2016 LEXUS RX450H water

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6
Maintenance and care
6-3. 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. 483)•Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
( P. 481)
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine/power con-
trol unit coolant level
( P. 479)
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolan t” 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
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with 50%
coolant and 50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Cool ant” is pre-mixed with 55%
coolant and 45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)
Engine oil level
(  P. 476)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( P. 508)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Headlight aim*
(  P. 511)• Phillips-head screwdriver
Light bulbs
( P. 513)• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as original
• Flathead screwdriver•Wrench
Radiator and con-
denser ( P. 480)
Tire inflation pres-
sure (P. 496)• Tire pressure gauge• Compressed air source

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*: Vehicles with single-beam headlights
Washer fluid
(  P. 482)• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechan isms and fluids that may move suddenly,
become hot, or become electrically energize d. To avoid death or serious injury, observe
the following precautions.
■When working on the engine compartment
●Make sure that the indicator on the po wer switch 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 co ntrol 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.
■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 electric cooling fans may automatically start to
run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. ( P. 480)
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting in
your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner f ilter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt
in the air.
ItemsParts and tools

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■After changing the engine oil
The engine oil maintenance data should be reset. Perform the following procedures:
Select on the multi-information display. ( P. 109)
Press or of the meter control switch, select the “Oil Maintenance” screen and
then press and hold the .
Select the “Yes” and push .
A message is displayed on th e multi-information display.
WARNING
■Used engine oil
●Used engine oil contains potentially harm ful contaminants which may cause skin dis-
orders such as inflammation and skin cance r, so care should be taken to avoid pro-
longed 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 sa fe and acceptable manner. Do not dispose of
used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the ground. Call your Lexus
dealer, service station or auto parts store for information concerning recycling or dis-
posal.
●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.
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Maintenance and care
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The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on
the reservoir when the hybrid system is cold.
■Engine coolant reservoir
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the “LOW”
line, add coolant up to the “FULL”
line. ( P. 574)
■Power control unit coolant reservoir
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the “LOW”
line, add coolant up to the “FULL”
line. ( P. 574)
■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.
U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixt ure of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
(Minimum temperature: -31 F [-35 C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Cool ant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized water.
(Minimum temperature: -44 F [-42C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Lexus dealer.
■If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine/power control unit coolant reservoir caps,
drain cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Lexus de aler test the cap and check for leaks in the
cooling system.
Coolant
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Check the radiator and condenser an d clear away any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts is extremely dirty or you are not sure of their condi-
tion, have your vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
WARNING
■When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the engine/power control unit coolant reservoir caps and radiator cap.
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 protection and cool-
ing. 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.
Radiator and condenser
WARNING
■When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause serious injuries,
such as burns.

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Maintenance and care
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■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines
on the tank.
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary item.
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency. Use
only newly opened brake fluid.
Brake fluid
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel
WARNING
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and 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 di scomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■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 out or
when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent ref illing, there may be a serious problem.

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If none of the washer do not work or the
“Windshield Washer Fluid Low”
appears on the multi-information dis-
play, the washer tank may be empty.
Add washer fluid.
Washer fluid
WARNING
■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.

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Maintenance and care
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●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 before disconnect the 12-
volt battery. Take extra care when connec ting the 12-volt battery if the power switch
mode prior to discharge is unknown.
If the system will not start even after multip le attempts at all methods above, contact your
Lexus dealer.
WARNING
■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 matc h 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 th ere is insufficient ventilation.
■How to recharge the 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). 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 fe el 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 emergenc y medical attention immedi-
ately.
■When handling the 12-volt battery
 P. 572