2002 Lexus GS300 battery

SECTION 6 ± 4
279
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical components
Specifications 280. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking battery condition284 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery recharging precautions286 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing the blade type fuses287 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the cartridge type fuses289 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding washer fluid290 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the headlight aim291 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing light bulbs296 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
284
CHECKING BATTERY CONDITION
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 for at least 15 minutes and get immediate
medical attention. If possible, continue to apply
water with a sponge or cloth while traveling to the
medical office.
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.
Warning: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
285
Checking battery exterior
64G001a

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.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
286
Checking battery condition
Checking by indicator
64G003a
Check the battery condition by the indicator color.
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
Do not refill the battery with water.
BATTERY RECHARGING
PRECAUTIONS
During recharging, the battery is producing hydrogen
gas.
Therefore, before recharging:
1. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be
sure to disconnect the ground cable.
2. 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.
Only do a slow charge (5 A or less). Charging at a
quicker rate is dangerous. The battery may explode
causing personal injuries.
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running.
Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
289 It is a good idea to purchase a set of spare fuses and keep them
in your vehicle for emergencies.
If the new fuse immediately blows out, there is a problem with
the electrical system. Have your Lexus dealer correct it as
soon as possible.
CAUTION
Never use a fuse with a higher amperage rating, or any
other object, in place of a fuse. This may cause
extensive damage and possibly a fire.
CHECKING THE CARTRIDGE TYPE
FUSES
64G019±1

1Good 2Melted
If 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.