Lexus ES300 (1997 year). Manual - part 498

MA002–02

MA–2

–

MAINTENANCE

INSIDE VEHICLE

38

1997 LEXUS ES300   (RM511U)

INSIDE VEHICLE

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

These are some maintenance and inspection items which are considered to be the owner’s responsibility.
They can be done by the owner or they can have them done at a service shop.
These items include those which should be checked on a daily basis, those which, in most cases, do not
require (special) tools and those which are considered to be reasonable for the owner to do.
Items and procedures for general maintenance are as follows.
1.

GENERAL NOTES

Maintenance items may vary from country to country. Check the owner’s manual supplement in which
the maintenance schedule is shown.

Every service item in the periodic maintenance schedule must be performed.

Periodic maintenance service must be performed according to whichever interval in the periodic main-
tenance schedule occurs first, the odometer reading (miles) or the time interval (months).

Maintenance service after the last period should be performed at the same interval as before unless
otherwise noted.

Failure to do even one item an cause the engine to run poorly and increase exhaust emissions.

2.

LIGHTS

(a)

Check that the headlights, stop lights, taillights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all working.

(b)

Check the headlight aim.

3.

WARNING LIGHTS AND BUZZERS

Check that all warning lights and buzzers function properly.
4.

HORN

Check that it is working.
5.

WINDSHIELD GLASS

Check for scratches, pits or abrasions.
6.

WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER

(a)

Check operation of the wipers and washer.

(b)

Check that the wipers do not streak.

7.

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

Check that air comes out from the defroster outlet when operating the heater or air conditioner at defroster
mode.
8.

REAR VIEW MIRROR

Check that it is mounted securely.
9.

SUN VISORS

Check that they move freely and are mounted securely.
10.

STEERING WHEEL

Check that it has the specified freeplay. Be alert for changes in steering condition, such as hard steering,
excessive freeplay or strange noises.
11.

SEATS

(a)

Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly.

(b)

Check that all latches lock securely in any position.

(c)

Check that the head restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold securely in any
latch position.

12.

SEAT BELTS

(a)

Check that the seat belt system such as the buckles, retractors and anchors operate properly and
smoothly.

(b)

Check that the belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.

–

MAINTENANCE

INSIDE VEHICLE

MA–3

39

1997 LEXUS ES300   (RM511U)

13.

ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal effort or catching.
14.

BRAKE PEDAL (See page 

BR–6

)

(a)

Check the pedal for smooth operation.

(b)

Check that the pedal has the proper reserve distance and freeplay.

(c)

Check the brake booster function.

15.

BRAKES

At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side when applied.
16.

PARKING BRAKE (See page 

BR–43

)

(a)

Check that the lever has the proper travel.

(b)

On a safe incline, check that the vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake applied.

17.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ”PARK” MECHANISM

(a)

Check the lock release button of the selector lever for proper and smooth operation.

(b)

On a safe incline, check that the vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in ”P” position and all
brakes released.

MA003–14

MA–4

–

MAINTENANCE

UNDER HOOD

40

1997 LEXUS ES300   (RM511U)

UNDER HOOD

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

1.

GENERAL NOTES

Maintenance items may vary from country to country. Check the owner’s manual supplement in which
the maintenance schedule is shown.

Every service item in the periodic maintenance schedule must be performed.

Periodic maintenance service must be performed according to whichever interval in the periodic main-
tenance schedule occurs first, the odometer reading (miles) or the time interval (months).

Maintenance service after the last period should be performed at the same interval as before unless
otherwise noted.

Failure to do even one item an cause the engine to run poorly and increase exhaust emissions.

2.

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID

Check that there is sufficient fluid in the tank.
3.

ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL

Check that the coolant level is between the ”FULL” and ”LOW” lines on the see–through reservoir.
4.

RADIATOR AND HOSES

(a)

Check that the front of the radiator is clean and not blocked with leaves, dirt or bugs.

(b)

Check the hoses for cracks, kinks, rot or loose connections.

5.

BATTERY ELECTROLYTE LEVEL

Check that the electrolyte level of all battery cells is between the upper and lower level lines on the case.
6.

BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID LEVELS

(a)

Check that the brake fluid level is near the upper level line on the see–through reservoir.

(b)

Check that the clutch fluid level is within 

±

 5 mm (0.20 in.) of the reservoir filling line.

7.

ENGINE DRIVE BELTS

Check all drive belts for fraying, cracks, wear or oiliness.
8.

ENGINE OIL LEVEL

Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off.
9.

POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL

Check the level on the dipstick.

The level should be in the ”HOT” or ”COLD” range depending on the fluid temperature.

10.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL

(a)

Park the vehicle on a level surface.

(b)

With the engine idling and the parking brake applied, shift the selector into all positions from ”P” to ”L”,
and then shift into ”P” position.

(c)

Pull out the dipstick and wipe off the fluid with a clean rag. Re–insert the dipstick and check that the
fluid level is in the HOT range.

(d)

Do this check with the fluid at normal driving temperature (70 – 80

°

C, 158 – 176

°

F).

HINT:
Wait until the engine cools down (approx. 30 min.) before checking the fluid level after extended driving at
high speeds, in hot weather, in heavy traffic or pulling a trailer.
11.

EXHAUST SYSTEM

Visually inspect for cracks, holes or loose supports.
If any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell of the exhaust fumes is noticed, have the cause located
and corrected.

MA00F–01

P00495

–

MAINTENANCE

ENGINE

MA–5

41

1997 LEXUS ES300   (RM511U)

ENGINE

INSPECTION

HINT:
Inspect these items when the engine is cold.
1.

REPLACE TIMING BELT
(See page 

EM–14

)

2.

INSPECT DRIVE BELTS
(See pages 

CH–2

, 

SR–3

 and 

AC–14

)

3.

REPLACE SPARK PLUGS
(See page 

IG–1

)

4.

INSPECT AIR FILTER

(a)

Visually check that the air filter is not excessively dirty or
oily.

(b)

Clean the air filter with compressed air.
First blow from the inside thoroughly, then blow off the
outside of the air filter.

5.

REPLACE AIR FILTER

Replace the air filter with a new one.
6.

REPLACE ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
(See page 

LU–3

)

7.

REPLACE ENGINE COOLANT
(See page 

CO–2

)

8.

INSPECT CHARCOAL CANISTER
(See page 

EC–5

)

9.

REPLACE GASKET IN FUEL TANK CAP
(See page 

EC–5

)

10.

INSPECT FUEL LINES AND CONNECTIONS
(See page 

EC–5

)

11.

INSPECT EXHAUST PIPES AND MOUNTINGS
(See page 

EC–9

)

12.

ADJUST VALVE CLEARANCE
(See page 

EM–4

)