1997 Lexus GS 300 In Case of An Emergency - Page 5

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY 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. 3. Visually check to see if the engine drive belt is broken or loose. 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. 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. ! CAUTION When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing away from the moving fan and engine drive belt. 4. If the engine drive belt is broken or loose, or the coolant is leaking, stop the engine immediately. Call a Lexus dealer for assistance. 5. If the engine drive belt is O.K., and there are no obvious leaks, you may help the engine cool down more quickly by running it at about 1500 rpm for a few minutes with the accelerator pedal lightly depressed. 6. 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. 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. 161