4827-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
The meanings of each caution symbol on the top of the 12-volt battery are as fol-
lows:
■Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produc es hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. Therefore, observe the follo wing precautions before recharging:
●If recharging with the 12-volt battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect the
ground cable.
●Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and disconnecting
the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.
■After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
●The hybrid system may not start. Follow the procedure below to initialize the system.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Open and close any of the doors.
Restart the hybrid system.
●Unlocking the doors using the smart entry & start system may not be possible immedi- ately after reconnecting the 12-volt battery. If this happens, use the wireless remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.
●Start the hybrid system with the power switch in ACCESSORY mode. The hybrid sys-tem may not start with the power switch turned off. However, the hybrid system willoperate normally from the second attempt.
●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 switch before disconnecting
the 12-volt battery. Take extra care when connecting the 12-volt battery if the power switch mode prior to the 12-volt battery being disconnected is unknown.
If the system will not start even after multip le attempts at all the methods above, contact
any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes- sional.
Caution symbols
No smoking, no nakedflames, no sparks12-volt battery acid
Shield eyesNote operating instructions
Keep away from childrenExplosive gas
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4837-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
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 whil e 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 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 tothe nearest medical facility.
●If electrolyte gets on your skinWash the affected area thoroughly. If you f eel pain or burning, get medical attention immediately.
●If electrolyte gets on your clothesIt can soak through clothing on to your sk in. Immediately take off the clothing and fol- low the procedure above if necessary.
●If you accidentally swallow electrolyteDrink 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.
5378-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights comes on or
flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then goes off, this does not necessar-
ily indicate a malfunction in the system. However, if this continues to occur,
have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified an d equipped professional.
Warning light and warning buzzer list
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
Brake system warning light (warning buzzer) Indicates that:
• The brake fluid level is low; or • The brake system is malfunctioningThis light also comes on when the parking brake is not released. If
the light turns off after the parking brake is fully released the system is operating normally. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional. Continuing to drive the vehicle maybe dangerous.
Brake system warning lightIndicates a malfunction in:• The regenerative braking system; or
• The electronically controlled brake system Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional
immediately.
Charging system warning light Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Malfunction indicator lampIndicates a malfunction in:
• The hybrid system; • The emission control system (if equipped);• The electronic engine control system; or
• The electronic throttle control system Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional
immediately.
5848-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Make sure the “READY” indicator comes on. If the indicator does not come
on, contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional.
Once the hybrid system has started, remove the jumper cables in the exact
reverse order from which they were connected.
Once the hybrid system starts, have the vehicle inspected at any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as
soon as possible.
■Starting the hybrid system when the 12-volt battery is discharged
The hybrid system cannot be started by push-starting.
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
●Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the hybrid system is off.
●Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is running at a low
speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic.
■Charging the 12-volt battery
The electricity stored in the 12-volt battery will discharge gradually even when the vehicle
is not in use, due to natural discharge and the draining effects of certain electrical appli- ances. If the vehicle is left for a long time, the 12-volt battery may discharge, and thehybrid system may be unable to start. (The 12-volt battery recharges automatically while
the hybrid system is operating.)
■When recharging or replacing the 12-volt battery
●In some cases, it may not be possible to unlock the doors using the smart entry & start
system when the 12-volt battery is discharg ed. Use the wireless remote control or the mechanical key to lock or unlock the doors.
●The hybrid system may not start on the first attempt after the 12-volt battery has
recharged but will start normally after the second attempt. This is not a malfunction.
●The power switch mode is memorized by the vehicle. When the 12-volt battery is reconnected, the system will return to the mod e it was in before the 12-volt battery was
discharged. Before disconnecting the 12-v olt battery, turn the power switch off. If you are unsure what mode the power switch was in before the 12-volt battery dis-charged, be especially careful when reconnecting the 12-volt battery.
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5858-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
WARNING
■Avoiding 12-volt battery fires or explosions
Observe the following precautions to preven t accidentally igniting the flammable gas that may be emitted from the 12-volt battery:
●Make sure each jumper cable is connected to the correct terminal and that it is notunintentionally in contact with any other than the intended terminal.
