Lexus ES300 (1997 year). Manual — part 548

ST0L8–01

P07170

Ohmmeter

Ohmmeter

No
Continuity

Continuity

1

3

2

5

P07171

Ohmmeter

Continuity

1

3

2

5

Battery

ST–20

–

STARTING

STARTER RELAY

1004

1997 LEXUS ES300 (RM511U)

STARTER RELAY

INSPECTION

1.

REMOVE STARTER RELAY (Marking: ”ST”)

LOCATION: In the engine compartment relay box.
Remove the relay box cover and starter relay.

2.

INSPECT STARTER RELAY CONTINUITY

(a)

Using an ohmmeter, check that there is continuity be-
tween terminals 1 and 2.

If there is no continuity, replace the relay.
(b)

Check that there is no continuity between terminals 3 and
5.

If there is continuity, replace the relay.

3.

INSPECT STARTER RELAY OPERATION

(a)

Apply battery positive voltage across terminals 1 and 2.

(b)

Using an ohmmeter, check that there is continuity be-
tween terminals 3 and 5.

If there is no continuity, replace the relay.
4.

REINSTALL STARTER RELAY

SR05M–01

–

STEERING

STEERING SYSTEM

SR–1

1297

1997 LEXUS ES300 (RM511U)

STEERING SYSTEM

PRECAUTION

Care must be taken to replace parts properly because they could affect the performance of the
steering system and result in a driving hazard.

The LEXUS ES300 is equipped with SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) such as the driver
airbag and front passenger airbag. Failure to carry out service operation in the correct se-
quence could cause the SRS to unexpectedly deployed during servicing, possibly leading to
a serious accident. Before servicing (including removal or installation of parts, inspection or
replacement), be sure to read the precautionary notices in the RS section.

SR05N–01

SR–2

–

STEERING

TROUBLESHOOTING

1298

1997 LEXUS ES300 (RM511U)

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM SYMPTOMS TABLE

Use the table below to help you find the cause of the problem. The numbers indicate the priority of the likely
cause of the problem. Check each part in the order shown. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.

Symptom

Suspect Area

See page

Hard steering

1. Tires (Improperly inflated)

2. Power steering fluid level (Low)

3. Drive belt (Loose)

4. Front wheel alignment (Incorrect)

5. Steering system joints (Worn)

6. Suspension arm ball joints (Worn)

7. Steering column (Binding)

8. Power steering vane pump

9. Power steering gear

SA–2

SR–5

SR–3

SA–4

–

SA–39

–

SR–18

SR–29

Poor return

1. Tires (Improperly inflated)

2. Front wheel alignment (Incorrect)

3. Steering column (Binding)

4. Power steering gear

SA–2

SA–4

–

SR–29

Excessive play

1. Steering system joints (Worn)

2. Suspension arm ball joints (Worn)

3. Intermediate shaft, Sliding yoke (Worn)

4. Front wheel bearing (Worn)

5. Power steering gear

–

SA–39

–

SA–9

SR–29

Abnormal noise

1. Power steering fluid level (Low)

2. Steering system joints (Worn)

3. Power steering vane pump

4. Power steering gear

SR–5

–

SR–18

SR–29

P06717

SR05O–05

Z00038

DENSO

Borroughs

P06723

CORRECT

WRONG

WRONG

–

STEERING

DRIVE BELT

SR–3

1299

1997 LEXUS ES300 (RM511U)

DRIVE BELT

INSPECTION

INSPECT DRIVE BELT
(a)

Visually check the belt for excessive wear, frayed cords
etc.

If any defect has been found, replace the drive belt.
HINT:
Cracks on the rib side of a belt are considered acceptable. If the
belt has chunks missing from the ribs, it should be replaced.

(b)

Using a belt tension gauge, measure the belt tension.
Belt tension gauge:
DENSO BTG–20 (95506–00020)
Borroughs No. BT–33–73F

Drive belt tension:

New belt: 150 – 185 lbf

Used belt: 95 – 135 lbf

If the belt tension is not as specified, adjust it.

HINT:

”New belt” refers to a belt which has been used less than
5 minutes on a running engine.

”Used belt” refers to a belt which has been used on a run-
ning engine for 5 minutes or more.

After installing a belt, check that it fits properly in the
ribbed grooves.

Check with your hand to confirm that the belt has not
slipped out of the groove on the bottom of the pulley.

After installing a new belt, run the engine for about 5 min-
utes and recheck the belt tension.