MA–1

MAINTENANCE – OUTSIDE VEHICLE

OUTSIDE VEHICLE
MA001–05

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. TIRES
(a) Check the pressure with a gauge. If necessary, adjust.
(b) Check for cuts, damage or excessive wear.
3. WHEEL NUTS
When checking the tires, check the nuts for looseness or for missing nuts. If necessary, tighten them.
4. TIRE ROTATION
Check the owner’s manual supplement in which the maintenance schedule is shown.
5. WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check for wear or cracks whenever they do not wipe clean. If necessary, replace.
6. FLUID LEAKS
(a) Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid.
(b) If you smell gasoline fumes or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected.
7. DOORS AND ENGINE HOOD
(a) Check that all doors including the trunk lid and back door operate smoothly, and that all latches lock
securely.
(b) Check that the engine hood secondary latch secures the hood from opening when the primary latch
is released.

1997 LEXUS ES300 (RM511U)

Author: Date: 37
MA–2
MAINTENANCE – INSIDE VEHICLE

INSIDE VEHICLE
MA002–02

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.

1997 LEXUS ES300 (RM511U)

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 MA–3
MAINTENANCE – INSIDE VEHICLE

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.

1997 LEXUS ES300 (RM511U)

Author: Date: 39
MA–4
MAINTENANCE – UNDER HOOD

UNDER HOOD
MA003–14

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.

1997 LEXUS ES300 (RM511U)

Author: Date: 40
 MA–5
MAINTENANCE – ENGINE

ENGINE MA00F–01

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.
P00495 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)

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MA–6
MAINTENANCE – BRAKE

BRAKE MA00G–01

INSPECTION
1. INSPECT BRAKE LINE PIPES AND HOSES
HINT:
Check in a well lighted area. Check the entire circumference
and length of the brake hoses using a mirror as required. Turn
the front wheels fully right or left before checking the front brake.
B00632
(a) Check the all brake lines and hoses for the Damage.
(b) Check the all brake lines and hoses for the Wear.
(c) Check the all brake lines and hoses for the Deformation.
(d) Check the all brake lines and hoses for the Cracks.
(e) Check the all brake lines and hoses for the Corrosion.
(f) Check the all brake lines and hoses for the Leaks.
(g) Check the all brake lines and hoses for the Bends.
(h) Check the all brake lines and hoses for the Twists.
(i) Check all clamps for tightness and connections for leak-
age.
(j) Check that the hoses and lines are clear of sharp edges,
moving parts and the exhaust system.
(k) Check that the lines installed in grommets pass through
the center of the grommets.
2. INSPECT FRONT BRAKE PADS AND DISCS
(See page BR–24)
3. INSPECT REAR BRAKE PADS AND DISCS
(See page BR–33)
4. INSPECT PARKING BRAKE LININGS AND DRUMS
(See page BR–43)

1997 LEXUS ES300 (RM511U)

Author: Date: 42
 MA–7
MAINTENANCE – CHASSIS

CHASSIS MA00H–01

INSPECTION
1. INSPECT STEERING LINKAGE
(a) Check the steering wheel freeplay. (See page SR–8)
(b) Check the steering linkage for looseness or damage.
Check that:

Tie rod ends do not have excessive play.

Dust seals and boots are not damaged.

Boot clamps are not loose.
2. INSPECT SRS AIRBAG (See pages RS–9, RS–23)
3. INSPECT STEERING GEAR HOUSING OIL
Check the steering gear housing for oil leakage.
4. INSPECT DRIVE SHAFT BOOTS
Check the drive shaft boots for clamp looseness, leakage or
damage.

5. INSPECT BALL JOINTS AND DUST COVERS

(a) Inspect the ball joints for excessive looseness.

Jack up the front of the vehicle and place wooden
blocks with a height of 180–200 mm (7.09–7.87 in.)
under the front tires.

Lower the jack until there is about half a load on the
front coil spring. Place stands under the vehicle for
safety.
A01676
Check that the front wheels are pointing straight
ahead, and block them with chocks.

Using a lever, pry up the end of the lower arm, and
check the amount of play.
Maximum ball joint vertical play: 0 mm (0 in.)
If there is play, replace the ball joint.
(b) Check the dust cover for damage.
6. CHECK TRANSAXLE OIL (FLUID)
Visually check the transaxle for oil (fluid) leakage.
If leakage is found, check for the cause and repair.
7. REPLACE TRANSAXLE FLUID
(See page DI–150)

1997 LEXUS ES300 (RM511U)

Author: Date: 43
MA–8
MAINTENANCE – BODY

BODY MA00I–01

INSPECTION
1. TIGHTEN BOLTS AND NUTS ON CHASSIS AND
BODY
Tighten these parts:

Front seat mount bolts
Torque: 37 N·m (375 kgf·cm, 27 ft·lbf)
A01678

Front suspension member–to–body mounting bolts

Torque: 181 N·m (1,850 kgf·cm, 134 ft·lbf)

B08916

Rear suspension member–to–body mounting nuts

Torque: 51 N·m (520 kgf·cm, 38 ft·lbf)

B09028

2. FINAL INSPECTION
(a) Check the operation of the body parts:

Hood:

Auxiliary catch operates properly

Hood locks securely when closed

Front and rear doors:

Door lock operates properly

Doors close properly

Luggage compartment door and back door:

Door lock operates properly

Seats:

Seat adjusts easily and locks securely in any
position

Front seat back locks securely in any position

1997 LEXUS ES300 (RM511U)

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 MA–9
MAINTENANCE – BODY

(b) Road test:

Check the engine and chassis for abnormal noises.

Check that the vehicle does not wander or pull to
one side.

Check that the brakes work properly and do not
drag.

Do setting of the parking brake shoes and drum.
(c) Be sure to deliver a clean vehicle and especially check:

Steering wheel

Shift lever knob

All switch knobs

Door handles

Seats

1997 LEXUS ES300 (RM511U)

Author: Date: 45