Lexus ES (2023 year). Manual in english

358

6-2. Maintenance

6-2.Maintenance

■

Where to go for maintenance service?

In order to maintain your vehicle in the best

possible condition, Lexus recommends that

maintenance service operations as well as

other inspections and repairs be carried out

by authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus

authorized repairer, or any reliable

repairer. For repairs and services covered

by your warranty, please visit an authorized

Lexus retailer or repairer, who will use gen-

uine Lexus parts in repairing any difficulties

you may encounter. There can also be

advantages in utilizing authorized Lexus

retailers or repairers for non-warranty

repairs and services, as members of the

Lexus network will be able to expertly assist

you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized

repairer, or any reliable repairer will per-

form all of the scheduled maintenance on

your vehicle reliably and economically due

to their experience with Lexus vehicles.

Scheduled maintenance should be
performed at specified intervals
according to the maintenance sched-
ule.

For details about maintenance items and
schedules, refer to the “Lexus Service
Booklet” or “Lexus Warranty Booklet”.

What about do-it-yourself mainte-
nance?

Many of the maintenance items are easy to
do yourself if you have a little mechanical
ability and a few basic automotive tools.
Note, however, that some maintenance
tasks require special tools and skills. These
are best performed by qualified techni-
cians. Even if you’re an experienced do-it-
yourself mechanic, we recommend that
repairs and maintenance be conducted by
any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus
authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer. Any authorized Lexus retailer or
repairer will keep a record of maintenance,
which could be useful should you ever
require Warranty Service. Should you
choose to select a qualified and equipped
professional other than an authorized
Lexus repairer to service or maintain your
vehicle, we recommend that you request
that a record of maintenance be kept.

■

Does your vehicle need repairs?

Be on the alert for changes in performance

and sounds, and visual tip-offs that indicate

service is needed. Some important clues

are:

●

Engine missing, stumbling or pinging

Maintenance requirements

To ensure safe and economical
driving, day-to-day care and regu-
lar maintenance are essential.
Lexus recommends the following
maintenance:

WARNING

■

If your vehicle is not properly main-

tained

Improper maintenance could result in

serious damage to the vehicle and possi-

ble death or serious injury.

■

Handling of the 12-volt battery

12-volt battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and

lead compounds which are known to

cause brain damage. Wash your hands

after handling. (



P.369)

Scheduled maintenance

Do-it-yourself maintenance

359

6-2. Maintenance

ain

ten

ce a
nd

●

Appreciable loss of power

●

Strange engine noises

●

A fluid leak under the vehicle (However,

water dripping from the air conditioning

system after use is normal.)

●

Change in exhaust sound (This may indi-

cate a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.

Drive with the windows open and have

the exhaust system checked immedi-

ately.)

●

Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal

when cornering, uneven tire wear

●

Vehicle pulls to one side when driven

straight on a level road

●

Strange noises related to suspension

movement

●

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feel-

ing brake pedal, pedal almost touches the

floor, vehicle pulls to one side when brak-

ing

●

Engine coolant temperature continually

higher than normal (



P.446)

If you notice any of these clues, take your

vehicle to any authorized Lexus retailer or

Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable

repairer as soon as possible. Your vehicle

may need adjustment or repair.

360

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6-3.Do-it-yourself maintenance

Do-it-yourself service pre-
cautions

If you perform maintenance by
yourself, be sure to follow the cor-
rect procedure as given in these
sections.

Maintenance

Items

Parts and tools

12-volt battery
condition
(



P.369)

• Grease
• Conventional wrench

(for terminal clamp
bolts)

Engine/power
control unit
coolant level
(



P.366)

• “Toyota Super Long

Life Coolant” or a simi-
lar high quality eth-
ylene glycol-based
non-silicate, non-amine,
non-nitrite and non-
borate coolant with
long-life hybrid organic
acid technology
“Toyota Super Long
Life Coolant” is pre-
mixed with 50% cool-
ant and 50% deionized
water.

• Funnel (used only for

adding coolant)

Engine oil level
(



P.364)

• “Toyota Genuine

Motor Oil” or equiva-
lent

• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for

adding engine oil)

Hybrid bat-
tery (traction
battery) air
intake vent
(



P.383)

• Vacuum cleaner, etc.
• Phillips screwdriver

Fuses
(



P.389)

• Fuse with same amper-

age rating as original

Light bulbs
(



P.391)

• Bulb with same number

and wattage rating as
original

• Flathead screwdriver

Radiator and
condenser
(



P.368)



Tire inflation
pressure
(



P.379)

• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source

Washer fluid
(



P.368)

• Water or washer fluid

containing antifreeze
(for winter use)

• Funnel (used only for

adding water or washer
fluid)

WARNING

The engine compartment contains many

mechanisms and fluids that may move

suddenly, become hot, or become elec-

trically energized. To avoid death or seri-

ous injury, observe the following

precautions.

