2008 LEXUS RX400H coolant level

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2-5. Driving information
RX400h_U
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
■Pre-winter preparations
● Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
• Have a service technician inspect the level and specific gravity
of battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
●Tire pressure falls in winter as the outside temperature falls. Add
2.9 to 4.3 psi (20 to 30 kPa, 0.2 to 0.3 kgf/cm2 or bar) to the
standard tire inflation pressure.

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4-2. Maintenance
RX400h_U
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.

310
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
RX400h_U
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
4
Maintenance and care
RX400h_U
CoolantThe coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the FULL and LOW lines
on the reservoir when the hybrid system is cold. Engine coolant reservoir Reser voir cap
Full (upper line)
Low (lower line)
If the level is on or below the LOW
line, add coolant up to the FULL
line.
Power control unit coolant reservoir

324
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX400h_U
■If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, reservoir cap, radiator cap, drain cock and water
pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Lexus dealer pressure test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
■Coolant selection
Only use Toyota Super Long Life Coolant or similar high quality ethylene glycol
based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with long-life
hybrid organic acid technology.U.S.A.: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. (Enabled: -31 °F [-35 °C])
Canada: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized water. (Enabled: -44 °F [-42 °C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■When the coolant may be hot
Do not remove the radiator cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the cap is
removed, causing burns or other injuries.
NOTICE
■When adding the coolant
Coolant is neither plain water not straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of water
and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion protection
and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
■If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it damaging parts or paint.

5
When trouble arises
385
5-1. Essential information
RX400h_U
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably needs
adjustment or repair. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
■Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points
higher than normal
■ Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system
■ Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, sp ongy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX400h_U
If your vehicle overheats
■Electric motor (traction motor) and inverter
If the message WATER TEMP is displayed on the multi-information
display.
■ Gasoline engine
If the needle of the engine coolant temperature gauge enters the
red zone, the gasoline engine has probably overheated.
Observe the following steps:
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the automatic air
conditioning system.
Check to see if steam is coming out from under the hood.
If you see steam: Stop the hybrid system. Carefully lift the hood after the
steam subsides and then restart the hybrid system.
If you do not see steam: Leave the hybrid system running and carefully lift the hood.
Check to see if the cooling fan is operating.
If the fan is operating: Wait until the temperature of the engine (shown on the
instrument cluste r) begins to fall and then stop the hybrid
system.
If the fan is not operating: Stop the hybrid system immediately and call your local
Lexus dealer.
After the hybrid system has
cooled down sufficiently, check
the engine coolant level and
inspect the radiator core (radia-
tor) for any leaks.
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