2008 Lexus GS450h air conditioning

239
3-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
3
Interior features
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:30 pm
■Automatic mode for air intake control
In automatic mode, the system detects exhaust gas and other pollutants and auto-
matically switches between outside air and recirculated air modes.
When the air conditioning is off, and the fan is operating, turning the auto mode ON
will activate the air conditioning system.
■Micro dust and pollen filter
●In order to prevent the windows from fogging up when the outside air is cold,
the following may occur.
• Outside air mode does not switch to .
• The air conditioning system operates automatically.
• The operation cancels after 1 minute.
●In rainy weather, the windows may fog up. Press .
CAUTION
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weather. The differ-
ence between the temperature of the outs ide air and that of the windshield can
cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, blocking your vision.
NOTICE
■To prevent 12 volt battery discharge
Do not leave the automatic air conditioning system on longer than necessary when
the hybrid system is off.

240
3-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:30 pm
Rear window and outside re ar view mirror defoggers
■Operating conditions
The “POWER” switch must be in the ON mode.
CAUTION
■When the outside rear view mirror defoggers are on
Do not touch the rear view mirror surfaces , as they can become very hot and burn
you.
NOTICE
■To prevent 12 volt battery discharge
Turn the defoggers off when the hybrid system is off.
These features are used to defog the rear window, and to remove rain-
drops, dew and frost from the outside rear view mirrors.
Press the button.
Press the button to turn on the
rear window and outside rear
view mirror defoggers. The
defoggers will automatically
turn off after approximately 15
minutes. Pressing the button
again also turns the defoggers
off.

308
3-4. Using the hands-free system (for cellular phone)
GS_HV_U
December 13, 2007 10:51 am
■When using the hands-free system
●The audio system and voice guidance are muted when making a call.
●If both parties speak at the same time, it may be difficult to hear.
●If the received call volume is overly loud, an echo may be heard.
●Try to face toward the microphone as much as possible when speaking.
●In the following circumstances it may be difficult to hear the other party.
• When driving on unsealed roads
• When driving at high speeds
• If a window is open
• If the air conditioning is blowing directly on the microphone
• If the air conditioning is set to high
■Conditions under which the system will not operate
●If using a mobile phone that does not support Bluetooth®.
●If the mobile phone is switched off.
●If you are outside service range.
●If the mobile phone is not connected.
●If the mobile phone’s battery is low.
■Bluetooth® antenna
The antenna is built into the display. If the mobile phone is behind the seat or in the
console box, or touching or covered by metal objects, connection status may dete-
riorate.

397
3-7. Other interior features
3
Interior features
GS_HV_U
December 13, 2007 10:51 am
■Speech recognition information
The Lexus Link speech recognition systems use speech technology that is designed
to understand a wide range of speakers of American English. However, the technol-
ogy may not work as well if a regional or ethnic accent is encountered. If the speech
recognition system does not work properly, refer to the following.
●The system does not recognize your command properly if noise is present. Per-
form the following to improve voice command recognition.
• Turn down or off the air conditioning system.
• Slow down to reduce wind noise.
• Close the windows and the moon roof to block outside noise.
• Have all occupants be quiet so that the system does not recognize their con- versation as a command.
●When to speak 
Say a command within 5 seconds after the system prompts you to speak.
●How to speak
• Speak forcefully and clearly.
• Speak calmly and naturally.
• The driver should speak while facing forward, and the passenger should
speak facing the inside rear view mirror.
• Avoid speaking with a rising intonati on. Use a flat or falling intonation.
●Tips for one-word commands
• The system recognizes only one word at a time for personal calling. (There
are some exceptions, such as “Advanced services” and “My number”.)
• When inputting the security codes or voice-activated keypad number, you
must say them one digit at a time. When inputting a phone number, the
speech recognition system can recognize 7, 10, and 11-digit numbers as well
as the number 911.

Maintenance and care4
401
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:30 pm
4-1. Maintenance and 
care ............................... 402
Cleaning and protecting 
the vehicle exterior............ 402
Cleaning and protecting 
the vehicle interior ............. 405 4-2. Maintenance .................. 408
Maintenance 
requirements........................ 408
General maintenance ........... 410
Emission inspection and 
maintenance (I/M) 
programs ................................ 413
4-3. Do-it-yourself 
maintenance ................. 414
Do-it-yourself service 
precautions ............................ 414
Hood ............................................ 417
Positioning a floor jack .......... 418
Engine compartment ........... 420
Tires............................................ 435
Tire inflation pressure........... 445
Wheels ...................................... 449
Air conditioning filter ............ 451
Electronic key battery.......... 454
Checking and replacing 
fuses ........................................ 456
Headlight aim ........................... 471
Light bulbs ................................. 474

416
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_HV_U
December 27, 2007 1:38 pm
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move sud-
denly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death or serious injury,
observe the following precautions.
■When working on the engine compartment
●Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
●Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust manifold,
etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
●Do not leave anything that may burn easily , such as paper or rags, in the engine
compartment.
●Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes are flam-
mable.
■When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the “POWER” switch is OFF. 
With the “POWER” switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fan may automatically
start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. 
(  P. 4 2 8 )
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or fall ing material, fluid spray, etc. from getting
in the eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to
dirt in the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compartment.

451
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_HV_U
December 27, 2007 1:38 pm
Air conditioning filter
The air conditioning filter must be cleaned or changed regularly to main-
tain air conditioning efficiency.
■ Removal method
Set the air conditio ning system to recirculated mode.
The air conditioning filter case cannot be removed with the system in
the outside air mode.
Turn the “POWER” switch to OFF.
Open the glove box and
remove the partition.
Remove the filter cover.
Press the tabs and remove the
filter case.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

452
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_HV_U
December 27, 2007 1:38 pm
■Cleaning method
If the filter is dirty, clean by blow-
ing compressed air through the
filter from the downward side.
Hold the air gun 2 in. (5 cm)
from the filter and blow for
approximately 2 minutes at 73
psi (500 kPa, 5.1 kgf/cm
2 or
bar). 
If it is not available, have the filter
cleaned by your Lexus dealer.
■ Replacement method
Remove the air conditioning fil-
ter from the filter case and
replace it with a new one.
The “UP” marks shown on the
filter and the filter case should
be pointing up.