2013 Lexus IS300h Owner's Manual

4437-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
Used engine oil
Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause
skin disorders such as inflammation and skin cancer, so care should be taken
to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used engine oil from
your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do not
dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the
ground.
Call any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional, service station or auto parts store for information con-
cerning recycling or disposal.
Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
When replacing the engine oil
Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

4447-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Engine coolant reservoir
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the hybrid system is cold.
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to
the “FULL” line. (P. 555)
Power control unit coolant reservoir
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir when the hybrid system is cold.
Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” line
If the level is on or below the “L”
line, add coolant up to the “F”
line.
(P. 555)
Coolant
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4457-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -35C [-31F])
For more details about coolant, contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer,
or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiators, hoses, engine/power control unit coolant reservoir
caps, drain cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional, test the cap and check for leaks
in the cooling system.
CAUTION
When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the engine/power control unit coolant reservoir caps or water
filler cap. (P. 558)
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the cap
is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion pro-
tection 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 from damaging parts or paint.

4467-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Check the radiators 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.
If any washer does not work or the
warning message appears on the
multi-information display, the
washer tank may be empty. Add
washer fluid.
Radiators and condenser
CAUTION
When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiators or condenser as they may be hot and cause serious
injuries, such as burns.
Washer fluid
CAUTION
When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the hybrid system is hot or operating as washer
fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.
NOTICE
Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces.
Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid bottle.

4477-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
The 12-volt battery is located on the
left-hand side of luggage compart-
ment.
Remove the 12-volt battery cover.
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
12-volt battery
Location
Removing the 12-volt battery cover
Exterior
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4487-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
The meanings of each caution symbol on the top of the 12-volt battery are
as follows:
Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Therefore, observe the following precautions 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.
After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
The hybrid system may not start. Follow the procedure below to initialize the
system.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Open and close any of the doors.
Restart the hybrid system.
Unlocking the doors using the smart entry & start system may not be possible
immediately after reconnecting the 12-volt battery. If this happens, use the
wireless remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.
Start the hybrid system with the power switch in ACCESSORY mode. The
hybrid system may not start with the power switch turned off. However, the
hybrid system will operate normally from the second attempt.
The power switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the 12-volt battery is
reconnected, the vehicle will return the power switch mode to the status it was
in before the 12-volt battery was disconnected. Make sure to turn off the power
switch before disconnecting the 12-volt battery. Take extra care when connect-
ing the 12-volt battery if the power switch mode prior to the 12-volt battery
being disconnected is unknown.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts at all the methods above,
contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
Caution symbols
No smoking, no naked
flames, no sparks12-volt battery acid
Shield eyesNote operating instruc-
tions
Keep away from childrenExplosive gas
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4497-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains 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 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 safely charge the 12-volt battery
Always charge the 12-volt battery in an open area. Do not charge the 12-volt
battery in a garage or closed room where there is insufficient ventilation.
How to recharge the 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (4 A — 5 A). 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
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.
When replacing the 12-volt battery
Use a 12-volt battery designed for this vehicle. Failure to do so may cause gas
(hydrogen) to enter the passenger compartment, causing a fire or explosion.
For replacement of the 12-volt battery, contact any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
NOTICE
When recharging the 12-volt battery
Never recharge the 12-volt battery while the hybrid system is operating. Also,
be sure all accessories are turned off.

4507-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
New tread
Treadwear indicator
Wo r n t r e a d
The location of treadwear indicators
is shown by the “TWI” or “”
marks, etc., molded on the sidewall
of each tire.
Check spare tire condition and pres-
sure if not rotated.
Rotate the tires in the order shown.
To equalize tire wear and help extend tire life, Lexus recommends that
tire rotation is carried out approximately every 10000 km (6000 miles).
Do not fail to initialize the tire pressure warning system after tire rotation.
Tires
Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance schedules and
treadwear.
Checking tires
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Tire rotation
Vehicles with front and rear tires
of the same sizeVehicles with front and rear
tires of differing sizes
FrontFront