■

When working on the engine com-

partment

●

Make sure that the “IGNITION ON”

on the multi-information display and

the “READY” indicator are both off.

●

Keep hands, clothing and tools away

from the moving fan and engine drive

belt.

Items

Parts and tools

361

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

ain

ten

ce a
nd

WARNING

●

Be careful not to touch the engine,

power control unit, radiator, exhaust

manifold, etc. right after driving as they

may be hot. Oil and other fluids may

also be hot.

●

Do not leave anything that may burn

easily, such as paper and rags, in the

engine compartment.

●

Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose

an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes are

flammable.

●

Take care because brake fluid can

harm your hands or eyes and damage

painted surfaces. If fluid gets on your

hands or in your eyes, flush the

affected area with clean water imme-

diately.

If you still experience discomfort, con-

sult a doctor.

■

When working near the electric cool-

ing fan or radiator grille

Be sure the power switch is off.

With the power switch in ON mode, the

electric cooling fan may automatically

start to run if the air conditioning is on

and/or the coolant temperature is high.

(



P.368)

■

Safety glasses

Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or

falling material, fluid spray, etc. from get-

ting in your eyes.

NOTICE

■

If you remove the air cleaner filter

Driving with the air cleaner filter

removed may cause excessive engine

wear due to dirt in the air.

■

If the fluid level is low or high

It is normal for the brake fluid level to go

down slightly as the brake pads wear or

when the fluid level in the accumulator is

high.

If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it

may indicate a serious problem.

362

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Pull the hood lock release lever.

The hood will pop up slightly.

Pull up the auxiliary catch lever and
lift the hood.

■

Front

Hood

Opening the hood

WARNING

■

Pre-driving check

Check that the hood is fully closed and

locked.

If the hood is not locked properly, it may

open while the vehicle is in motion and

cause an accident, which may result in

death or serious injury.

Positioning a floor jack

When using a floor jack, follow the
instructions in the manual provided
with the jack and perform the oper-
ation safely.
When raising your vehicle with a
floor jack, position the jack cor-
rectly. Improper placement may
damage your vehicle or cause
injury.

Location of the jack point

364

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Fuse boxes (



P.389)

Engine oil filler cap (



P.365)

Engine oil level dipstick (



P.364)

Radiator (



P.368)

Electric cooling fan

Condenser (



P.368)

Power control unit coolant reservoir (



P.367)

Engine coolant reservoir (



P.367)

Washer fluid tank (



P.368)

■

12-volt battery



P.369

With the engine at operating tempera-
ture and turned off, check the oil level

Engine compartment

Components

A
B
C
D

E
F

Checking and adding the engine
oil

365

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

ain

ten

ce a
nd

on the dipstick.

■

Checking the engine oil

Park the vehicle on level ground.

After warming up the engine and turning

off the hybrid system, wait more than 5

minutes for the oil to drain back into the

bottom of the engine.

Holding a rag under the end, pull
the dipstick out.

Wipe the dipstick clean.

Reinsert the dipstick fully.

Holding a rag under the end, pull
the dipstick out and check the oil
level.

Low

Normal

Excessive

The shape of the dipstick may differ

depending on the type of vehicle or

engine.

Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it
fully.

■

Checking the oil type and prepar-
ing the items

Make sure to check the oil type and
prepare the items needed before add-
ing oil.



Engine oil selection



P.455



Oil quantity (Low



Full)

1.5 L (1.6 qt., 1.3 Imp. qt.)



Item

Clean funnel

■

Adding engine oil

If the oil level is below or near the low
level mark, add engine oil of the same
type as that already in the engine.

Remove the oil filler cap by turning
it counterclockwise.

Add engine oil slowly, checking the
dipstick.

Install the oil filler cap by turning it
clockwise.

■

Engine oil consumption

A certain amount of engine oil will be con-

sumed while driving. In the following situa-

A
B
C

366

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

tions, oil consumption may increase, and

engine oil may need to be refilled in

between oil maintenance intervals.

●

When the engine is new, for example

directly after purchasing the vehicle or

after replacing the engine

●

If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate

viscosity is used

●

When driving at high engine speeds or

with a heavy load, or when driving while

accelerating or decelerating frequently

●

When leaving the engine idling for a long

time, or when driving frequently through

heavy traffic

■

After changing the engine oil

The engine oil maintenance data should be

reset. Perform the following procedures:

While the vehicle is stopped, press

of the meter control switches.

