2008 Lexus GS450h battery

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4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
■Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Lexus dealer
●Lexus technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date with the
latest service information. They are well informed about the operations of all
systems on your vehicle.
●Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has been
performed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise while your
vehicle is under warranty, your Lexus de aler will promptly take care of it.
CAUTION
■Hazardous materials
●Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile com-
ponents contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause can-
cer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a well ventilated area.
●Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by compo-
nent wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid exposure and wash
any affected area immediately.
●12 volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after
handling. ( P. 4 3 0 )
●Used engine oil contains chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer in lab-
oratory animals. Avoid prolonged and repeated contact. Always protect your
skin by washing thorough ly with soap and water.

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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.

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4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs
Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which include
OBD (On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system monitors the oper-
ation of the emission control system.
■ If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in
the emission control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test
and may need to be repaired. Contact your Lexus dealer to service
the vehicle.
■ Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test:
●When the 12 volt battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are set during ordinary driving are erased. 
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes may
not be completely set.
● When the fuel tank cap is loose
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on as a temporary mal-
function and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
■ When the malfunction indicator la mp goes off after several driv-
ing trips
The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the
vehicle is driven 40 or more times.
■ If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test
Contact your Lexus dealer to prep are the vehicle for re-testing.

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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)

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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 )

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_HV_U
December 27, 2007 1:38 pm
12 volt batteryThe battery is located in the left-hand side of luggage compartment.
■ Removing the cover
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads wear or
when the fluid level in the accumulator is high. 
If the reservoir needs frequent refilli ng, it may indicate a serious problem.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_HV_U
December 27, 2007 1:38 pm
■Exterior
Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that there
are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
■Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Therefore, before recharging:
●If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect the
ground cable.
●Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and discon-
necting the charger cables to the battery.
■After recharging/reconnecting the battery
In some cases, the hybrid sy stem may not start. Follow one or both of the following
procedures:
●After opening and closing the driver’s door, wait 10 seconds then attempt to
start the hybrid system. (If the system does not start first time, repeat the proce-
dure.)
●With the shift lever in “P” and the “POWER” switch is OFF, open and close any
door, then attempt to start the hybrid system.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts at both methods, contact
your Lexus dealer.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_HV_U
December 27, 2007 1:38 pm
CAUTION
■Chemicals in the battery
A battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce hydro-
gen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death or serious
injury, take the following precautions while working on or near battery:
●Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.
●Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
●Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
●Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
●Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.
●Keep children away from the battery.
■Where to safety charge the battery
Always charge the battery in an open area. Do not charge the battery in a garage or
closed room where there is not sufficient ventilation.
■How to recharge the battery
Only perform a slow charge (5A or less). The battery may explode if charged at a
quicker rate.