Lexus Service FAQ

Here you will find a collection of Frequently Asked Questions heard in the Lexus Service Center. From questions on break-in periods to how to reset the maintenance required light, we have the answers – directly from Lexus for your convenience.

To explore even more Lexus FAQ Topics we recommend checking out the Lexus site online here.  Now, let’s dig into a few of the most popular Lexus Service frequently asked questions…

Lexus vehicles in which 0w-20 synthetic oil is required have been approved for extended oil change intervals of 10,000-miles/12-months. However, you should continue to check the oil level regularly and top off if needed – for those who like to self-service their vehicles or just want an excuse to stop by North Park Lexus RGV…. we love seeing familiar faces!

Engines that recommend 5w-20 conventional oil, but allow the optional use of 0w-20 synthetic oil, as per the Owner’s Manual, will continue to require 5,000-mile/6-month (whichever comes first) oil change intervals if the 0w-20 is used – making it important to check if you do decide to change up your oil routine.

If the vehicle operation meets the standard criteria for “Special Operating Conditions” such as: driving off-road, on dirt roads, towing a trailer, making repeated short trips under 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or extensive idling; the engine oil must be replaced at 5,000-mile intervals, regardless of what type of oil is used.

Lexus recommends you consult your Warranty & Services Guide for more information on your specific vehicle model and model year maintenance requirements.  You can also call our Lexus Service Team at North Park Lexus Rio Grande Valley.

Lexus states that in addition to the scheduled oil change intervals every 10,000 miles, there are other recommended services that should be completed every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) such as:

• Tire Rotation
• Inspect and Adjust All Fluid Levels
• Visually Inspect Brake Pads, Calipers and Rotors

Dexron III transmission fluid is used in Lexus power-steering systems, except for electric power-steering systems.

After the required maintenance is performed according to the maintenance schedule, the light will need to be reset.

For many vehicles, you can follow the below procedures. Instructions can also be found in the Owner’s Manual.

1. Select the icon that looks like a gear on the multi-information display.
2. Press the up arrow or down arrow on the meter control switch that is located on the steering wheel, select the “Scheduled Maintenance” screen, and then press and hold the button that looks like this: Service FAQ.
3. Select the “Yes” and push that same button again.
4. A message will be displayed on the multi-information display when the reset procedure has been completed.

1. The green indicator shows that the system is active.
2. A flashing green indicator light means that a Safety Connect call is in process
3. A red indicator light (except at vehicle start-up) means that there is a system malfunction and you should contact our Service Team at North Park Lexus RGV.
4. If there is no indicator light or it is off, this means that the Safety Connect service is not active.

Additional Information on Safety Connect:

• All new vehicles purchased from North Park Lexus RGV or any other Lexus dealership should have a green light before the new owner leaves the dealership.
• Press and hold the SOS button to cancel the call, or stay on the line for the operator to respond if you accidentally press the button or decide the service is no longer required.  Of course, some of the new 2021 models will have a protecting plastic cover over the SOS button to help unintended button pressing – we know, it’s still tempting.

Lexus explains that you may download the updates for 2014 and newer vehicles from this site to your PC or Mac computer.  Next, transfer the update onto a USB flash drive, and then plug the USB into the vehicle.  The site will provide an in-depth guide for installation or just call us at North Park Lexus RGV for assistance.

For Lexus vehicles prior to 2014, you will need to visit our Service Center at North Park Lexus Rio Grande Valley for multimedia updates.

To view your Lexus Service History, log in to LexusDrivers.com or the Lexus Drivers app and go to the Service page. If you have more than one vehicle, go to the vehicle picker in the right corner to toggle between vehicles. Select the desired vehicle to view its service history.

The engine of your new Lexus vehicle is made with industry-leading precision and quality. As a result, the break-in procedures listed in the Owner’s Manual for a brand-new Lexus are optional.  While following these procedures may help to optimize engine performance and engine longevity over the life of the engine, these potential benefits are marginal compared to the benefits that result from ensuring that recommended maintenance is performed as scheduled.

Here are some tips from Lexus on how to extend the life of the vehicle, observing the following precautions:

For the first 200 miles:

• Avoid sudden stops

For the first 500 miles:

• Do not tow a trailer

For the first 1,000 miles:

• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in low gears.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods. Plus, that can just be boring.

