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4357-1. Maintenance and care
7
Maintenance and care
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:
• Non-seat portions: Organic substances su ch as benzene or gasoline, alkaline or
acidic solutions, dye, and bleach
• Seats: Alkaline or acidic solutions, su ch as thinner, benzene, and alcohol
●Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument pane l’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 they
may stick to the leather su rface 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 ma y be damaged if water comes into contact
with 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
Do not allow glass cleaner to contact the lens. Also, do not touch the lens. ( →P. 200)
■Cleaning the inside of the rear window
●Do not use glass cleaner to clean the rear window, as this may cause damage to the
rear window defogger heater wires or antenna. Use a cloth dampened with luke-
warm water to gently wipe the window clean. Wipe th e 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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ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)7-2. Maintenance
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• The accelerator pedal sh
ould move smoothly (with-
out uneven pedal effort or catching).
Hybrid transmission “Park”
mechanism• When parked on a slope and the shift lever is in P, is the vehicle securely stopped?
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clearance
from the floor? ( →P. 544)
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of
free play? ( →P. 544)
Brakes
• The vehicle should not pull to one side when the
brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should no t get too close to the floor
when the brakes are applied.
Head restraints• Do the head restraints move smoothly and lock
securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Do the indicators and buzzers function properly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
• Are the headlights aimed correctly?
Parking brake• Does the parking brake pedal move smoothly?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is on,is the vehicle securely stopped?
Seat belts• Do the seat belts operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correct amount offree play?
• There should not be any strange sounds coming from the steering wheel.
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ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
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. 457)•Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
(→ P. 455)
• 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. 453)
• “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. 449)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( →P. 480)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs
(→ P. 483)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver•Wrench
Radiator and con-
denser (→ P. 454)⎯
Tire inflation pres-
sure (→P. 471)• Tire pressure gauge• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(→ P. 456)• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)
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ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Hood
Pull the hood lock release lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Pull up the auxiliary catch lever and
lift the hood.
Release the lock from the inside
of the vehicle to open the hood.
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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.
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ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)
4557-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
■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 type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Items Clean funnel
WARNING
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your ha nds and eyes and damage painted surfaces. If
fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, fl ush the affected area with clean water imme-
diately. If you still experience discomfort, 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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4597-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
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 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 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 s kin. 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 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 your Lexus dealer.
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ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that uses tire pres-
sure warning valves and transmitters to
detect low tire inflation pressure before
serious problems arise.
●If the tire pressure drops below a predet ermined level, the driver is warned by
a screen display and a warning light. ( →P. 505)
●The tire pressure detected by the
tire pressure warning system can be
displayed on the multi-information
display. ( →P. 91)
The illustration used is intended as an
example, and may differ from the image
that is actually disp layed on the multi-
information display.
◆Installing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When replacing tires or wheels, tire pr essure warning valves and transmitters
must also be installed.
When new tire pressure wa rning valves and transmitters are installed, new ID
codes must be registered in the tire pressure warning computer and the tire
pressure warning system must be initia lized. Have tire pressure warning valve
and transmitter ID codes registered by your Lexus dealer. ( →P. 463)
◆Initializing the tire pressure warning system
■The tire pressure warning system must be initialized in the following circum-
stances:
●When rotating the tires.
●When the tire inflation pressure is changed such as when changing travel-
ing speed or load weight.
When the tire pressure warning system is initialized, the current tire inflation
pressure is set as the benchmark pressure.
Tire pressure warning system
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4637-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
■How to initialize the tire pressure warning systemPark the vehicle in a safe place and turn the power switch off.
Initialization cannot be performed while the vehicle is moving.
Adjust the tire inflation pressure to th e specified cold tire inflation pressure
level. ( →P. 545)
Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure
level. The tire pressure warning system will operate based on this pressure level.
Turn the power switch to ON mode.
Press and hold the tire pressure
warning reset switch until the tire
pressure warning light blinks
slowly 3 times.
Wait for a few minutes with the power switch in ON mode and then turn
the power switch off.
◆Registering ID codes
The tire pressure warning valve and tran smitter is equipped with a unique ID
code. When replacing a tire pressure warning valve and transmitter, it is nec-
essary to register the ID code. Have the ID code registered by your Lexus
dealer.
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