●Do not allow the other end of the jumper cable connected to the “+” terminal to come
into contact with any other parts or metal surfaces in the area, such as brackets or unpainted metal.
●Do not allow the + and - clamps of the jumper cables to come into contact with each
other.
●Do not smoke, use matches, cigarette light ers or allow open flame near the 12-volt battery.
■12-volt battery precautions
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive acidic electrolyte, while related parts contain lead and lead compounds. Observe the following precautions when han-
dling the 12-volt battery:
●When working with the 12-volt battery, always wear safety glasses and take care not to allow any 12-volt battery fluids (acid) to come into contact with skin, clothing or the
vehicle body.
●Do not lean over the 12-volt battery.
●In the event that 12-volt battery fluid comes into contact with the skin or eyes, immedi-
ately wash the affected area with water and seek medical attention. Place a wet sponge or cloth over the affected area until medical attention can bereceived.
●Always wash your hands after handling the 12-volt battery support, terminals, andother battery-related parts.
●Do not allow children near the 12-volt battery.
■After recharging the 12-volt battery
Have the 12-volt battery inspected at any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as soon as possible.
If the 12-volt battery is deteriorating, co ntinued use may cause the 12-volt battery to emit a malodorous gas, which may be de trimental to the health of passengers.
■When replacing the 12-volt battery
P. 483
6029-1. Specifications
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
*: The fluid capacity is a reference quantity.
If replacement is necessary, contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified an d equipped professional.
Electrical system
12-volt battery
Open voltage at 20C (68 F):
12.0 V or higher If the voltage is lower than the standard value, chargethe battery.
(Voltage is checked 20 minutes after the hybrid system and all lights are turned off.)
Charging rates5 A max.
Hybrid transmission
Fluid capacity*3.8 L (4.0 qt., 3.3 Imp. qt.)
Fluid typeToyota Genuine ATF WS
NOTICE
■Hybrid transmission fluid type
Using transmission fluid other than “Toy ota Genuine ATF WS” may damage the hybrid
transmission of your vehicle.
639Alphabetical index
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Warning buzzers
Approach warning............................ 262
Brake system ....................................... 537
Downshifting ........................................ 226
Driver’s and front passenger’s
seat belt reminder ..........................539
Key reminder ...................................... 559
LDA (Lane Departure Alert)....... 273
Lexus parking assist-sensor ......... 279
Open door............................................539
Open hood........................................... 544
Open moon roof .............................. 550
Open trunk ........................................... 544
Open window ...................................... 551
Pre-crash braking ................................ 311
Rear passengers’ seat belt
reminder .............................................539
Warning label ............................................89
Warning lights ............................................ 111
ABS.......................................................... 538
Automatic headlight leveling
system ..................................................539
Brake system ....................................... 537
Charging system ............................... 537
Driver’s and front
passenger’s seat belt
reminder light ...................................539
Electric power steering
system ................................................. 538
Low fuel level .......................................539
Malfunction indicator lamp ........... 537
Master warning light ........................539
Open door............................................539
Pre-crash safety system ................ 538
Rear passengers’ seat belt
reminder lights ................................ 539
Slip indicator ........................................ 538
SRS ........................................................... 538
Tire pressure........................................ 539
Warning messages .............................. 542
Warning reflector storage belt....... 454
Washer ....................................................... 241
Checking ...............................................480
Preparing and checking
before winter.....................................337
Switch ........................................................ 241
Washing and waxing........................... 460
Weight ...................................................... 596
Wheels ...................................................... 507
Replacing............................................... 507
Size ........................................................... 604
Window lock switch ..............................196
Windows ....................................................196
Power windows ................................... 196
Rear window defogger .................. 438
Windshield wiper de-icer ................. 439
Windshield wipers ................................. 241
Intermittent windshield wipers
with interval adjuster ...................... 241
Rain-sensing windshield
wipers ...................................................243
Winter driving tips ............................... 337
Wireless remote control .................... 138
Battery-Saving Function .................. 157
Locking/Unlocking ................. 144, 150
Replacing the battery ..........................511
WMA disc ................................................. 371
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