4726-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
*: 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
4926-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
■Situations in which the tire pressure warning system may not operate properly
●In the following cases, the tire pressure warning system may not operate properly.
• If non-genuine Lexus wheels are used.
• A tire has been replaced with a tire that is not an OE (Original Equipment) tire.
• A tire has been replaced with a tire that is not of the specified size.
• Tire chains etc. are equipped.
• If a window tint that affects th e radio wave signals is installed.
• If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehi cle, particularly around the wheels or wheel
housings.
• If the tire inflation pressure is extr emely higher than the specified level.
• If wheel without the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is used.
• If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is not registered in the tire pressure warning computer.
●Performance may be affected in the following situations.
• Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large display, air-
port or other facility that generates st rong radio waves or electrical noise.
• When carrying a portable radio, cellular phone, cordless phone or other wireless
communication device.
If tire position information is not correctl y displayed due to the radio wave conditions,
the display may be corrected by driving and changing the radio wave conditions.
●When the vehicle is parked, the time taken for the warning to start or go off could be
extended.
●When tire inflation pressure declines rapidly for example when a tire has burst, the
warning may not function.
■The initialization operation
●Make sure to carry out initialization afte r adjusting the tire inflation pressure.
Also, make sure the tires are cold before carryi ng out initialization or tire inflation pres-
sure adjustment.
●If you have accidentally turned the power switch off during initialization, it is not neces-
sary to press the reset switch again as initialization will restart automatically when the
power switch has been turned to ON mode for the next time.
●If you accidentally press the re set switch when initialization is not necessary, adjust the
tire inflation pressure to the specified leve l when the tires are cold, and conduct initial-
ization again.
●While the position of each tire is being de termined and the inflation pressures are not
being displayed on the multi-info rmation display, if the inflation pressure of a tire drops,
the tire pressure warning light will come on.
4956-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
WARNING
■When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause damage to parts of the drive train as well as dangerous han-
dling characteristics, which may lead to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
●Do not mix tires of different makes, models or tread patterns.
Also, do not mix tires of remarkably different treadwear.
●Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Lexus.
●Do not mix differently constructed tires (radial, bias-belted or bias-ply tires).
●Do not mix summer, all season and snow tires.
●Do not use tires that have been used on another vehicle.
Do not use tires if you do not know how they were used previously.
●Do not tow if your vehicle has a compact spare tire installed.
■When initializing the tire pressure warning system
Do not initializing tire inflatio n pressure without first adjusting the tire inflation pressure
to the specified level. Otherwise, the tire pressure warning light may not come on even
if the tire inflation pressure is low, or it may come on when the tire inflation pressure is
actually normal.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves, transmitters and
tire valve caps
●When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters, contact your Lexus dealer as the tire pressure warning valves and trans-
mitters may be damaged if not handled correctly.
●Make sure to install the tire valve caps. If the tire valve caps are not installed, water
could enter the tire pressure warning valves and the tire pressure warning valves
could be bound.
●When replacing tire valve caps, do not use tire valve caps other than those specified.
The cap may become stuck.
■To avoid damage to the tire pressu re warning valves and transmitters
When a tire is repaired with liquid sealants, the tire pressure warning valve and trans-
mitter may not operate properly. If a liquid sealant is used, contact your Lexus dealer or
other qualified service shop as soon as possi ble. Make sure to replace the tire pressure
warning valve and transmitter when replacing the tire. ( P. 488)
■Driving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving on roads with loose surfaces or potholes.
These conditions may cause lo sses in tire inflation pressure, reducing the cushioning
ability of the tires. In addition, driving on rough roads may cause damage to the tires
themselves, as well as the vehicle’s wheels and body.
■If tire inflation pressure of ea ch tire becomes low while driving
Do not continue driving, or your tires and/or wheels may be ruined.
4986-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
■Instructions for checking tire inflation pressure
When checking tire inflation pressure, ob serve the following:
●Check only when the tires are cold.
If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or has not been driven for more than
1 mile or 1.5 km, you will get an accurate cold tire inflation pressure reading.
●Always use a tire pressure gauge.
It is difficult to judge if a tire is properly inflated based only on its appearance.
●It is normal for the tire inflation pressure to be higher after driving as heat is generated
in the tire. Do not reduce tire inflation pressure after driving.
●Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight.
Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehicle is balanced.
WARNING
■Proper inflation is critical to save tire performance
Keep your tires properly inflated.
If the tires are not properly inflated, the following conditions may occur which could
lead to an accident resulting in death or serious injury:
●Excessive wear
●Uneven wear
●Poor handling
●Possibility of blowouts resu lting from overheated tires
●Air leaking from between tire and wheel
●Wheel deformation and/or tire damage
●Greater possibility of tire damage while driving (due to road hazards, expansion
joints, sharp edges in the road, etc.)
NOTICE
■When inspecting and adjust ing tire inflation pressure
Be sure to put the tire valve caps back on.
If a valve cap is not installed, dirt or moisture may get into the valve and cause an air
leak, resulting in decreased tire inflation pressure.
5016-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
Turn the power switch off.
Open the glove box. Slide off the
damper.
Push in the glove box on the vehi-
cle's outer side to disconnect the
claws. Then pull out the glove box
and disconnect the lower claws.
Remove the cover.
Air conditioning filter
The air conditioning filter must be changed regularly to maintain air condi-
tioning efficiency.
Removal method
1
2
3
4
5026-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
Remove the filter cover. Unlock the filter cover.
Move the filter cover in the direc-
tion of the arrow, and then pull it
out of the claws.
Remove the filter case.
There may be foreign objects on top of
the air conditioning filter.
Remove the air conditioning filter
from the filter case and replace it
with a new one.
The “ UP” marks shown on the filter
and the filter case sh ould be pointing up.
■Checking interval
Inspect and replace the air cond itioning filter according to the maintenance schedule. In
dusty areas or areas with heavy traffic fl ow, early replacement may be required. (For
scheduled maintenance informat ion, please refer to the “Owner’s Manual Supplement”
or “Scheduled Maintenance”.)
■If air flow from the vents decreases dramatically
The filter may be clogged. Check the filter and replace if necessary.
■Air conditioning filter with deodorizing function
When fragrances are placed in your vehicle, the deodorizing effect may become signifi-
cantly weakened in a short period.
When an air conditioning odor comes out cont inuously, replace the air conditioning filter.
5
1
2
6
7
5036-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
NOTICE
■When using the air conditioning system
Make sure that a filter is always installed.
Using the air conditioning system without a filter may cause damage to the system.
■To prevent damage to the filter cover
When moving the filter cover in the direction of
arrow to release the fitting, pay attention not to
apply excessive force to the claws. Otherwise,
the claws may be damaged.
5357-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
●Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
●Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points higher than nor-
mal
●Changes in exhaust sound
●Excessive tire squeal when cornering
●Strange noises related to the suspension system
●Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system
●Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly
●Appreciable loss of power
●Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
●Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
●Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touches the floor
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably needs
adjustment or repair. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms