JulesInFrance

Thanks for that; I'll try it again today with the engine at idle. Jules

I have a 2001/51 IS200 SE Auto acquired from my late father's estate. He bought the car at 35k miles from Lexus Croydon who did all of the usual used-car pre-flight-checks and serviced it thereafter. I picked up the car at 45k miles and a year later it stands at 55k miles. As a precursor to it's next service I checked fluid levels and was amazed to find; 1) engine oil after 10k miles since last service was at the high-water mark with a cold engine ('though the User Handbook suggests this test be done with the engine at operating temperature); and, 2) the auto transmission oil was (when cold) and inch further up the dip-stick than the top "hot" marker ... ;-( In the absence of any help in the User Handbook I tested the level by releasing the clip and removing the auto-box dip-stick, cleaning it and replacing it fully (i.e. engaging the retaining clip). Then removing it again. Is this the correct was or should the dip-stick be dropped in to a lesser point when checking auto-box fluid level? With thanks for your thoughts. Jules

25mph around town, 30 on long runs.

Not completely sure (looking for a manual myself today) but the three places to check are a) main fuse box in the engine-bay, forward of the battery, B) aux#1 fusebox in the passenger footwell; and c) aux#2 fusebox in the driver's footwell. Access to #1 & #2 auxiliary fuse-panels is by pulling on the round ball. All fusebox panels are marked with details of the circuits protected. BTW, in some cases (to access relays?) the fuse carrier need to be pulled out of it's housing to view the rear of it. Good luck

As a newbie to Lexus, IS200's and to this forum may I ask, what is the most common and the cheapest way to read error codes and other information from the diagnostic systems? Oh yes, and where are the reader terminals located? With thanks in advance. JiF

Excuse me asking but's what is the accepted/budget way to read these codes? Any recommendations? Thanks, JiF