2013 Lexus IS300h check engine

TABLE OF CONTENTS6
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
7-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle exterior.......... 426
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle interior .......... 430
7-2. Maintenance
Maintenance
requirements.................... 433
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service
precautions ...................... 435
Hood .................................. 437
Positioning a floor jack ..... 438
Engine compartment ......... 439
12-volt battery ................... 447
Tires................................... 450
Replacing the tire .............. 460
Tire inflation pressure ....... 466
Wheels............................... 468
Air conditioning filter ....... 470
Electronic key battery ....... 472
Checking and replacing
fuses ................................ 475
Light bulbs ........................ 4798-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers ........... 498
If your vehicle has to be
stopped in an
emergency ....................... 499
8-2. Steps to take in an
emergency
If your vehicle needs to
be towed .......................... 500
If you think something
is wrong........................... 506
If a warning light turns
on or a warning buzzer
sounds ............................. 507
If a warning message is
displayed ......................... 513
If you have a flat tire
(vehicles without
run-flat tires) ................... 530
If you have a flat tire
(vehicles with
run-flat tires) ................... 544
If the hybrid system will
not start............................ 545
If the shift lever cannot
be shifted from P ............. 547
7Maintenance and care8When trouble arises

15Pictorial index
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Windshield wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 235
Precautions against winter season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 311
To prevent freezing (windshield wiper de-icer)
*1 . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 405
Precautions against car wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 428
Fuel filler door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 241
Refueling method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 241
Fuel type/fuel tank capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 564
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 450
Tire size/inflation pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 570
Winter tires/tire chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 311
Checking/rotation/tire pressure warning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 450
Coping with flat tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 530, 544
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 437
Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 437
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 565
Coping with overheat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 555
Warning messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 515
Headlights/front position lights/daytime running lights . . . . . . P. 226
Front fog lights
*1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 233
Turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 222
Tail lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 226
Stop lights
Emergency brake signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 287
License plate lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 226
Rear fog light
*3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 233
Back up light
*2
Shifting the shift lever to R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 216
Rear fog light*2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 233
Back up light
*3
Shifting the shift lever to R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 216
4
5
6
7
Light bulbs of the exterior lights for driving
(Replacing method: P. 479, Watts: P. 572)
*1: If equipped
*2: Left-hand drive vehicles
*3: Right-hand drive vehicles
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

1152. Instrument cluster
2
Instrument cluster
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Tachometer
Hybrid System Indicator switches to the tachometer when driving mode is in
sport mode.
The settings of the tachometer display can be changed on the multi-information
display. (P. 1 1 9 )
Engine speed
On hybrid vehicles, engine speed is precisely controlled in order to help improve
fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions etc.
There are times when the engine speed that is displayed may differ even when
vehicle operation and driving conditions are the same.
Outside temperature display
In the following situations, the correct outside temperature may not be displayed,
or the display may take longer than normal to change.
When stopped, or driving at low speeds (less than 20 km/h [12 mph])
When the outside temperature has changed suddenly (at the entrance/exit of a
garage, tunnel, etc.)
Pop-up display
In some situations, such as when a switch operation is performed, a pop-up dis-
play, such as the operating methods of the headlight switch, will be temporarily
displayed on the multi-information display or the odometer/trip meter screen (F
SPORT models only).
The pop-up display function can be set on/off. (P. 119)
Liquid crystal display
Small spots or light spots may appear on the display. This phenomenon is charac-
teristic of liquid crystal displays, and there is no problem continuing to use the
display.
Customization
The meter display can be customized on the multi-information display. (P.
116)
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the engine and its components
Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which
indicates the maximum engine speed.
The engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is in
the red zone (H). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place, and
check the engine after it has cooled completely. (P. 555)

1954-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the hybrid system
operating. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
When driving the vehicle
Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accelera-
tor pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal
will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a difficulty
in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle
only slightly. This allows you to depress the brake and accelerator pedals
properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal
using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, resulting in an
accident.
The driver should pay extra attention to pedestrians when the vehicle is pow-
ered only by the electric motor (traction motor). As there is no engine noise,
the pedestrians may misjudge the vehicle’s movement.
Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. These hot parts
may cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.
During normal driving, do not turn off the hybrid system. Turning the hybrid
system off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but
the power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult
to steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is
safe to do so.
However, in the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to
stop the vehicle in the normal way: P. 499
Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving down a
steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. (P. 216)
Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or out-
side rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control.
Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body are
not outside the vehicle.

1964-1. Before driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and reduce
your ability to control the vehicle.
Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shift changing, or changes in
engine speed could cause the vehicle to skid.
After driving through a puddle, depress the brake pedal to make sure that the
brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent the brakes from
functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet and not function-
ing properly, steering control may be affected.
When shifting the shift lever
Do not let the vehicle roll backward while the shift lever is in D or S, or roll
forward while the shift lever is in R.
Doing so may result in an accident or damage to the vehicle.
Do not shift the shift lever to P while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.
Do not shift the shift lever to R while the vehicle is moving forward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.
Do not shift the shift lever to D while the vehicle is moving backward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.
Shifting the shift lever to N while the vehicle is moving will disengage the
hybrid system. Engine braking is not available when N is selected.
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
Shifting the shift lever to a gear other than P or N may lead to unexpected
rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an accident and result in
death or serious injury.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear indicators)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as soon as possi-
ble.
Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
Moderate levels of brake pad and disc wear allow enhanced braking power. As
a result, the discs may wear more quickly than conventional brake discs. There-
fore, when replacing the brake pads, Lexus recommends that you also have the
thickness of the discs measured.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads and/
or those of the brake discs are exceeded.

1994-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
NOTICE
When driving the vehicle
Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during driv-
ing, as this may restrain driving torque.
Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake pedals at
the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.
When parking the vehicle
Always shift the shift lever to P. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to move
or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is accidentally
depressed.
Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for an
extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.
The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire (P. 530, 544)
When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle:
Engine stalling
Short in electrical components
Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure
to have any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional check the following:
Brake function
Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, hybrid
transmission, differential, etc.
Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints
(where possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

2074-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong
crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by
passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind when moving
alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle movement occurs,
immediately start to decelerate smoothly by slowly applying the
brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while braking.
Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before execut-
ing lane changes.
Transmission information
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine braking
when driving on a long steep downward grade, do not use the transmis-
sion in D. The vehicle must be driven in gear shift position “4” in S
mode. (P. 219)
If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures exceed-
ing 30C (85F) may result in the engine overheating. If the engine
coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is overheating, turn
the air conditioning off immediately, leave the road and stop the vehi-
cle in a safe place.
(P. 555)
When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle and
trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P.

3104-6. Driving tips
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help
reduce excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recirculated
air mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air condition-
ing system and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out
until it and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will consume fuel.
Fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of the heater.
Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper tire
inflation pressure can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on dry
roads can lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appropriate for
the season.
Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage can lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack can also cause poor
fuel economy.
Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically when
cold, warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, frequently
driving short distances will cause the engine to repeatedly warm up,
which can lead to excess fuel consumption.