2017 Lexus GS300h Owner's Manual

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6-1. Maintenance and care
6
Maintenance and care
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
NOTICE
■To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and components (aluminum
wheels etc.)
●Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:

3946-1. Maintenance and care
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Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior
● Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner. Wipe dirty surfaces with a cloth
dampened with lukewarm water.
● If dirt cannot be removed, wipe it off with a soft cloth dampened with neutral
detergent diluted to approximately 1%.
Wring out any excess water from the cloth and thoroughly wipe off remaining
traces of detergent and water.
● Remove dirt using a soft cloth or synthetic chamois dampened in a baking
soda (sodium bicarbonate) solution.
Use a solution of approximately 9% baking soda dissolved in water.
● Wipe the surface with a dry, soft cloth to remove any remaining moisture.
● Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner.
● Wipe off any excess dirt and dust with a soft cloth dampened with diluted
detergent.
Use a diluted water solution of appr oximately 5% neutral wool detergent.
● Wring out any excess water from the cloth and thoroughly wipe off all remain-
ing traces of detergent.
● Wipe the surface with a dry, soft cloth to remove any remaining moisture.
Allow the leather to dry in a shaded and ventilated area.
● Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner.
● Wipe it off with a soft cloth dampened with neutral detergent diluted to
approximately 1%.
● Wring out any excess water from the cloth and thoroughly wipe off remaining
traces of detergent and water.
The following procedures will help prot ect your vehicle’s interior and keep it
in top condition:
Protecting the vehicle interior
Cleaning the areas with satin-finish metal accents
Cleaning the leather areas
Cleaning the synthetic leather areas

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6-1. Maintenance and care
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Maintenance and care
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■Caring for leather areas
Lexus recommends cleaning the interior of the vehicle at least twice a year to maintain
the quality of the vehicle’s interior.
■Shampooing the carpets
There are several commercial foaming-type cleaners available. Use a sponge or brush to
apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not use water. Wipe dirty surfaces and let
them dry. Excellent results are obtained by keeping the carpet as dry as possible.
■Seat belts
Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water using a cloth or sponge. Also check the belts
periodically for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.
■When cleaning the carpeted portions of the glove box, console box, etc.
If a strong adhesive tape is used, there is a possibility that the surface of the carpet could
be damaged.
WARNING
■Water in the vehicle
●Do not splash or spill liquid in the vehicle, such as on the floor, in the hybrid battery
(traction battery) air vents, and in the trunk.
Doing so may cause the hybrid battery, electrical components, etc. to malfunction or
catch fire.
●Do not get any of the SRS components or wiring in the vehicle interior wet. ( P. 44)
An electrical malfunction may cause the airbags to deploy or not function properly,
resulting in death or serious injury.
■Cleaning the interior (especially instrument panel)
Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel may reflect off the wind-
shield, obstructing the driver’s view and leading to an accident, resulting in death or
serious injury.

3966-1. Maintenance and care
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NOTICE
■Cleaning detergents
●Do not use the following types of detergent, as they may discolor the vehicle interior
or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces:

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6-2. Maintenance
Maintenance and care
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
Maintenance requirements
Scheduled maintenance should be performed at specified intervals according to
the maintenance schedule.
For details about maintenance items and sche dules, refer to the “Lexus Service Book-
let” or “Lexus Warranty Booklet”.
What about do-it-yourself maintenance? Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself if you have a little mechanical
ability and a few basic automotive tools.
Note, however, that some maintenance task s require special tools and skills. These
are best performed by qualified technicians. Even if you’re an experienced do-it-your-
self mechanic, we recommend that repairs and maintenance be conducted by any
authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authoriz ed repairer, or any reliable repairer. Any
authorized Lexus retailer or repairer will keep a record of maintenance, which could
be useful should you ever require Warranty Service. Should you choose to select a
qualified and equipped professional other th an an authorized Lexus repairer to ser-
vice or maintain your vehicle, we recommend that you request that a record of main-
tenance be kept.
■Where to go for maintenance service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition, Lexus recommends that
maintenance service operations as well as ot her inspections and repairs be carried out
by authorized Lexus retailers or Lexus authoriz ed repairers, or any reliable repairers. For
repairs and services covered by your warranty, please visit an authorized Lexus retailer
or repairer, who will use genuine Lexus parts in repairing any difficulties you may
encounter. There can also be advantages in utilizing authorized Lexus retailers or repair-
ers for non-warranty repairs and services, as members of the Lexus network will be able
to expertly assist you with an y difficulties you may encounter.
Your Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repair er, or any reliable repairer will perform all
of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicl e reliably and economically due to their
experience with Lexus vehicles.
To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and regular mainte-
nance are essential. Lexus recommends the following maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance
Do-it-yourself maintenance

3986-2. Maintenance
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■Does your vehicle need repairs?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs that indicate
service is needed. Some important clues are:
●Engine missing, stumbling or pinging
●Appreciable loss of power
●Strange engine noises
●A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air conditioning sys-
tem after use is normal.)
●Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Drive
with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
●Flat-looking tires, excessive tire sque al when cornering, uneven tire wear
●Vehicle pulls to one side when driven straight on a level road
●Strange noises related to suspension movement
●Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost touches the floor,
vehicle pulls to one side when braking
●Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal ( P. 105)
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Lexus retailer or
Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer as soon as possible. Your vehicle may
need adjustment or repair.
WARNING
■If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and possible
death or serious injury.
■Handling of the 12-volt battery
12-volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after handling. (  P. 412)

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Maintenance and care
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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
condition ( P. 412)

4006-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mech anisms 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 “POWER 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 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.
●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 t he 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 electric cooling fans may automatically start to
run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. ( P. 411)
■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 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 refillin g, it may indicate a serious problem.