROCEDURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

Body

Specifications 496. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Protecting your vehicle from corrosion 497. . . . . . . . . . .

Washing and waxing 499. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cleaning the interior 501. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

495

BODY

SPECIFICATIONS

– DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

Overall length Overall width Overall height Wheelbase Tread – Front

Vehicle capacity weight (occupants + luggage)

*Unladen vehicle

– FUEL TANK

Capacity

496

– Rear

4575 mm (180.1 in.) 1815 mm (71.5 in.) 1665 mm (65.6 in.)* 2615 mm (103 in.) 1565 mm (61.6 in.) 1550 mm (61.0 in.) 400 kg (880 lb.)

65 L (17.2 gal., 14.3 lmp.gal.)

BODY

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.

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