1999 LEXUS SC300 battery

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382
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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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387
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.

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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
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.