1999 Lexus GS300 maintenance

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
442

1Terminals 2Hold±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 ºMAINTENANCE
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 the top
of the battery.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
443 (a) Checking by the fluid level lines (Maintenance
type battery only)
64G002b

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 444.)(b) Checking by the hydrometer

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
444
64G003a
Check the battery condition by the hydrometer
color.
Maintenance type battery
1
BLUE ± Good condition.
2
WHITE ± Charging necessary. Have the battery
checked by your Lexus dealer.
3
RED ± Add distilled water. (See ºAdding distilled
waterº described below.)
Non±maintenance type battery
1
BLUE ± Good condition.
2
WHITE ± Charging necessary. Have the battery
checked by your Lexus dealer.
3
RED ± Have the battery checked by your Lexus
dealer.
NOTICE
For non±maintenance battery:
Do not refill the battery with water.
Adding distilled water
(Maintenance type battery only)

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
446
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.