2008 LEXUS RX400H Owners Manual

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4-1. Maintenance and care
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NOTICE
■Cleaning detergents
Do not use organic substances such as benzene or gasoline, acidic or alkaline solu-
tions, dye, bleach or other detergent. Doing so may discolor the vehicle interior or
cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces.
■Preventing damage to leather surfaces
Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration of leather
surfaces.
●Remove any dust or dirt on leather surfaces immediately.
●Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Park
the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.
●Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or that contain wax on the upholstery, as
they may stick to the leather surface if the vehicle interior heats up significantly.
■Water on the floor
Do not wash the vehicle floor with water.
Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes into
contact with electrical components under the floor of the vehicle, and may also
cause the body to rust.
■Cleaning the inside of the rear window
Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires or antenna.

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4-2. Maintenance
Maintenance requirements
■Repair and replacement
It is recommended that genuine Lexus parts be used for repair to ensure perfor-
mance of each system. If non-Lexus parts are used in replacement or if a repair
shop other than a Lexus dealer performs repairs, confirm the warranty coverage.
To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and regular main-
tenance is essential. It is the owner’s responsibility to perform regular
checks. Lexus recommends the following maintenance.
■General maintenance
Should be performed on a daily ba sis. This can be done by yourself
or by a Lexus dealer.
■ Scheduled maintenance
Should be performed at specified intervals according to the mainte-
nance schedule.
For details about maintenance items and schedules, refer to the “War-
ranty and Services Guide/Owner’s Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenance”.
■Do-it-yourself maintenance
You can perform some maintenance procedures yourself.
Please be aware that do-it-yourself maintenance may affect war-
ranty coverage.
The use of Lexus Repair Manuals is recommended.
For details about warranty coverage, see the separate “Owner’s Guide”,
“Warranty and Services Guide”, “Owner’s Manual Supplement” or
“Warranty Booklet”.

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■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 lat-
est service information. They are well informed about the operations of all sys-
tems on your vehicle.
●Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has been per-
formed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise while your vehi-
cle is under warranty, your Lexus dealer will promptly take care of it.
CAUTION
■Warning in handling of battery
●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.
●Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after han-
dling. (→P. 3 2 7 )

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4-2. Maintenance
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General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
12-volt batteryMaintenance-free. (→P. 3 2 7 )
Brake fluidAt the correct level? ( →P. 3 2 5 )
Engine/power control unit coolantAt the correct level? ( →P. 3 2 3 )
Engine oilAt the correct level? ( →P. 3 1 8 )
Exhaust systemNo fumes or strange sounds?
Radiator/condenser/hosesNot blocked with foreign matter?
(→ P. 3 2 5 )
Wa s h e r f l u i dAt the correct level? ( →P. 3 2 9 )
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed
at the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Services Guide” or
“Owner’s Manual Supplement”. It is recommended that any problem you
notice should be brought to the attent ion of your Lexus dealer or qualified
service shop for advice.

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Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• Moves smoothly (without uneven pedal effort or catching)?
Transmission “Park” mechanism
• Can the vehicle be hold securely on an incline with the shift lever in
P?
Brake pedal
• Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clearance and correct amount of free play?
Brakes
• Not pull to one side when applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints• Move smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers•Function properly?
Lights
• Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly? (→ P. 364)
Pa r k i n g b r a ke
• Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on
an incline?
Seat belts
• Does the seat belt system operate smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats• Do the seat controls operate prop- erly?

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4-2. Maintenance
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Vehicle exterior
ItemsCheck points
Steering wheel
• Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?
ItemsCheck points
Door• Operate smoothly?
Engine hood• The lock system works properly?
Fluid leaks• Is there any leakage after parking?
Ti r e
• Inflation pressure is correct?
• Tire surfaces not worn or dam-aged?
• Tires rotated according to the maintenance schedule?
• Wheel nuts are not loose?
CAUTION
■If the hybrid system is running
Turn the hybrid system off and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before per-
forming maintenance checks.

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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. Cont act 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 du ring 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 prepare the vehicle for re-testing.

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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.
ItemsParts and tools
12-volt battery condition ( →P. 3 2 7)
•Grease
•Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level (→ P. 3 2 5 )
Engine/power control unit coolant
level (→ P. 3 2 3 )
• “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)