Do-It-Yourself Service Precautions - Lexus RX300 Manual

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".
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:
236
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.)
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.