2008 LEXUS RX400H jump start

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1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
RX400h_U
■Regenerative braking
The motor generator converts kinetic energy to electric energy when:
●The accelerator pedal is released.
●The brake pedal is depressed with the shift lever in D.
■Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop auto-
matically in the following conditions:
●During gasoline engine warm-up
●During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
●During low or high hybrid battery (traction battery) temperature
■Charging the battery
●As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery
does not need to be charged from an outside source. However, if the vehicle is
left parked for a long time the hybrid battery will slowly discharge. For this rea-
son, be sure to drive the vehicle at least once every several months for at least
30 minutes or 10 miles (16 km). If the hybrid battery becomes fully discharged
and you are unable to jump-start the vehicle with the battery, contact your
Lexus dealer.
●If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be charged.
When driving in heavy traffic, operate the vehicle with the shift lever in D to
avoid discharging the battery.
■During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor
(traction motor) charges the hybrid battery as necessary.
■ When accelerating sharply
The power of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is added via elec-
tric motor (traction motor) to that of the gasoline engine.
■ When braking (regenerative brake)
The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery
(traction battery).

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When trouble arises
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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX400h_U
If the 12-volt battery is discharged
The following procedures may be used to start the hybrid system if the vehi-
cle’s battery is discharged.
You can call your Lexus dealer, or qualified repair shop.
If you have a set of jumper (or booster) cables and a second vehicle
with a 12-volt battery, you can jump start your Lexus following the steps
below.Remove the engine compartment cover.
(→ P. 3 1 7 )
Connecting the jumper cables.
If required, remove all vent plugs from the booster battery. Lay a
cloth over the open vents on the booster battery. (This helps reduce
the explosion hazard, personal injuries and burns.)
Positive (+) battery terminal on your vehicle
Positive (+) battery terminal on the second vehicle
Negative (-) battery terminal on the second vehicle
Connect the jumper cable to ground on your vehicle as shown in the
illustration. Start the hybrid system of the second vehicle. Increase the gas-
oline engine speed slightly and maintain at that level for
approximately 5 minutes to recharge the battery of your vehi-
cle.
Maintain the gasoline engine speed on the second vehicle and
start the vehicle’s hybrid system.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX400h_U
■Starting the hybrid system when the 12-volt battery is discharged
The hybrid system cannot be started by push-starting.
■Avoiding a discharged battery
●Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the hybrid system is turned off.
●Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is running at a
low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic, etc.
■After recharging the 12-volt battery
(→ P. 3 2 8 )
■When the battery is removed or discharged
The power windows, power back door and moon roof must be initialized.
(→ P. 4 6 2 )
CAUTION
■Avoiding battery fires or explosions
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidentally igniting the flammable
gas that may be emitted from the battery.
●Make sure the jumper cable is connected to the correct terminal and that it is not
unintentionally in contact with any part other than the intended terminal.
●Do not allow the jumper cables to come into contact with the “+” and “-” termi-
nals.
●Do not allow open flame or use matches, cigarette lighters or smoke near the
battery.
Once the vehicle’s hybrid system has started, remove the
jumper cables in the exact reverse order in which they were
connected.
Once the hybrid system starts, have the vehicle checked at your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible.STEP5