2012 Lexus GS250 battery

6536-2. Maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
CAUTION
If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and
possible death or serious injury.
Handling of the battery
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after
handling.
(P. 667)

6546-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the cor-
rect procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition (P. 667)
•Warm water
• Baking soda
•Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
• Distilled water
Engine coolant level (P. 665)
•“To y o t a Super Long Life Cool-
ant” or a similar high quality eth-
ylene glycol-based non-silicate,
non-amine, non-nitrite and non-
borate coolant with long-life
hybrid organic acid technology
“Toyota Super Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed with 50% cool-
ant and 50% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding
coolant)
Engine oil level (P. 662)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding
engine oil)
Fuses (P. 700)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original

655 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Light bulbs (P. 722)
• Bulb with same number and watt-
age rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
•Wrench
Radiator and condenser (P. 667)
Tire inflation pressure (P. 691)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Wa s h e r f l u i d (P. 671)
• Water or washer fluid containing
antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding
water or washer fluid)
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
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, 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 and 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.
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces. If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the
affected area with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, consult a doctor.
ItemsParts and tools

6606-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Engine compartment
For right-hand drive vehicles:
The battery and the fuse box in front of the battery are located on the oppo-
site side of the engine compartment.
Fuse boxes (P. 700)
Battery (P. 667)
Engine oil level dipstick
(P. 662)
Engine coolant reservoir
(P. 665)Engine oil filler cap
(P. 663)
Washer fluid tank (P. 671)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser (P. 667)
Radiator (P. 667)1
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5
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667 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign
objects.
If either of the above parts is extremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicle inspected by any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional.
Check the battery as follows.
Caution symbols
The meanings of each caution symbol on the top of the battery
are as follows:
Radiator and condenser
CAUTION
When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause serious
injuries, such as burns.
Battery
No smoking, no naked
flames, no sparksBattery acid
Shield eyesNote operating instruc-
tions
Keep away from chil-
drenExplosive gas

6686-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Battery exterior
Make sure that the 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 battery fluid
Check that the level is between the “UPPER LEVEL” and
“LOWER LEVEL” lines.
“UPPER LEVEL” line
“LOWER LEVEL” line
If the fluid level is at or below
the “LOWER LEVEL” line, add
distilled water.
Adding distilled water
Remove the vent plug.
Add distilled water.
If the “UPPER LEVEL” line
cannot be seen, check the fluid
level by looking directly at the
cell.
Put the vent plug back on and close it securely.
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Low O.K.2
3

669 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Therefore, observe the following before recharging:
If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect
the ground cable.
Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and dis-
connecting the charger cables to the battery.
After recharging/reconnecting the battery
The engine may not start. Follow the procedure below to initialize the sys-
tem.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Open and close any of the doors.
Restart the engine.
Unlocking the doors using the smart entry & start system may not be possi-
ble immediately after reconnecting the battery. If this happens, use the wire-
less remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.
Start the engine with the engine switch in ACCESSORY mode. The engine
may not start with the engine switch turned off. However, the engine will
operate normally from the second attempt.
The engine switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the battery is recon-
nected, the vehicle will return the engine switch mode to the status it was in
before the battery was disconnected. Make sure to turn off the engine before
disconnect the battery. Take extra care when connecting the battery if the
engine switch mode prior to discharge is unknown.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact any autho-
rized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.
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6706-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
CAUTION
Chemicals in the battery
Batteries contain poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce
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 battery:
Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.
Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.
Keep children away from the battery.
Where to safely charge the battery
Always charge the battery in an open area. Do not charge the battery in a
garage or closed room where there is insufficient ventilation.
Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.
If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.
If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the
clothing and follow the procedure above if necessary.
If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.