1999 Lexus ES300 maintenance

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
419
(a) Checking by the fluid level lines (Maintenance
type battery only)
64E008

1Upper 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 two.
If the level is lower than the lower line, add distilled water.
(See ºAdding distilled waterº on page 421.) (b) Checking by the hydrometer

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
420
64E009
Check the battery condition by the hydrometer
color.
Maintenance type battery
1RED ± Add distilled water. (See ºAdding distilled
waterº on page 421.)
2BLUE ± Good condition.
3WHITE ± Charging 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 ± Charging necessary. Have the battery
checked by your Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
(For non±maintenance battery):
Do not refill the battery with water.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
421
Adding distilled water
(Maintenance type battery only)
64L062

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
422

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 heavycharging, 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.