1998 Lexus ES300 maintenance

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS221
(a) Checking by the fluid level lines (Maintenance type battery only)
64E008

1
Upper line 2Lower 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 tw\
o.
If the level is lower than the lower line, add distilled water. (See ºAdding
distilled waterº on page 222.) (b) Checking by the hydrometer
64E009
Check the battery condition by the hydrometer color.
Maintenance type battery
1
RED ± Add distilled water. (See ºAdding distilled waterº on page 222.)
2BLUE ± Good condition.
3WHITE ± Char ging necessary. Have the battery checked by your Lexus
dealer.
Non±maintenance type battery
1 RED ± Have the battery checked by your Lexus dealer.
2BLUE ± Good condition.
3WHITE ± Char ging necessary. Have the battery checked by your Lexus
dealer.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
222
NOTICE
(For non±maintenance battery):
Do not refill the battery with water.
Adding distilled water
(Maintenance type battery only)
64L062

1Low 2O.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.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS223
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, be sure all
accessories are turned off.