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7
Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct proce-
dure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
12-volt battery con-
dition (
→P. 4 6 3 )•Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Engine/power con-
trol unit coolant level
(→ P. 4 6 0 )
• “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 pre-mixed with 50%
coolant and 50% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)
Engine oil level
(→ P. 4 5 6 )
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( →P. 4 9 1 )• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs
(→ P. 4 9 5 )
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver•Flathead screwdriver
•Wrench
Radiators and con-
denser ( →P. 4 6 2 )
Tire inflation pres-
sure ( →P. 4 8 2 )• Tire pressure gauge• Compressed air source
Wa s h e r f l u i d
(→ P. 4 6 2 )• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)
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4527-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
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
●Make sure that the “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” on the multi-information
display and the “READY” indicator are both off.
●Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
●Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, 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. Fuel fumes are flamma-
ble.
●Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted sur-
faces. 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.
■When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, the elec tric cooling fans may automatically start to
run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. ( →P. 4 6 2 )
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or fallin g material, fluid spray, etc. from getting in
your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt
in the air.
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads wear or when
the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.
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4537-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
Pull the hood lock release lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Pull up the auxiliary catch lever and
lift the hood.
Hood
Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.
1
2
CAUTION
■Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked.
If the hood is not locked properly, it may open while the vehicle is in motion and cause
an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.
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4657-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
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). Th e 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 fol-
low the procedure above if necessary.
●If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk . Get emergency medical attention immedi-
ately.
■When replacing the 12-volt battery
Use a 12-volt battery designed for this vehicle. Failure to do so may cause gas (hydro-
gen) 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.
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4687-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
Your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that uses tire pres-
sure warning valves and transmitters to detect low tire inflation pressure before
serious problems arise.
If the tire pressure drops below a predetermined level, the driver is warned by a
warning light. ( →P. 5 2 3 )
◆Installing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When replacing tires or wheels, tire pr essure warning valves and transmitters
must also be installed.
When new tire pressure warning valves and transmitters are installed, new ID
codes must be registered in the tire pressure warning computer and the tire
pressure warning system must be initialized. Have tire pressure warning valve
and transmitter ID codes registered by any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional. ( →P. 4 6 9 )
◆Initializing the tire pressure warning system
■The tire pressure warning system must be initialized in the following circum-
stances:
●When rotating the tires.
●When the tire inflation pressure is changed such as when changing travel-
ing speed or load weight.
●When changing the tire size.
When the tire pressure warning system is initialized, the current tire inflation
pressure is set as the benchmark pressure.
Tire pressure warning system
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4697-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
■How to initialize the tire pressure warning systemPark the vehicle in a safe place and turn the power switch off.
Initialization cannot be performe d while the vehicle is moving.
Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure
level. (→P. 5 8 6 )
Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure
level. The tire pressure warning system will operate based on this pressure level.
Turn the power switch to ON mode.
Press and hold the tire pressure
warning reset switch until the tire
pressure warning light blinks
slowly 3 times.
Wait for a few minutes with the power switch in ON mode and then turn
the power switch off.
◆Registering ID codes
The tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is equipped with a unique ID
code. When replacing a tire pressure wa rning valve and transmitter, it is nec-
essary to register the ID code. Have the ID code registered by any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
1
2
3
4
5
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4707-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
■When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:
●The treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.
●You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to expose the fabric, and
bulges indicating internal damage
●A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the size or location of
a cut or other damage
If you are not sure, consult any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qual-
ified and equipped professional.
■Replacing tires and wheels
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not registered, the tire
pressure warning system will not work properly. After driving for about 10 minutes, the
tire pressure warning light blinks for 1 minute and stays on to indicate a system malfunc-
tion.
■Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if it has seldom
or never been used or damage is not obvious.
■Routine tire inflation pressure checks
The tire pressure warning system does not replace routine tire inflation pressure checks.
Make sure to check tire inflation pressure as part of your routine of daily vehicle checks.
■Low profile tires (except 16-inch tires)
Generally, low profile tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip performance will be
reduced on snowy and/or icy roads when compared to standard tires. Be sure to use
snow tires or tire chains
* on snowy and/or icy roads and drive carefully at a speed appro-
priate for road and weather conditions.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on the 18-inch tires. Snow tires should be used instead.
■If the tread on snow tires wears down below 4 mm (0.16 in.)
The effectiveness of the tire s as snow tires is lost.
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4727-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
■When initialization of the tire pressure warning system has failed
Initialization can be completed in a few minutes. However, in the following cases, the set-
tings have not been recorded and the syst em will not operate properly. If repeated
attempts to record tire inflation pressure settings are unsuccessful, have the vehicle
inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
●When operating the tire pressure warning reset switch, the tire pressure warning light
does not blink 3 times.
●After carrying out the initializat ion procedure, the tire pressure warning light blinks for 1
minute then stays on after driving for 20 minutes.
■Registering ID codes
The ID codes of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitters for two sets of wheels
can be registered.
It is not necessary to register the ID codes when replacing normal tires with snow tires, if
the ID codes for the wheels of both normal tires and snow tires are registered before-
hand.
For information about changing ID codes, ask any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer,
or another duly qualified and equipped professional.