1996 Lexus ES 300 Owners Manual - Page 140

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, if you experience a loss of power, or if you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine has probably overheated. You should follow this procedure...1. Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your emergency flashers. Put the transmission in "P" and apply the parking brake. Turn off the air conditioning if it is being used. 2. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the radiator, stop the engine. Wait until the steam subsides before opening the hood. If there is no coolant boiling over or steam, leave the engine running and make sure the engine cooling fan is operating. If it is not, turn the ignition off. ! CAUTION When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing away from the moving fan and engine drive belt. 4. If coolant is leaking, stop the engine immediately. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service Assistance. (See "Forward".) 5. If there are no obvious leaks, check the coolant reservoir. If it is dry, add water to the reservoir while the engine is running. Fill it about half full. ! CAUTION ! CAUTION To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until there is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is a sign of very high pressure. 3. Look for obvious coolant leaks from the radiator, hoses, and under the vehicle. However, note that water draining from the air conditioning is normal if it has been in use. Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out under pressure. 6. After the engine coolant temperature has cooled to normal, again check the coolant level in the reservoir. If necessary, bring it up to half full again. Serious coolant loss indicates a leak in the system. You should have it checked as soon as possible by your Lexus dealer. 133