2008 Lexus GS450h Using the audio system / LEXUS 2008 GS450H OWNER'S MANUAL (OM30A96U)

5
When trouble arises
537
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
CAUTION
■Battery precautions
The battery contains poisonous and corrosive acidic electrolyte, while related parts
contain lead and lead compounds. Observe the following precautions when han-
dling the battery:
●When working with the battery, always wear safety glasses and take care not to
allow any battery fluids (acid) to come into contact with skin, clothing or the vehi-
cle body.
●Do not lean over the battery.
●If the battery fluid comes into contact with the skin or eyes, immediately wash the
affected area with water and seek medical attention. 
Place a wet sponge or cloth over the affected area until medical attention can be
received.
●Always wash your hands after handling the battery support, terminals, and other
battery-related parts.
●Do not allow children near the battery.
NOTICE
■When handling jumper cables
Be careful that the jumper cables do not become tangled in the cooling fan or any
of the belts when connecting or disconnecting them.

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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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

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When trouble arises
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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
■Overheating
In the following situations, your vehicle may be overheating.
●The engine coolant temperature gauge enters the red zone or a loss of power is
experienced.
●Steam is coming from under the hood.
●The message “HYBRID SYSTEM OVERHEAT” is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display.
CAUTION
■To prevent an accident or injury when in specting under the hood of your vehicle
●Keep hands and clothing away from the fan and engine drive belt while the hybrid
system is running.
●Do not loosen the radiator cap while the hybrid system and radiator are hot. 
Serious injury, such as burns, may resu lt from hot coolant and steam released
under pressure.
Add coolant if necessary.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency measure if coolant is
unavailable. ( P. 5 4 8 )
Have the vehicle checked at your nearest Lexus dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
STEP6

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Wait until the hybrid system has cooled down before adding coolant.
When adding coolant, do so slowly. Adding cool coolant to a hot hybrid system too
quickly can cause damage to the hybrid system.

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When trouble arises
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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
If the vehicle becomes stuck
CAUTION
■When attempting to free a stuck vehicle
If you choose to rock the vehicle back and forth to free it, make sure the surround-
ing area is clear, to avoid striking other vehicles, objects or persons. The vehicle
may also lunge forward or lunge back suddenly as it becomes free. Use extreme
caution.
■When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an
accident and result in death or serious injury.
Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle becomes
stuck in mud, dirt, or snow.
Stop the hybrid system. Set the parking brake and shift the shift
lever in “P”.
Remove the mud, snow, or sand from around the stuck tire.
Place wood, stones or some ot her material to help provide
traction under the tires.
Restart the hybrid system.
Shift the shift lever to the “D” or “R” position and carefully apply
the accelerator to free the vehicle.
Turn off TRAC/VSC if these functi ons are hampering your attempts
to free the vehicle. ( P. 202)
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
NOTICE
■To avoid damaging the transmission and other components
●Avoid spinning the wheels.
●If the vehicle remains stuck after trying these procedures, the vehicle may require
towing to be freed.

Vehicle specifications6
543
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December 12, 2007 3:30 pm
6-1. Specifications................. 544Maintenance data 
(fuel, oil level, etc.) .............. 544
Fuel information ..................... 553
Tire information...................... 556
6-2. Customization................ 569 Customizable features ........ 569
6-3. Initialization ................... 575 Items to initialize ..................... 575

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6-1. Specifications
Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.)
Dimensions and weight
*: Unladen vehicle
Overall length190.7 in. (4845 mm)
Overall width71.6 in. (1820 mm)
Overall height *56.1 in. (1425 mm)
Wheelbase112.2 in. (2850 mm)
Tr e a dFront60.4 in. (1535 mm)
Rear60.6 in. (1540 mm)
Vehicle capacity weight
(Occupants + luggage)815 lb. (370 kg)