1996 Lexus LS400 lexus LS400 1996 Gauges, Meters and Service Reminders / 1996 LS400: ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS

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
221
CHECKING AND REPLACING THE
BLADE TYPE FUSES
Driver's side instrument panel
Engine compartment
Spare fuses
Pull±out tool
1. Turn the ignition switch off and open the fuse box
lid.Determine which fuse may be causing the problem. The lid
of the fuse box shows the name of the circuit for each fuse.
2. Make sure the inoperative component is turned off.
Pull the suspected fuse straight out with the pull±out
tool and check it. If it has blown, push a new fuse into
the clips.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
222
GoodBlown
a. Look carefully at the fuse. If the thin wire is broken, the
fuse has blown. If you are not sure or if it is too dark to see,
try replacing the suspected fuse with one of the same value
that you know is good.
b. Only install a fuse with the amperage rating designated
on the fuse box lid.
If you do not have a spare fuse, in an emergency you can pull
out the ªRADIO NO.1º, ªMIR±HTRº or ªDOME RRº fuse,
which may be dispensable for normal driving, and use it if its
amperage rating is the same.
If you cannot use one of the same amperage, use one lower
than, but as close as possible to, the amperage. If the
amperage is lower than that specified, the fuse might blow
out again but this does not indicate anything wrong. Be sure
to get the correct fuse as soon as possible and return the
substitute to its original clips.It is a good Idea to purchase a set of spare fuses and keep
them in your vehicle for emergencies.
If the new fuse immediately blows out, there is a problem
with the electrical system. Have your Lexus dealer correct
it as soon as possible.
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.

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.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
224
ADDING WASHER FLUID
If the washer tank becomes nearly empty, add washer
fluid.
You may use plain water as washer fluid. However, in cold
areas where temperatures range below the freezing point,
use washer fluid containing antifreeze. This product is
available at your Lexus dealer and most auto parts stores.
Follow the manufacturer's directions for how much to mix
with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute
because it may damage your vehicle's paint.
CHECKING THE HEADLIGHT AIM

Beam angle gauge (vertical movement)
Beam angle gauge (horizontal movement)
Before checking the headlight aim:
1. Be sure that the body around the headlight is not
deformed.
2. Park the vehicle on a level spot.
3. The driver gets into the driver's seat and puts the vehicle
in a state readying for a driving (with a full tank).
4. Bounce the vehicle several times.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
225

BubbleAcceptable range
Vertical movement gauge: The bubble of the gauge should
not deviate from the center of the gauge by more than four
marks to either side of the gauge.

MarkAcceptable range
Horizontal movement gauge: The mark should not deviate
by more than two marks to either side of the gauge.
If the error is over the value specified above, take the vehicle
to your Lexus dealer to adjust the headlight aim.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
226
REPLACING LIGHT BULBS
The illustration on the following pages show the locations of
light bulbs. If it is necessary to replace a bulb, take your
vehicle to your Lexus dealer as soon as possible. Use bulbs
with the bulb numbers and wattage ratings given in the table.
CAUTION!
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
require special handling. They can burst or shatter if
scratched or dropped. Hold a bulb only by its plastic
or metal case. Do not touch the glass part of a bulb
with bare hands.
NOTICE
Only use a bulb of the listed type.
LIGHT LOCATION
Light Bulbs Bulb No. W Type

Headlights (High beam) HB3 60 A
Headlights H4 60/55 B
(High and low beam)
Fog lights HB4 51 C
Parking lights Ð 5 D
Front turn signal lights 1156 21 F
Front side marker lights Ð 3.8 D