Press

of the meter control

switches, and select

Press

of the meter control

switches, select “Vehicle Settings”, and
then press “OK”.

Press

of the meter control

switches, select “Oil Maintenance”, and
then press “OK”.

Select “Yes” and then press “OK”.

A message will be displayed on the multi-

information display when the reset proce-

dure has been completed.

The coolant level is satisfactory if it is
between the “F”/ “FULL” and “L”/
“LOW” lines on the reservoir when the
hybrid system is cold.

WARNING

■

Used engine oil

●

Used engine oil contains potentially

harmful contaminants which may

cause skin disorders such as inflamma-

tion and skin cancer, so care should be

taken to avoid prolonged and

repeated contact. To remove used

engine oil from your skin, wash thor-

oughly with soap and water.

●

Dispose of used oil and filters only in a

safe and acceptable manner. Do not

dispose of used oil and filters in house-

hold trash, in sewers or onto the

ground.

Call any authorized Lexus retailer or

Lexus authorized repairer, or any reli-

able repairer, service station or auto

parts store for information concerning

recycling or disposal.

●

Do not leave used engine oil within the

reach of children.

NOTICE

■

To prevent serious engine damage

Check the oil level on a regular basis.

■

When replacing the engine oil

●

Be careful not to spill engine oil on the

vehicle components.

●

Avoid overfilling, or the engine could

be damaged.

●

Check the oil level on the dipstick

every time you refill the vehicle.

●

Be sure the engine oil filler cap is prop-

erly tightened.

Checking the coolant

367

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

ain

ten

ce a
nd

■

Engine coolant reservoir

Reservoir cap

“F” line

“L” line

If the level is on or below the “L” line, add
coolant up to the “F” line. (



P.446)

■

Power control unit coolant reser-
voir

Reservoir cap

“FULL” line

“LOW” line

If the level is on or below the “LOW” line,
add coolant up to the “FULL” line.
(



P.446)

■

Coolant selection

Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”

or a similar high quality ethylene glycol

based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite,

and non-borate coolant with long-life

hybrid organic acid technology.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mix-

ture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized

water. (Minimum temperature: -35°C [-

31°F])
For more details about coolant, contact any

authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus autho-

rized repairer, or any reliable repairer.

■

If the coolant level drops within a short

time of replenishing

Visually check the radiator, hoses,

engine/power control unit coolant reser-

voir caps, drain cock and water pump.

If you cannot find a leak, have any autho-

rized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized

repairer, or any reliable repairer, test the

cap and check for leaks in the cooling sys-

tem.

A
B
C

WARNING

■

When the hybrid system is hot

Do not remove the engine/power con-

trol unit coolant reservoir caps or the

coolant inlet cap. (



P.449)

The cooling system may be under pres-

sure and may spray hot coolant if the cap

is removed, causing serious injuries, such

as burns.

NOTICE

■

When adding coolant

Coolant is neither plain water nor

straight antifreeze. The correct mixture

of water and antifreeze must be used to

provide proper lubrication, corrosion

protection and cooling. Be sure to read

the antifreeze or coolant label.

■

If you spill coolant

Be sure to wash it off with water to pre-

vent it from damaging parts or paint.

368

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Check the radiator and condenser and
clear away any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts is extremely
dirty or you are not sure of their condi-
tion, have your vehicle inspected by
any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus
authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer.

If any washer does not work or “Wind-
shield Washer Fluid Low” is shown on
the multi-information display, the
washer tank may be empty. Add
washer fluid.

Checking the radiator and con-
denser

WARNING

■

When the hybrid system is hot

Do not touch the radiator and condenser

as they may be hot and cause serious

injuries, such as burns.

Adding the washer fluid

WARNING

■

When adding washer fluid

Do not add washer fluid when the hybrid

system is hot or running as washer fluid

contains alcohol and may catch fire if

spilled on the engine etc.

NOTICE

■

Do not use any fluid other than

washer fluid

Do not use soapy water or engine anti-

freeze instead of washer fluid.

Doing so may cause streaking on the

vehicle’s painted surfaces, as well as

damaging the pump leading to problems

of the washer fluid not spraying.

■

Diluting washer fluid

Dilute washer fluid with water as neces-

sary.

Refer to the freezing temperatures listed

on the label of the washer fluid bottle.

369

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

ain

ten

ce a
nd

The 12-volt battery is located on the
right-hand side of the trunk.