The original equipment 12V batteries are warranted for 48 months* or 50,000 miles from the vehicle’s in-service date, whichever occurs first.

Subject to the terms of the Basic Warranty, Lexus Genuine replacement batteries installed by a Lexus dealer in a Lexus vehicle or purchased over the counter are warranted for 24 months,* regardless of miles, or the remainder of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, whichever provides greater coverage, and on a prorated** basis thereafter.

• From 0 to 24 months, 100% coverage
• From 25 months to 48 months, the proration is 50% of the MSRP
• From 49 months to 84 months, the proration is 25% of the MSRP

What is covered?

• Replacements that are needed due to a defect in materials or workmanship.

What is not covered?

• Batteries that have been opened, dropped, frozen, or otherwise damaged.
• Discharged batteries due to negligence or abuse.

This is actually a pretty common question and Lexus has been very thorough by providing an easy-to-read chart online (it takes you from the model year 2020 back to the model year 1992).  We have summarized that chart by model year, models, and the recommended minimum octane rating for you below.  Lexus suggests using the minimum octane rating or higher. Use of unleaded gasoline with an octane rating lower than what is listed for your model year vehicle could potentially result in engine knocking – especially during the colder months. If the octane rating used is less than required, damage to the engine may occur and which could void the vehicle warranty.

For older models, please consult your Owner’s Manual under the Vehicle Specifications section for more information on fuel requirements and recommendations. To see the octane rating for Lexus models older than 2015, you can check out the chart from Lexus online here.

91 minimum Octane Rating

2020 Lexus Models:

• GS 350, GS F
• GX 460
• IS 300
• IS 350
• LC 500, LC 500h
• LS 500, LS 500h
• LX 570
• NX 300
• RC 300, RC 350, RC F
• RX 450h, RX 450hL

2019 Lexus Models:

• GS 350, GS F
• GX 460
• IS 300, IS 350
• LC 500, LC 500h
• LS 500, LS 500hL
• LX 570
• NX 300
• RC 300, RC 350, RC F
• RX 450h, RX 450hL

2018 Lexus Models:

• GS 350, GS 450h, GS F
• GX 460
• IS 300, IS 350
• LC 500, LC 500h
• LS 500, LS 500h
• LX 570
• NX 300
• RC 300, RC 350, RC F
• RX 450h, RX 450hL

2017 Lexus Models:

• GS 200t, GS 350, GS 450h, GS F
• GX 460
• IS 200t, IS 300, IS 350
• LS 460
• LX 570
• NX 200t
• RC 200t, RC 300, RC 350, RC F
• RX 450h

2016 Lexus Models:

• GS 200t, GS 350, GS 450h, GS F
• GX 460
• IS 200t, IS 300, IS 350
• LS 460, LS 600hL
• LX 570
• NX 200t
• RC 200t, RC 300, RC 350, RC F
• RX 450h

2015 Lexus Models:

• GS 350, GS 450h
• GX 460
• IS 250, IS 250c, IS 350, IS 350c
• LS 460, LS 600hL
• LX 570
• RX 450h
  87 minimum Octane Rating

2020 Lexus Models:

• ES 300h, ES 350
• NX 300h
• RX 350, RX 350L
• UX 200, UX 250h

2019 Lexus Models:

• ES 300h, ES 350
• NX 300h
• RX 350, RX 350L
• UX 200, UX 250h

2018 Lexus Models:

• ES 300h, ES 350
• NX 300h
• RX 350, RX 350L

2017 Lexus Models:

• CT 200h
• ES 300h, ES 350
• NX 300h
• RX 350

2016 Lexus Models:

• CT 200h
• ES 300h, ES 350
• NX 300h
• RX 350

2015 Lexus Models:

• CT 200h
• ES 300h, ES 350
• NX 300h
• RX 350

Fun fact, what year did the most popular Lexus, the Lexus RX, start using the 87 (Regular Unleaded) octane fuel?

It was in 2012 that the RX 350 started using 87 octane fuel, again.

The RX 330 and the RX 300- model years 2005- 1999 also required 87 octane fuel.  The RX 330 (seen below) in 2006 and the RX 350 from 2007 to 2011 required the higher 91 octane fuel rating.