2017 LEXUS RC300H Owners Manual

4657-1. Maintenance and care
7
Maintenance and care
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Caring for leather areas
Lexus recommends cleaning the in terior 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 letthem dry. Excellent results are obtained by keeping the carpet as dry as possible.
■Seat belts
Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water us ing 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, elec trical 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 (esp ecially 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.

4667-1. Maintenance and care
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
NOTICE
■Cleaning detergents
●Do not use the following liquids, as they may discolor the vehicle interior or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces:
• Audio system screen: Organic substances such as benzine or gasoline, alkaline solutions, and alcohol• Seats: Alkaline solutions, organic substances such as thinner or benzine, and alco-
hol • Other parts: Organic substances such as benzine or gasoline, alkaline or acidic solutions, dye, and bleach
●Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel’s or other interior part’s painted surface may be damaged.
■Preventing damage to leather surfaces
Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration of leather surfaces:
●Remove any dust or dirt from leather surfaces immediately.
●Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Park the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.
●Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or containing wax on the upholstery, as theymay stick to the leather surface if the vehicle interior heats up significantly.
■Water on the floor
Do not wash the vehicle floor with water. Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes into contactwith electrical components such as the au dio system above or under the floor of the
vehicle. Water may also cause the body to rust.
■When cleaning the inside of the windshield (vehicles with LDA [Lane Departure Alert])
Be careful not to touch the camera sensor ( P. 273). If the camera is accidentally scratched or hit, LDA may not operate properly or maycause a malfunction.
■Cleaning the inside of the rear window
●Do not use glass cleaner to clean the rear window, as this may cause damage to therear window defogger heater wires or antenna. Use a cloth dampened with luke-
warm water to gently wipe the window clean. Wipe the window in strokes running parallel to the heater wires or antenna.
●Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires or antenna.

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Maintenance and care
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
7-2. Maintenance
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 dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes- sional. Any authorized Lexus dealer 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 than an authorized Lexus repairer to service or maintain your vehi cle, we recommend that you request that a
record of maintenance be kept.
Maintenance requirements
To ensure safe and economical drivin g, day-to-day care and regular mainte-
nance are essential. Lexus recommends the following maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance
Do-it-yourself maintenance

4687-2. Maintenance
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■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 dealers or repairers or other duly qualified and equipped profes-
sionals. For repairs and services covered by your warranty, please visit an authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, who will use genuine Lexus parts in repairing any difficulties youmay encounter. There can also be advantages in utilizing authorized Lexus dealers or
repairers for non-warranty repa irs and services, as members of the Lexus network will be able to expertly assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional will
perform all of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle reliably and economically due to their experience with Lexus vehicles.
■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 squeal 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. 115)
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipp ed professional 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. 481)

469
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Maintenance and care
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
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. 481)
•Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Engine/power con- trol unit coolant level
( P. 478)
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitriteand 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. 474)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
•Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses
( P. 514)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs ( P. 518)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver• Flathead screwdriver
•Wrench
Radiator and condenser ( P. 480)
Tire inflation
pressure ( P. 505)• Tire pressure gauge• Compressed air source
Washer fluid ( P. 480)
• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)

4707-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms 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 “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” on the multi-informationdisplay 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, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right after drivingas 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 enginecompartment.
●Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes are flamma-
ble.
●Be extremely cautious when working on the 12-volt battery. It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
●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 cleanwater 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. 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 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.

4717-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
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
WARNING
■Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked. If the hood is not locked properly, it may op en while the vehicle is in motion and cause
an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.

4727-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
◆Front
◆Rear
Positioning a floor jack
When using a floor jack, follow the instructions in the manual provided with
the jack and perform the operation safely.
When raising your vehicle with a floo r jack, position the jack correctly.
Improper placement may damage your vehicle or cause injury.
Jack point
Jack point