1997 Lexus ES 300 In Case of an Emergency - Page 5

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY ! CAUTION 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 or reservoir, 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. When making the connections, to avoid serious injury, do not lean over the battery or accidentally let he jumper cables or clamps touch anything except the correct battery terminals or the ground. 5. Start your engine in the normal way. After starting, run it at about 2000 rpm for several minutes with the accelerator pedal lightly depressed. 6. Carefully disconnect the cables in the exact reverse order: the negative cable and then the positive cable. 7. Carefully dispose of the battery cover cloths which may now contain sulfuric acid. 8. If removed, replace all the battery vent plugs. If the cause of your battery discharging is not apparent (for example, lights left on), you should have it checked. ! 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. ! CAUTION When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing away from the moving fan and engine drive belts. 165