1995 Lexus LS400 battery

SECTION 6 – 4
219
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical components
Specifications220 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking battery condition224 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery recharging precautions226 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing the blade type fuses226 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the cartridge type fuses 228. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding washer fluid 229. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the headlight aim230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing light bulbs231 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
224
CHECKING BATTERY CONDITION
CAUTION
BATTERY PRECAUTIONS
The battery produces flammable and explosive
hydrogen gas.
Do not cause a spark by contacting the battery
terminals with tools.
Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
The electrolyte contains poisonous and corrosive
sulfuric acid.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin or clothes.
Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
Wear protective safety glasses when working near
the battery.
Keep children away from the battery.
EMERGENCY MEASURES
If electrolyte gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with
clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immediate
medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water
with a sponge or cloth while traveling to the medical
office.
If electrolyte gets on your skin, thoroughly wash the
contacted area. If you feel a pain or burn, get medical
attention immediately.
If electrolyte gets on your clothes, there is a
possibility of its soaking through to your skin, so
immediately take off the exposed clothing and follow
the procedure above, if necessary.
If you happen to swallow electrolyte, drink a large
quantity of water or milk. Follow with milk of
magnesia, beaten raw egg or vegetable oil. Then go
immediately for emergency help.

1
Terminals 2
Hold−down clamp
1. Check the battery for corroded or loose connections,
cracks, or loose hold−down clamps.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
225 a. If the battery is corroded, wash it off with a solution of warm
water and baking soda. Coat the terminals with grease to
prevent further corrosion.
b. If the connections are loose, tighten the clamp bolts − but
do not overtighten.
c. Tighten the hold−down clamp only enough to keep the
battery firmly in place. Overtightening may damage the battery
case.
NOTICE
Make sure the engine and all accessories are turned
off before performing maintenance.
Remove the ground cable first and reinstall it last.
Be careful not to cause a short circuit with tools.
Take care no solution gets into the battery when
washing it.2. Check the indicator as shown.
1
BLUE − Good condition.
2
WHITE − Charging necessary. Have the battery checked
by your Lexus dealer.
3
RED − Have the battery checked by your Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
Your Lexus has a maintenance free battery. Do not
refill the battery with water.
In order to maintain full engine performance and to
make sure the cover fits the battery, when you
replace the battery, use an “Exide Group” battery or
equivalent performance battery. Contact your Lexus
dealer for recommendations.
Use a cover on the battery for longer life.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
226
BATTERY RECHARGING
PRECAUTIONS
During recharging, the battery is producing hydrogen
gas.
Therefore, before recharging:
1. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be
sure to disconnect the ground cable.
2. Make sure the power switch on the recharger is off when
connecting the charger cables to the battery and when
disconnecting them.
CAUTION
Always charge the battery in an unconfined area. Do
not charge the battery in a garage or closed room
where there is not sufficient ventilation.
Only do a slow charge (5 A or less). Charging at a
quicker rate is dangerous. The battery may explode
causing personal injuries.
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running.
Also, make sure all accessories are turned off.
CHECKING AND REPLACING THE
BLADE TYPE FUSES

Driver’s side kick panel

Engine compartment 1
Spare fuses 2
Pull−out tool
1. Turn the ignition switch off and open the fuse box lid.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
228
CAUTION
Never use a fuse with a higher amperage rating, or any
other object, in place of a fuse. This may cause
extensive damage and possibly a fire.
CHECKING THE CARTRIDGE TYPE
FUSES

1
Good 2
Melted
If the headlights or other electrical components do not
work and the blade type fuses are O.K., check the
cartridge type fuses. If any of the cartridge type fuses are
blown, they must be replaced.
If there is an overload in the circuits from the battery, the fuses
are designed to blow before the entire wiring harness is
damaged.
NOTICE
Before replacing the fuses, have the cause of electrical
overload determined and repaired by your Lexus dealer.