2008 Lexus GS450h engine

5
When trouble arises
539
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

545
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Vehicle identificationThe vehicle identification number (VIN ) is the legal identifier for your
vehicle. This is the primary identification number for your Lexus. It is used
in registering the ownership of your vehicle.
This number is stamped on the top left of the instrument panel and in the
engine compartment.
This number is also on the Certifi-
cation Label.
■ The engine number and electric motor (traction motor) number
These numbers are stamped on the locations shown in the above illustration.

546
6-1. Specifications
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Engine
Fuel
Electric motor (Traction motor)
Hybrid battery (Traction battery)
Model2GR-FSE
Ty p e6-cylinder V type, 4-cycle, gasoline
Bore and stroke3.70  3.27 in. (94.0  83.0 mm)
Displacement210.9 cu.in. (3456 cm3)
Drive belt tensionAutomatic adjustment
Fuel typePremium unleaded gasoline only
Octane Rating91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher
Fuel tank capacity17.2 gal. (65 L, 14.3 lmp.gal.)
Ty p ePermanent magnet synchronous motor
Maximum output147 kW
Maximum torque275 N•m (28.0 kgf•m, 202.8 ft•lbf.)
Ty p eNickel-Metal hydride battery
Vo l t a g e7.2 V/module
Capacity6.5 Ah (3HR)
Quantity40 modules
Overall voltage288 V

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6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Lubrication system
Oil viscosity:
● The 5W portion of the oil viscosity rating indicates the characteristic of
the oil which allows cold startability . Oils with a lower value before the W
allow for easier starting of the engine in cold weather.
● The 30 in 5W-30 indicates the oil viscosity when the oil is as its operating
temperature. An oil with a higher viscosity may be better suited if the
vehicle is operated at high speeds, or under extreme load condition.
Oil capacity 
(drain and refill)With filter: 6.6 qt. (6.3 L, 5.5 Imp.qt.)
Without filter: 6.2 qt. (5.9 L, 5.2 Imp.qt.)
Oil gradeILSAC multigrade engine oil
Recommended oil
viscosity
Use Lexus approved “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent to satisfy the grade and viscosity shown
below.
Outside temperature

548
6-1. Specifications
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Cooling system
Ignition system
Capacity
Gasoline engine
Power control unit9.8 qt. (9.3 L, 8.1 lmp.qt.)
3.0 qt. (2.9 L, 2.5 lmp.qt.)
Coolant type
Use either of the following:• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
• Similar high-quality ethylene glycol-based non-sili-cate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate cool-
ant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology
Do not use plain water alone.
Spark plug
Make DENSOFK20HBR11
Gap0.043 in. (1.1 mm)
NOTICE
■Iridium-tipped spark plugs
Use only iridium-tipped spark plugs. Do not adjust gap when tuning engine.

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6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Fuel information
■Fuel tank opening for unleaded gasoline
To help prevent incorrect fueling, your Lexus has a fuel tank opening that only
accommodates the special nozzle on unleaded fuel pumps.
■If premium gasoline is not available
If 91 Octane cannot be obtained, you may use unleaded gasoline with an Octane
Rating as low as 87 (Research Octane Number 91). 
However, use of unleaded fuel with an Octane Rating lower than 91 may result in
engine knocking or drastically reduce output to protect itself while driving with a
heavy load. Persistent knocking can lead to engine damage and should be cor-
rected by refueling with higher octane unleaded gasoline.
■If your engine knocks
●Consult your Lexus dealer.
●You may occasionally notice light knocking for a short time while accelerating
or driving uphill. This is normal and there is no need for concern.
■Gasoline quality
In very few cases, driveability problems may be caused by the brand of gasoline you
are using. If driveability problems persist, try changing the brand of gasoline. If this
does not correct the problem, consult your Lexus dealer.
Your vehicle must use on ly unleaded gasoline.
Premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating 91 (Research Octane
Number 96) or higher required for optimum engine performance.
At minimum, the gasoline you use should meet the specifications of
ASTM D4814 in the U.S.A. an d CGSB3.5-M93 in Canada.

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6-1. Specifications
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
■Gasoline quality standards
●Automotive manufacturers in the US, Europe and Japan have developed a
specification for fuel quality called World-Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC) that is
expected to be applied worldwide.
●The WWFC consists of four categories that are based on required emission
levels. In the US, category 4 has been adopted.
●The WWFC improves air quality by lowering emissions in vehicle fleets, and
customer satisfaction th rough better performance.
■Lexus recommends the use of gasoline containing detergent additives
●Lexus recommends the use of gasoline that contains detergent additives to
avoid build-up of engine deposits.
●All gasoline sold in the US contains de tergent additives to clean and/or keep
clean intake systems.
■Lexus recommends the use of cleaner burning gasoline
Cleaner burning gasoline, including reform ulated gasoline that contains oxygen-
ates such as ethanol or MTBE (Methyl Tert iary Butyl Ether) is available in many
areas.
Lexus recommends the use of cleaner burning gasoline and appropriately blended
reformulated gasoline. These types of gasoline provide excellent vehicle perfor-
mance, reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.
■Lexus does not recommend blended gasoline
●Lexus allows the use of oxygenate blended gasoline where the oxygenate con-
tent is up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE.
●If you use gasohol in your Lexus, be sure that it has an octane rating no lower
than 87.
●Lexus DOES NOT recommend the use of gasoline containing methanol.

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6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
■Lexus does not recommend gasoline containing MMT
Some gasoline contains octane enhancin g additive called MMT (Methylcy clopen-
tadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl).
Lexus DOES NOT recommend the use of gasoline that contains MMT. If fuel con-
taining MMT is used, your emission control system may be adversely affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp on the inst rument cluster may come on. If this hap-
pens, contact your Lexus dealer for service.
NOTICE
■Notice on gasoline quality
●Do not use leaded gasoline. 
Leaded gasoline can cause damage to your vehicle’s three-way catalytic convert-
ers causing the emission control system to malfunction.
●Do not use gasohol other than that stated here. 
Other gasohol may cause fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems.
●Using unleaded gasoline with an octane number or rating lower than that stated
here will cause persistent heavy knocking. 
At worst, this will lead to engine damage.
■Fuel-related poor driveability
If after using a different type of fuel, poor driveability is encountered (poor hot start-
ing, vaporization, engine knoc king, etc.), discontinue the use of that type of fuel.
■When refueling with gasohole
Take care not to spill gasohol. It can damage your vehicle’s paint.