■

Before recharging

When recharging, the 12-volt battery pro-

duces hydrogen gas which is flammable

and explosive. Therefore, observe the fol-

lowing precautions before recharging:

●

If recharging with the 12-volt battery

installed on the vehicle, be sure to dis-

connect the ground cable.

●

Make sure the power switch on the char-

ger is off when connecting and discon-

necting the charger cables to the 12-volt

battery.

■

After recharging/reconnecting the 12-

volt battery

●

Vehicles with steering lock function: The

hybrid system may not start. Follow the

procedure below to initialize the system.

Shift the shift lever to P.

Open and close any of the doors.

Restart the hybrid system.

●

Unlocking the doors using the smart

entry & start system may not be possible

immediately after reconnecting the 12-

volt battery. If this happens, use the wire-

less remote control or the mechanical

key to lock/unlock the doors.

●

Start the hybrid system with the power

switch in ACCESSORY mode. The

hybrid system may not start with the

power switch turned off. However, the

hybrid system will operate normally from

the second attempt.

●

The power switch mode is recorded by

the vehicle. If the 12-volt battery is recon-

nected, the vehicle will return the power

switch mode to the status it was in before

the 12-volt battery was disconnected.

Make sure to turn off the power switch

before disconnect the 12-volt battery.

Take extra care when connecting the 12-

volt battery if the power switch mode

prior to discharge is unknown.

If the hybrid system will not start even after

multiple attempts at all methods above,

contact any authorized Lexus retailer or

Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable

repairer.

12-volt battery

Location

WARNING

■

Chemicals in the 12-volt battery

The 12-volt battery contains poisonous

and corrosive sulfuric acid and may pro-

duce hydrogen gas which is flammable

and explosive. To reduce the risk of

death or serious injury, take the following

precautions while working on or near the

12-volt battery:

●

Do not cause sparks by touching the

12-volt battery terminals with tools.

●

Do not smoke or light a match near the

12-volt battery.

●

Avoid contact with eyes, skin and

clothes.

●

Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.

●

Wear protective safety glasses when

working near the 12-volt battery.

●

Keep children away from the 12-volt

battery.

370

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Lift the luggage mat up.

Make sure that the 12-volt battery ter-
minals are not corroded and that there
are no loose connections, cracks, or
loose clamps.

WARNING

■

Where to safely charge the 12-volt

battery

Always charge the 12-volt battery in an

open area. Do not charge the 12-volt

battery in a garage or closed room

where there is insufficient ventilation.

■

How to recharge the 12-volt battery

Recharge at a current of 5 A or less and

make sure that the recharging period

does not exceed a total of 12 hours.

■

Emergency measures regarding

electrolyte

●

If electrolyte gets in your eyes

Flush your eyes with clean water for at

least 15 minutes and get immediate

medical attention. If possible, continue

to apply water with a sponge or cloth

while traveling to the nearest medical

facility.

●

If electrolyte gets on your skin

Wash the affected area thoroughly. If

you feel pain or burning, get medical

attention immediately.

●

If electrolyte gets on your clothes

It can soak through clothing on to your

skin. Immediately take off the clothing

and follow the procedure above if nec-

essary.

●

If you accidentally swallow electrolyte

Drink a large quantity of water or milk.

Get emergency medical attention

immediately.

■

When removing the 12-volt battery

terminals

Do not disconnect the negative (-) termi-

nal on the body side. The disconnected

negative (-) terminal may touch the posi-

tive (+) terminal, which may cause a short

and result in death or serious injury.

■

When there is insufficient battery

fluid

Do not use if there is insufficient fluid in

the 12-volt battery. There is a possible

danger that the 12-volt battery may

explode.

NOTICE

■

When recharging the 12-volt battery

Never recharge the 12-volt battery while

the hybrid system is operating. Also, be

sure all accessories are turned off.

Removing the 12-volt battery
cover

Exterior

371

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

ain

ten

ce a
nd

Terminals

Hold-down clamp

Check the 12-volt battery condition by
indicator color.

Blue: Good condition

Red: Charging is necessary.

Have the vehicle inspected by any autho-
rized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer.

Clear: Replacement is necessary.

Have the 12-volt battery checked by any
authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus autho-
rized repairer, or any reliable repairer.

Check if the treadwear indicators are
showing on the tires. Also check the
tires for uneven wear, such as exces-
sive wear on one side of the tread.
Check the spare tire condition and
pressure if not rotated.

New tread

Worn tread

Treadwear indicator

The location of treadwear indicators is
shown by a “TWI” or “

” mark, etc.,

molded into the sidewall of each tire.

