2013 Lexus ES300h Start

8117-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
7
When trouble arises
■Starting the hybrid system when the 12-volt battery is discharged
The hybrid system cannot be started by push-starting.
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
●Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the hybrid system is 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.
■Charging the 12-volt battery
The electricity stored in the 12-volt battery will discharge gradually even when the
vehicle is not in use, due to natural discharge and the draining effects of certain elec-
trical appliances. If the vehicle is left for a long time, the 12-volt battery may dis-
charge, and the hybrid system may be unable to start. (The 12-volt battery recharges
automatically while the hybrid system is operating.)
■When recharging or replacing the 12-volt battery
●Make sure the key is not inside the vehicl e when recharging or replacing the 12-volt
battery to prevent the doors from being locked with the key left inside the vehicle
when the alarm operates.
●In some cases, it may not be possible to unlock the doors using the smart access
system with push-button start when the 12-volt battery is discharged. Use the wire-
less remote control or the mechanical key to lock or unlock the doors.
●The hybrid system may not start on the fir st attempt after the 12-volt battery has
recharged but will start normally after the second attempt. This is not a malfunction.
●The “POWER” switch mode is memorized by the vehicle. When the 12-volt battery
is reconnected, the system will return to the mode it was in before the 12-volt bat-
tery was discharged. Before disconnectin g the 12-volt battery, turn the “POWER”
switch off.
If you are unsure what mode the “POWER” switch was in before the 12-volt battery
discharged, be especially careful when reconnecting the 12-volt battery.

8147-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
Add coolant if necessary.
Water can be used in an emergency if
coolant is unavailable.
Start the engine and turn the air conditioning system on to check that
the radiator cooling fan operates and to chec k for coolant leaks from
the radiator or hoses.
The fan operates when the air conditioning system is turned on immediately after
a cold start. Confirm that the fan is operating by checking the fan sound and air
flow. If it is difficult to check these, tu rn the air conditioning system on and off
repeatedly.
(The fan may not operate in freezing temperatures.)
If the fan is not operating:
Stop the engine immediately and contact your Lexus dealer.
If the fan is operating:
Have the vehicle inspected at the nearest Lexus dealer.
5
CAUTION
■When inspecting under the hood of your vehicle
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in serious injury such as burns.
●If steam is seen coming from under the hood, do not open the hood until the
steam has subsided. The engine compartment may be very hot.
●Keep hands and clothing (especially a tie, a scarf or a muffler) away from the fan
and belts. Failure to do so may cause the hands or clothing to be caught, resulting
in serious injury.
●Do not loosen the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are hot.
High temperature steam or coolant could spray out.
6
7

8177-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
7
When trouble arises
The coolant level is satisfactory
if it is between the “FULL” and
“LOW” line on the reservoir.Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
Add coolant if necessary.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency if coolant is unavailable.
Start the hybrid system and turn the air conditioning system on to
check that the radiator cooling fan operates and to check for coolant
leaks from the radiator or hoses.
The fan operates when the air conditioning system is turned on immediately
after a cold start. Confirm that the fan is operating by checking the fan sound
and air flow. If it is difficult to check these, turn the air conditioning system on
and off repeatedly.
(The fan may not operate in freezing temperatures.)
If the fan is not operating:
Stop the hybrid system immediately and contact your Lexus dealer.
If the fan is operating:
Have the vehicle inspected at the nearest Lexus dealer.
4
1
2
3
5
6
7

8187-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
■If “Hybrid System Overheat” is shown on the multi-information dis-
play
Stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Stop the hybrid system and carefully lift the hood.
After the hybrid system has
cooled down, inspect the
hoses and radiator core (radia-
tor) for any leaks.
The coolant level is satisfactory
if it is between the “FULL” and
“LOW” line on the reservoir.Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
Add coolant if necessary.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency if coolant is unavailable.
Start the hybrid system and check fo r the multi-information display.
If the message does not disappear:
Stop the hybrid system and contact your Lexus dealer.
If the message is not displayed:
Have the vehicle inspected at the nearest Lexus dealer.
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
5
6

