Lexus GS350 (2020 year). Manual in english - page 23

372

6-2. Maintenance

General maintenance

Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed at
the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Service Guide” or “Owner’s
Manual Supplement”. It is recommended that any problem you notice should
be brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service shop for
advice.

Engine compartment

Items

Check points

Battery

Check the battery fluid level and connections. 

(



P. 391)

Brake fluid

Is the brake fluid at the correct level? (



P. 390)

Engine coolant

Is the engine coolant at the correct level? 

(



P. 388)

Engine oil

Is the engine oil at the correct level? (



P. 385)

Exhaust system

There should not be any fumes or strange sounds.

Radiator/condenser

The radiator and condenser should be free from for-

eign objects. (



P. 389)

Washer fluid

Is there sufficient washer fluid? (



P. 393)

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d care

*

: Vehicles with single-beam headlights

Vehicle interior

Items

Check points

Accelerator pedal

• The accelerator pedal should move smoothly

(without uneven pedal effort or catching).

Automatic transmission “Park” 

mechanism

• When parked on a slope and the shift lever is in P,

is the vehicle securely stopped?

Brake pedal

• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?

• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clearance

from the floor? (



P. 524)

• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of

free play? (



P. 524)

Brakes

• The vehicle should not pull to one side when the

brakes are applied.

• The brakes should work effectively.

• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.

• The brake pedal should not get too close to the

floor when the brakes are applied.

Head restraints

• Do the head restraints move smoothly and lock

securely?

Indicators/buzzers

• Do the indicators and buzzers function properly?

Lights

• Do all the lights come on?

• Are the headlights aimed correctly?

*

 (



P. 417)

Parking brake

• Moves smoothly?

• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is

on, is the vehicle securely stopped?

Seat belts

• Do the seat belts operate smoothly?

• The seat belts should not be damaged.

Seats

• Do the seat controls operate properly?

Steering wheel

• Does  the  steering  wheel rotate smoothly?

• Does the steering wheel have the correct amount

of free play?

• There should not be any strange sounds coming

from the steering wheel.

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6-2. Maintenance

Vehicle exterior

Items

Check points

Doors/trunk

• Do the doors/trunk operate smoothly?

Engine hood

• Does the engine hood lock system work prop-

erly?

Fluid leaks

• There should not be any signs of fluid leakage

after the vehicle has been parked.

Tires

• Is the tire inflation pressure correct?

• The tires should not be damaged or excessively

worn.

• Have the tires been rotated according to the

maintenance schedule?

• The wheel nuts should not be loose.

Windshield wipers

• The wiper blades should not show any signs of

cracking, splitting, wear, contamination or defor-

mation.

• The wiper blades should clear the windshield

without streaking or skipping.

WARNING

■

If the engine is running

Turn the engine off and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before performing

maintenance checks.

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6-2. Maintenance

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Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) 
programs

The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in the emission
control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test and may need to be
repaired. Contact your Lexus dealer to service the vehicle.

●

When the battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are set during ordinary driving are erased.
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes may not be com-
pletely set.

●

When the fuel tank cap is loose
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on indicating a temporary malfunction
and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.

The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the vehicle is driven
40 or more times.

Contact your Lexus dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-testing.

Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which include OBD
(On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system monitors the operation of
the emission control system.

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on

Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test in the following situations:

When the malfunction indicator lamp still remains on after several driv-
ing trips

If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test

376

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Do-it-yourself service precautions

*

: Vehicles with single-beam headlights

If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct proce-
dure as given in these sections.

Items

Parts and tools

Battery condition 

(



P. 391)

• Warm  water

• Baking soda

• Grease

• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)

Brake fluid level 

(



P. 390)

• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)

Engine coolant level 

(



P. 388)

• “

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

For the U.S.A.:

“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with 50%

coolant and 50% deionized water.

For Canada:

“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with 55%

coolant and 45% deionized water.

• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)

Engine oil level 

(



P. 385)

• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)

Fuses (



P. 413)

• Fuse with same amperage rating as original

Headlight aim

*

 

(



P. 417)

• Phillips-head screwdriver

Light bulbs 

(



P. 419)

• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver

• Flathead  screwdriver

• Wrench

Radiator and con-

denser (



P. 389)



Tire inflation pres-

sure (



P. 404)

• Tire pressure gauge

• Compressed air source

Washer fluid 

(



P. 393)

• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)

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WARNING

The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move suddenly,

become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death or serious injury, observe

the following precautions.

■

When working on the engine compartment

●

Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.

●

Be careful not to touch the engine, 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 or the battery. Fuel and

battery fumes are flammable.

●

Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and corro-

sive sulfuric acid.

■

When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille

Be sure the engine switch is off.

With the engine switch in IGNITION ON mode, the electric cooling fans may auto-

matically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high.

(



P. 389)

■

Safety glasses

Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting 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.

378

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Hood

Pull the hood lock release lever.

The hood will pop up slightly.

Pull up the auxiliary catch lever and
lift the hood.

Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.

1

2

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.

379

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

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Positioning a floor jack

◆

Front

◆

Rear



GS350

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

2WD models

AWD models

1

2

380

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance



GS F

NOTICE

■

When using a jack at the rear of the vehicle (GS F)

Do not set the jack in either of the positions

indicated by the illustration.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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Engine compartment



GS350

Fuse boxes

(



P. 413)

Battery

(



P. 391)

Engine oil level dipstick 

(



P. 385)

Engine coolant reservoir

(



P. 388)

Engine oil filler cap  (



P. 386)

Brake fluid reservoir 

(



P. 390)

Washer fluid tank 

(



P. 393)

Electric cooling fans
Condenser (



P. 389)

Radiator (



P. 389)

1

2
3

4

5

6

7

8
9

10

382

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance



GS F

Fuse boxes

(



P. 413)

Battery

(



P. 391)

Engine oil level dipstick

(



P. 385)

Engine coolant reservoir

(



P. 388)

Engine oil filler cap  (



P. 386)

Brake fluid reservoir 

(



P. 390)

Washer fluid tank 

(



P. 393)

Electric cooling fans
Condenser (



P. 389)

Radiator (



P. 389)

1

2
3

4

5

6

7

8
9

10

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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■

Removing the engine compartment cover



GS350 (Right-hand side)



GS350 (Center)



GS F

Engine compartment cover

384

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

■

Installing the clips

Push up center portion
Insert
Press

1

2
3

NOTICE

■

Checking the engine compartment cover after installation

Make sure that the cover is securely installed in its original position.

385

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil level on
the dipstick.

■

Checking the engine oil

Park the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine and turning
it off, 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.

Engine oil

1

2



GS350



GS F

3
4
5

1

2
3



Flat dipstick



Non-flat dipstick

6

386

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

■

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.

Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before adding
oil.

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 consumed while driving. In the following situations,

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 accel-

erating or decelerating frequently

●

When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently through

heavy traffic



GS350



GS F

Engine oil selection



P. 519, 521

Oil quantity (Low 



 Full)

1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp.qt.)

Items

Clean funnel

1

2
3

387

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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■

After changing the engine oil (GS350)

The engine oil maintenance data should be reset. Perform the following procedures:

Press 

 or 

 of the meter control switch and select 

.

Press 

 or 

 of the meter control switch and select “Vehicle Settings”. Then press

.

Press 

 or 

 of the meter control switch and select “Oil Maintenance”. Then press

.

Select “Yes” and press  .
A message is displayed on the multi-informa-

tion display.

WARNING

■

Used engine oil

●

Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin dis-

orders such as inflammation and skin cancer, so care should be taken to avoid pro-

longed and repeated contact. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash

thoroughly 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 household trash, in sewers or onto the ground. 

Call your Lexus dealer, 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 properly tightened.

1

2

3

4
5