Checking the 12-volt battery
condition

A
B

Tires

Replace or rotate tires in accor-
dance with maintenance schedules
and treadwear.

Checking tires

A
B
C

372

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Replace the tires if the treadwear indica-
tors are showing on a tire.

■

When to replace your vehicle’s tires

●

Tires should be replaced if:

• The treadwear indicators are showing on

a tire.

• You have tire damage such as cuts, splits,

cracks deep enough to expose the fabric,

and bulges indicating internal damage

• A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be

properly repaired due to the size or loca-

tion of a cut or other damage

If you are not sure, consult any authorized
Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer,
or any reliable repairer.

●

Vehicles with 17-inch tires:

The wheel angle differs from vehicles

equipped with 18-inch/19-inch tires.

Therefore, 18-inch/19-inch tires cannot

be installed, as sufficient gaps with sur-

rounding parts cannot be ensured.

■

Tire life

Any tire over 6 years old must be checked

by a qualified technician even if it has sel-

dom or never been used or damage is not

obvious.

■

Low profile tires (18-inch/19-inch tires)

Generally, low profile tires will wear more

rapidly and tire grip performance will be

reduced on snowy and/or icy roads when

compared to standard tires. Be sure to use

snow tires on snowy and/or icy roads and

drive carefully at a speed appropriate for

road and weather conditions.

■

If the tread on snow tires wears down

below 4 mm (0.16 in.)

The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is

lost.

WARNING

■

When inspecting or replacing tires

Observe the following precautions to

prevent accidents.

Failure to do so may cause damage to

parts of the drivetrain as well as danger-

ous handling characteristics, which may

lead to an accident resulting in death or

serious injury.

●

Do not mix tires of different makes,

models or tread patterns.

Also, do not mix tires of remarkably

different treadwear.

●

Do not use tire sizes other than those

recommended by Lexus.

●

Do not mix differently constructed

tires (radial, bias-belted or bias-ply

tires).

●

Do not mix summer, all season and

snow tires.

●

Do not use tires that have been used

on another vehicle.

Do not use tires if you do not know

how they were used previously.

NOTICE

■

Driving on rough roads

Take particular care when driving on

roads with loose surfaces or potholes.

These conditions may cause losses in tire

inflation pressure, reducing the cushion-

ing ability of the tires. In addition, driving

on rough roads may cause damage to

the tires themselves, as well as the vehi-

cle’s wheels and body.

■

Low profile tires (18-inch/19-inch

tires)

Low profile tires may cause greater dam-

age than usual to the tire wheel when

sustaining impact from the road surface.

Therefore, pay attention to the following:

373

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

ain

ten

ce a
nd

Rotate the tires in the order shown.

To equalize tire wear and help extend tire
life, Lexus recommends that tire rotation is
carried out approximately every 10000
km (6000 miles).
Do not fail to initialize the tire pressure
warning system after tire rotation.

■

When rotating the tires

Make sure that the power switch is off. If the

tires are rotated while the power switch is in

ON mode, the tire position information will

not be updated.

If this accidentally occurs, either turn the

power switch to off and then to ON mode,

or initialize the tire pressure warning system

after checking that the tire pressure is prop-

erly adjusted.

Your vehicle is equipped with a tire
pressure warning system that uses tire
pressure warning valves and transmit-
ters to detect low tire inflation pressure
before serious problems arise.



If the tire pressure drops below a
predetermined level, the driver is
warned by a screen display and a
warning light. (



P.408)



The tire pressure detected by the
tire pressure warning system can be
displayed on the multi-information
display. (



P.109)

The illustration used is intended as an
example, and may differ from the image
that is actually displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display.

■

Routine tire inflation pressure checks

The tire pressure warning system does not

replace routine tire inflation pressure

checks. Make sure to check tire inflation

pressure as part of your routine of daily

vehicle checks.

■

Tire inflation pressure

●

It may take a few minutes to display the

tire inflation pressure after the power

switch is turned to ON mode. It may also

take a few minutes to display the tire infla-

tion pressure after inflation pressure has

NOTICE

●

Be sure to use proper tire inflation

pressure. If tires are under-inflated,

they may be damaged more severely.

●

Avoid potholes, uneven pavement,

curbs and other road hazards. Failure

to do so may lead to severe tire and

wheel damage.

■

If tire inflation pressure of each tire

becomes low while driving

Do not continue driving, or your tires

and/or wheels may be ruined.

Tire rotation

Tire pressure warning system

Lexus ES (2023 year). Manual in english - page 23