1999 LEXUS SC300 check

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
383
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.(a) Checking by the fluid level lines (Maintenance type
battery only)

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
384The 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 386.) (b) Checking by the hydrometer

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
385
Check the battery condition by the hydrometer color.
Maintenance type battery
BLUE ± Good condition.
WHITE ± Charging necessary. Have the battery checked by
your Lexus dealer.
RED ± Add distilled water. (See ºAdding distilled waterº on
page 386.)
Non±maintenance type battery
BLUE ± Good condition.
WHITE ± Charging necessary. Have the battery checked by
your Lexus dealer.
RED ± Have the battery checked by your Lexus dealer.NOTICE
For non±maintenance battery:
Do not refill the battery with water.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
386
Adding distilled water
(Maintenance type battery only)
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.
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.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
388
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running.
Also, make sure all accessories are turned off.
CHECKING AND REPLACINGTHE BLADE TYPE FUSES

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
390
2. Make sure the inoperative component is turned off.
Pull the suspected fuse straight out with the pull±out tool
and check it. If it has blown, push a new fuse into the clips.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
393
CHECKING THE CARTRIDGETYPE FUSES

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
394If 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.
If there is an overload in the circuits from the battery, the fuses
are designed to blow before the entire wiring harness is
damaged.
NOTICE
Before replacing the fuses, have the cause of electrical
overload determined and repaired by your Lexus dealer.