2000 Lexus SC 300 Owners Manual - Page 228

INTRODUCTION DO-IT-YOURSELF SERVICE PRECAUTIONS If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct procedure given in this Section. You should be aware that improper or incomplete servicing may result in operating problems. Performing do-it-yourself maintenance during the warranty period may affect your warranty coverage. Read the separate Lexus Warranty statement for details and suggestions. This Section gives instructions only for those items that are relatively easy for an owner to perform. As explained in Section 5, there are still a number of items that must be performed by a qualified technician with special tools. For information on tools and parts for do-it-yourself maintenance, see "Parts and tools" on page 211. Utmost care should be taken when working on your vehicle to prevent accidental injury. Here are a few precautions that you should be especially careful to observe: D Right after driving, the engine compartment - the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold and power steering fluid reservoir, etc. - will be hot. So be careful not to touch them. Oil and other fluids may also be hot. D Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames near fuel or the battery. Their fumes are flammable. D Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid. D Do not get under your vehicle with just the body jack supporting it. Always use automotive jack stands or other solid supports. D Use eye protection whenever you work on or under your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. NOTICE D Remember that battery and ignition cables carry high currents or voltages. Be careful of accidentally causing a short circuit. D Before closing the engine hood, check to see that you have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc. D Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or excessive engine wear could result. Also backfiring could cause a fire in the engine compartment. D Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, or the transmission could be damaged. CAUTION D When the engine is running, keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt. (Removing rings, watches, and ties is advisable.) 210