1997 Lexus ES300 maintenance

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.