2008 Lexus GS450h coolant level

215
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropria te to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect th e level and specific gravity of
battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same si ze and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
■ Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
● Do not try to forcibly open a w indow or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe
away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumul ated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that
may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.

410
4-2. Maintenance
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
General maintenance
Engine compartment
Luggage compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluid• At the correct level? (P. 4 2 9 )
Engine/power control unit coolant• At the correct level? ( P. 4 2 7 )
Engine oil• At the correct level? ( P. 4 2 2 )
Exhaust system• No fumes or strange sounds?
Radiator/condenser/hoses• Not blocked with foreign matter? 
( P. 4 2 8 )
Wa s h e r f l u i d• At the correct level? ( P. 4 3 4 )
ItemsCheck points
12 volt battery• Maintenance-free ( P. 4 3 0 )
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed
at the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Services Guide/Owner’s
Manual Supplement”. It is recommend ed that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service
shop for advice.

414
GS_HV_U
December 27, 2007 1:38 pm
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct proce-
dure given in these sections.
ItemsPa r t s a n d t o o l s
12 volt battery condition (P. 4 3 0)
•Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level ( P. 4 2 9 )
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
•Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine/power control unit coolant
level ( P. 4 2 7 )
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high quality ethylene gly-
col based non-silicate, non-amine,
non-nitrite and non-borate coolant
with long-life hybrid organic acid
technology.
For the U.S.A.: 
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
is pre-mixed with 50% coolant and
50% deionized water.
For Canada: 
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
is pre-mixed with 55% coolant and
45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding cool- ant)

420
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_HV_U
December 27, 2007 1:38 pm
Engine compartment
■12 volt battery
P. 4 3 0
Engine oil level dipstick 
( P. 422)
Engine oil filler cap 
( P. 423)
Brake fluid reservoir 
( P. 4 2 9 )
Fuse box ( P. 4 5 6 )Washer fluid tank 
( P. 4 3 4 )
Gasoline engine/power 
control unit coolant 
reservoir ( P. 4 2 7 )
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P. 4 2 8 )
Radiator ( P. 4 2 8 )

427
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_HV_U
December 27, 2007 1:38 pm
CoolantThe coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the hybrid system is cold.
Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line.
■If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, reservoir cap, radiator cap, drain cock and water
pump. 
If you cannot find a leak, have your Lexus dealer pressure test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene glycol
based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with long-life
hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50%
deionized water. (Enabled: -31 F [-35C])
Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized water. (Enabled: -44F [-42 C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Lexus dealer.

488
5-1. Essential information
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably needs
adjustment or repair. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
■ Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle 
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temper ature gauge needle continually points
higher than normal
■ Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system
■ Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, sp ongy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor

538
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
If your vehicle overheats
If your hybrid system overheats:
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air conditioning
system.
Check to see if steam is coming out from under the hood.
If you see steam: 
Stop the hybrid system and carefully lift the hood.
If you do not see steam: Leave the hybrid system running and carefully lift the hood.
Remove the engine compartment cover. ( P. 421)
Check to see if the cooling fan is operating.
If the fan is operating: 
Wait until the engine coolant temperature gauge begins to
fall and then stop the hybrid system.
If the fan is not operating: 
Stop the hybrid system immed iately and call your local
Lexus dealer.
After the hybrid system has
cooled down sufficiently, check
the coolant level and inspect the
radiator core (radiator) for any
leaks.STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

563
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Tire related termMeaning
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those standard
items which may be replaced) of transmission, power
steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats,
radio and heater, to the extent that these items are
available as factory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not)
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard equip-
ment, including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and
coolant, and if so equipped, air conditioning and
additional weight optional engine
Maximum loaded vehicle
weight
The sum of: 
(a) Curb weight 
(b) Accessory weight 
(c) Vehicle capacity weight 
(d) Production options weight
Normal occupant weight150 lb. (68 kg) times the number of occupants speci-
fied in the second column of Table 1* that follows
Occupant distributionDistribution of occupants in a vehicle as specified in
the third column of Table 1* below
Production options
weight
The combined weight of installed regular production
options weighing over 5 lb. (2.3 kg) in excess of the
standard items which they replace, not previously
considered in curb weight or accessory weight,
including heavy duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack,
heavy duty battery, and special trim
RimA metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly
upon which the tire beads are seated
Rim diameter 
(Wheel diameter)Nominal diameter of the bead seat