8197-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
7
When trouble arises
CAUTION
■When inspecting under the hood of your vehicle
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in serious injury such as burns.
●If steam is seen coming from under the hood, do not open the hood until the
steam has subsided. The engine compartment may be very hot.
●Check that the indicator on the “POWER ” switch and the “READY” indicator are
off.
●On hybrid vehicles, the gasoline engine may automatically start, or the cooling
fan may suddenly operate even if the gasoline engine stops. Do not touch or
approach rotating parts such as the fan, which may lead to fingers or clothing
(especially a tie, a scarf or a muffler) getting caught, resulting in serious injury.
●Do not loosen the radiator cap while th e hybrid system and radiator are hot.
High temperature steam or coolant could spray out.
NOTICE
■When adding engine/power control unit coolant
Add coolant slowly after the hybrid syst em has cooled down sufficiently. Adding
cool coolant to a hot hybrid system too quickly can cause da mage to the hybrid
system.
■To prevent damage to the cooling system
Observe the following precautions:
●Avoid contaminating the coolant with foreign matter (such as sand or dust etc.).
●Do not use commercially available coolant additives.

820
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the vehicle becomes stuck
Stop the engine . Set the parking brake and shift the
shift lever to P.
Remove the mud, snow or sand from around the front wheels.
Place wood, stones or some other material under the front wheels to
help provide traction.
Restart the engine .
Shift the shift lever to D or R and release the parking brake. Then, while
exercising caution, depress the accelerator pedal.
■When it is difficult to free the vehicle
Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle
becomes stuck in mud, dirt or snow:
Press to turn off TRAC.
1
2
3
4
5

830
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
8-1. Specifications
■Engine oil selection
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is used in your Lexus vehicle. Use Lexus
approved “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent to satisfy the fol-
lowing grade and viscosity.
Oil grade: ILSAC GF-5 multigrade engine oil
Recommended viscosity: SAE 0W-20
SAE 0W-20 is the best choice
for good fuel economy and good
starting in cold weather.
If SAE 0W-20 is not available,
SAE 5W-20 oil may be used.
However, it must be replaced
with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil
change.
Oil viscosity (0W-20 is expl ained here as an example):
• The 0W in 0W-20 indicates the ch aracteristic of the oil which allows
cold startability. Oils with a lower value before the W allow for easier
starting of the engine in cold weather.
• The 20 in 0W-20 indicates the visc osity characteristic of the oil
when the oil is at high temperature. An oil with a higher viscosity (one
with a higher value) may be better su ited if the vehicle is operated at
high speeds, or under extreme load conditions.
How to read oil container label:
The ILSAC (International Lubri-
cant Standardization and
Approval Committee) Certifica-
tion Mark is added to some oil
containers to help you select the
oil you should use.
Outside temperature

ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
8398-1. Specifications
8
Vehicle specifications
■Non-recommendation of the use of gasoline containing MMT
Some gasoline contains an octane enhanc ing additive called MMT (Methylcyclo-
pentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl).
Lexus does not recommend the use of gasoli ne that contains MMT. If fuel containing
MMT is used, your emission control system may be adversely affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp on the instrument cluster may come on. If this hap-
pens, contact your Lexus dealer for service.
■If your engine knocks
●Consult your Lexus dealer.
●You may occasionally notice light knocking for a short time while accelerating or
driving uphill. This is normal and there is no need for concern.
NOTICE
■Notice on fuel quality
●Do not use improper fuels. If improper fuels are used, the engine will be dam-
aged.
●Do not use leaded gasoline.
Leaded gasoline can cause damage to your vehicle’s three-way catalytic convert-
ers causing the emission control system to malfunction.
●Do not use gasohol other than the type previously stated.
Other gasohol may cause fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems.
●Using unleaded gasoline with an octane number or rating lower than the level
previously stated will cause persistent heavy knocking.
At worst, this will lead to engine damage.
■Fuel-related poor driveability
If poor driveability is encountered after us ing a different type of fuel (poor hot start-
ing, vaporization, engine knocking, etc.), discontinue the use of that type of fuel.
■When refueling with gasohol
Take care not to spill gasohol. It can damage your vehicle’s paint.