1997 Lexus ES300 battery

217
SECTION 6 ± 4
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical components
Specifications 218
Checking battery operation 222
Battery recharging precautions 226
Checking and replacing the blade type fuses 227
Checking the cartridge type fuses 229
Adding washer fluid 230
Checking the headlight aim 231
Replacing light bulbs 232

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
222
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 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
223
Checking battery exterior


Terminals Hold±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.
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 battery
Check the battery condition by the hydrometer on top of the
battery.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
224(a) Checking by the fluid level lines (Maintenance type
battery only)


Upper line Lower 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 225.)(b) Checking the hydrometer
Check the battery condition by the hydrometer color.
Maintenance type battery

RED ± Add distilled water. (See ªAdding distilled waterº
on page 225.)
BLUE ± Good condition
WHITE ± Charging necessary. Have the battery checked
by your Lexus dealer.
Non±maintenance type battery

RED ± Have the battery checked by your Lexus dealer.
BLUE ± Good condition.
WHITE ± Charging necessary. Have the battery checked
by your Lexus dealer.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
225
NOTICE
For non±maintenance battery:
Do not refill the battery with water.Adding distilled water
(Maintenance type battery only)


Low O.K.
1. Remove the vent plugs.
2. Add distilled water to cells needing fluid.
If the side of the 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.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
226
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 (5A 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, be sure all accessories are turned
off.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
230


Type A Type B GoodBlown
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.
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.