2008 LEXUS RX400H battery

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4-2. Maintenance
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Maintenance and care
RX400h_U
■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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4-2. Maintenance
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Maintenance and care
RX400h_U
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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RX400h_U
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)

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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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:
■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, inverter, 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 or the battery. Fuel
and battery fumes are flammable.
●Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and
corrosive sulfuric acid.
●Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts, cables and
their connectors. It can cause severe burns or electric shock that may result in
death or serious injury.
●When the hybrid system is operating with the READY light on, the engine may
suddenly start in some cases. When you inspect the engine compartment, be
sure to turn off the hybrid system.
■When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the engine switch is off.
With the engine switch on, the electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if
the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. (→P. 3 2 5 )
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting
in the eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner:
Driving with the air filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt in
the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compartment.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Engine compartment
Brake fluid reservoir(→P. 325)
Engine oil level dipstick (→P. 318)
Engine oil filler cap (→P. 318)
Power control unit coolant
reservoir ( →P. 323)
Fuse boxes ( →P. 352)Engine coolant radiator
(→P. 325)
Condenser ( →P. 325)
Power control unit coolant
radiator ( →P. 325)
Electric cooling fans
Engine coolant reservoir (→P. 323)
12-volt battery ( →P. 327)
Washer fluid tank (→P. 329)

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
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12-volt batteryCheck the 12-volt battery as follows.
■ 12-volt battery exterior
Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded and that
there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Te r m i n a l s
Hold-down clamp
■ Checking the 12-volt battery condition
Check the 12-volt battery condition using the indicator color.
Blue: Good condition
White: Charging is necessary.
Have the vehicle inspected by
your Lexus dealer.
Red: Not working properly,
have the 12-volt battery
checked by your Lexus dealer.
■Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Therefore, before recharging:
●If recharging with the 12-volt battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to discon-
nect the ground cable.
●Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and discon-
necting the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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■After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
In some cases, the hybrid system may not start. If this happens, follow the procedure
below. (If the system does not start first time, repeat the procedure.)
Turn the hybrid system off. Open and close the driver's door, and turn the hybrid
system on.
If the system will not start even after repeating the procedure, contact your Lexus
dealer.
CAUTION
■Chemicals in the 12-volt battery:
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may pro-
duce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death or
serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or near the 12-volt
battery:
●Do not cause sparks by touching the 12-volt battery terminals with tools.
●Do not smoke or light a match near the 12-volt battery.
●Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
●Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
●Wear protective safety glasses when working near the 12-volt battery.
●Keep children away from the 12-volt battery.
■Where to safety charge the 12-volt battery
Always charge the 12-volt battery in an open area. Do not charge the 12-volt bat-
tery in a garage or closed room where there is not sufficient ventilation.
■How to recharge the 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The 12-volt battery may explode if
charged at a quicker rate.
■Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
●If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immediate medi-
cal attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or cloth while
traveling to the nearest medical facility.