2001 Lexus ES300 battery

INTRODUCTION
394
NOTICE
Remember that battery and ignition cablescarry high currents or voltages. Be careful ofaccidentally causing a short circuit.
Before closing the engine hood, check to seethat you have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc.
Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or
excessive engine wear could result. Alsobackfiring could cause a fire in the enginecompartment.
Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, orthe transmission could be damaged.
Be careful not to scratch the glass surface withthe wiper frame.
PARTS AND TOOLS
Here is a list of parts and tools you will need to perform
do±it±yourself maintenance. Remember all Lexus parts
are designed in metric sizes, so your tools must be
metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):
 Use API grade SJ, ªEnergy±Conservingº multigrade
engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil. For
recommended oil viscosity, see page 414.
Tools:
 Rag or paper towel
 Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
ªToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
See ªChecking the engine coolant levelº on page 415
for instructions.
 Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:
 Funnel (only for adding coolant)

INTRODUCTION
395
Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Tools:
 Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking power steering fluid
Parts (if level is low):
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III
Tools:
 Rag or paper towel
 Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking battery condition
Tools:
Warm water
 Baking soda
 Grease
 Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Checking and replacing the blade type
fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):
Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Checking the cartridge type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):
Genuine Lexus fuse or equivalent with same
amperage rating as original
Adding washer fluid
Parts:
Water
 Washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
Tools:
 Funnel

ENGINE
403
± IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plug ± Make DENSO NGK
± Gap
SK20R11
IFR6A11
1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
± ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery ± Maintenance type battery Specific gravity reading at 20 C (68F):
Charging rates Quick charge Slow charge
± Non±maintenance battery Open voltage at 20C (68F):
Charging rates
1.260 Fully charged
1.160 Half charged
1.060 Discharged
15A max.
5A max.
12.7V Fully charged
12.3V Half charged
11.9V Discharged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after the key is
removed with all the lights turned off]
5A max.

SECTION 6 ± 4
443
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical components
Specifications444
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking battery condition 451
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery recharging precautions 455
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing the blade type fuses 455
. . . . .
Checking the cartridge type fuses 461
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding washer fluid 464
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the headlight aim 464
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing light bulbs 469
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
451
CHECKING BATTERYCONDITION
Precautions
CAUTION
BATTERY PRECAUTIONS
The battery produces flammable and explosive
hydrogen gas.
Do not cause a spark by contacting the battery
terminals with tools.
 Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
The electrolyte contains poisonous and corrosive
sulfuric acid.
 Avoid contact with eyes, skin or clothes.
 Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
 Wear protective safety glasses when working near
the battery.
 Keep children away from the battery.
EMERGENCY MEASURES
 If electrolyte gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with
clean water immediately and get immediate medical
attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a
sponge or cloth while traveling to the medical office.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
452
If electrolyte gets on your skin, thoroughly
wash the contacted area. If you feel a pain or
burn, get medical attention immediately.
 If electrolyte gets on your clothes, there is a
possibility of its soaking through to your skin,
so immediately take off the exposed clothing
and follow the procedure above, if necessary.
 If you accidentally swallow electrolyte, drink a
large quantity of water or milk. Follow with milk
of magnesia, beaten raw egg or vegetable oil.
Then go immediately for emergency help.Checking battery exterior
64E068

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
453


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 batterywhen washing it.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
454
Checking battery fluid
Checking by hydrometer
64E075
Check the battery condition by the hydrometer
color.
1BLUE ± Good condition.
2WHITE ± Charging necessary. Have the battery
checked by your Lexus dealer.
3RED ± Have the battery checked by your Lexus
dealer.
NOTICE
Do not refill the battery with water.