2018 Lexus ES300h Owner's Manual (OM33D45U)

5298-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)
8
When trouble arises
■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 stopped.
●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 w ill 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 the
hybrid 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 un lock the doors using the smart access system
with push-button start when the 12-volt battery is discharged. 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 retu rn to the mode it was in before the 12-volt battery was
discharged. Before disconne cting the 12-volt 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.

5308-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)
WARNING
■Avoiding 12-volt battery fires or explosions
Observe the following precautions to prevent 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 not
unintentionally in contact with any other than the intended terminal.
●Do not allow the other end of the jumper cab le 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 jump er 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 co rrosive acidic electrolyte, while related
parts contain lead and lead compounds. Ob serve 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 be
received.
●Always wash your hands after handling the 12-volt battery support, terminals, and
other 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 yo ur Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
If the 12-volt battery is deteriorating, continued 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. 459

531
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
If your vehicle overheats
■If the needle of the engine coolant temperature gauge enters the red zone
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air conditioning system, and
then stop the hybrid system.
If you see steam:
Carefully lift the hood after the steam subsides.
If you do not see steam:
Carefully lift the hood.
After the hybrid system has
cooled down sufficiently, inspect
the hoses and cooling system for
leaks.Radiator
Cooling fans
If a large amount of coolant leaks,
immediately contact your Lexus
dealer.
The coolant level is satisfactory if
it is between the “FULL” and
“LOW” lines on the reservoir.Reservoir
“FULL”
“LOW”
Radiator cap
The following may indicate that your vehicle is overheating.
●The needle of the engine coolant temperature gauge ( →P. 86) enters the
red zone or a loss of hybrid system po wer is experienced. (For example, the
vehicle speed does not increase.)
●“Hybrid System Overheated” is shown on the multi-information display.
●Steam comes out from under the hood.
Correction procedures
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5328-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)
Add coolant if necessary.
Water can be used in an emergency
if coolant is unavailable.
Start the hybrid system and turn the air conditioning system on to check
that the radiator cooling fans operate and to check for coolant leaks from
the radiator or hoses.
The fans operate when the air conditioning system is turned on immediately after a
cold start. Confirm that the fans are operating by checking the fan sound and air
flow. If it is difficult to check these, tu rn the air conditioning system on and off
repeatedly. (The fans may not operate in freezing temperatures.)
If the fans are not operating:
Stop the hybrid system immediately and contact your Lexus dealer.
If the fans are operating:
Have the vehicle inspected at the nearest Lexus dealer.
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5338-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)
8
When trouble arises
■If “Hybrid System Overheated” is shown on the multi-information display Stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Stop the hybrid system an d carefully lift the hood.
After the hybrid system has cooled down, inspect the hoses and radiator
core (radiator) for any leaks.
Radiator
Cooling fans
If a large amount of coolant leaks,
immediately contact your Lexus
dealer.
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW” lines
on the reservoir.
Reservoir
“FULL”
“LOW”
Add coolant if necessary.
Water can be used in an emergency
if coolant is unavailable.
Start the hybrid system and check for the multi-information display.
If the message does not disappear:
Stop the hybrid system and contact your Lexus dealer.
If the message is not displayed:
Have the vehicle inspected at the nearest Lexus dealer.
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5348-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)
WARNING
■When inspecting under the hood of your vehicle
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in serious injury such as burns.
●If steam is seen coming from under the h ood, do not open the hood until the steam
has subsided. The engine compartment may be very hot.
●After the hybrid system has been turned off, check that the indicator on the power
switch and the “READY” indicator are off.
When the hybrid system is operating, the gasoline engine may automatically start, or
the cooling fan may suddenly operate even if the gasoline engine stops. Do not touch
or approach rotating parts such as the fan, which may lead to fingers or clothing
(especially a tie, a scarf or a muffler) ge tting caught, resulting in serious injury.
●Do not loosen the radiator cap or the c oolant reservoir cap while the hybrid system
and radiator are hot. High temperature steam or coolant could spray out.
NOTICE
■When adding engine/power control unit coolant
Add coolant slowly after the hybrid system has cooled down sufficiently. Adding cool
coolant to a hot hybrid system too quickly can cause damage to the hybrid system.
■To prevent damage to the cooling system
Observe the following precautions:
●Avoid contaminating the coolant with foreig n matter (such as sand or dust etc.).
●Do not use any coolant additive.

535
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
If the vehicle becomes stuck
Stop the hybrid system. Set the parkin
g brake and shift the shift lever to P.
Remove the mud, snow or sand from around the front wheels.
Place wood, stones or some other materi al under the front wheels to help pro-
vide traction.
Restart the hybrid system.
Shift the shift lever to D or R and rele ase the parking brake. Then, while exer-
cising caution, depress the accelerator pedal.
■When it is difficult to free the vehicle
Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle becomes
stuck in mud, dirt or snow:
Press to turn off TRAC. ( →P. 273)
WARNING
■When attempting to free a stuck vehicle
If you choose to push the vehicle back and forth to free it, make sure the surrounding
area is clear to avoid striking other vehicl es, objects or people. The vehicle may also
lunge forward or lunge back suddenly as it becomes free. Use extreme caution.
■When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an acci-
dent resulting in deat h or serious injury.
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5368-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)
NOTICE
■To avoid damaging the transmission and other components
●Avoid spinning the front wheels and depressing the accelerator pedal more than nec-
essary.
●If the vehicle remains stuck even after th ese procedures are performed, the vehicle
may require towing to be freed.