1996 Lexus LS400 battery

211
SECTION 6 ± 4
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical components
Specifications 212
Checking battery condition 216
Battery recharging precautions 220
Checking and replacing the blade type fuses 221
Checking the cartridge type fuses 223
Adding washer fluid 224
Checking the headlight aim 224
Replacing light bulbs 226

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
216
CHECKING BATTERY CONDITION
Precautions
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 the 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.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
217
Checking battery exterior

TerminalsHold±down clamp
Check the battery for corroded or loose connections,
cracks, or loose hold±down clamps.
1. 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.
2. If the connections are loose, tighten the clamp bolts ± but
do not overtighten.
3. 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.
When checking the battery, 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.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
218
Checking battery fluid
There are 2 types of batteries: maintenance type and
non±maintenance type.
A non±maintenance battery has ªMAINTENANCE FREE
BATTERYº on its top. A maintenance type battery does not
have such indication.
Maintenance type battery
Check the fluid condition by the fluid level lines on the side
of the battery. Or if the battery has a hydrometer on its top,
you can also check the hydrometer.
Non±maintenance type battery
Check the battery condition by the hydrometer on the top of
the battery.(a) Checking by the fluid level lines (Maintenance type
battery only)

Upper lineLower line
The fluid (electrolyte) level must be between the upper
and lower lines.
When checking the fluid level, look at all six cells, not just one
or two.
If the level is lower than the lower line, add distilled water.
(See ªAdding distilled waterº on page 220.)

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
219 (b) Checking by the hydrometer
Check the battery condition by the hydrometer color.
Maintenance type battery

BLUE ± Good condition.
WHITE ± Charging necessary. Have the battery checked
by your Lexus dealer.
RED ± Add distilled water. (See ªAdding distilled waterº
on page 220.)
Non±maintenance type battery

BLUE ± Good condition.
WHITE ± Charging necessary. Have the battery checked
by your Lexus dealer.
RED ± Have the battery checked by your Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
For non±maintenance type battery: Do not refill the
battery with water.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
220
Adding distilled water
(Maintenance type battery only)

LowO.K.
1. Remove the vent plugs.
2. Add distilled water to cells needing fluid.
If the side of your battery is covered, check the water level
by looking down directly above the cell as illustrated above.
3. Retighten the vent plugs securely.
NOTICE
Do not overfill the cells. Excess electrolyte could
squirt out of the battery during heavy charging,
causing corrosion or damage.
Use a cover on the battery for longer life.
BATTERY RECHARGING
PRECAUTIONS
During recharging, the battery is producing hydrogen
gas.
Therefore, before recharging:
1. Maintenance type batteries ± Remove the vent plugs.
2. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be
sure to disconnect the ground cable.
3. 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.
Non±maintenance batteries: Only do a slow charge
(5 A or less). Charging at a quicker rate is
dangerous. The battery may explode causing
personal injuries.
Maintenance type batteries: Be sure to remove the
vent plugs before recharging.
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the engine is
running. Also, make sure all accessories are turned
off.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
223
CHECKING THE CARTRIDGE
TYPE FUSES

GoodMelted
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.
CAUTION!
Always use a genuine Lexus fuse or equivalent for
replacement. Never install an ordinary wire±even for
a temporary fix. This may cause extensive damage
and possibly a fire.