1997 Lexus ES300 check engine

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
227
CHECKING AND REPLACING THE
BLADE TYPE FUSES

Engine compartment
Pull±out tool
Spare fuses

Driver's side instrument panel
1. Turn the ignition switch off and remove the
auxiliary box.
Determine which fuse may be causing the problem. The
auxiliary box shows the name of the circuit for each fuse.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
229
CHECKING THE CARTRIDGE TYPE
FUSES

Engine compartment

Driver's side instrument panel
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.