2018 LEXUS LS500 battery

362 6-1. Maintenance and care
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 6-1.Maintenance and care
 Working from top to bottom, liber-
ally apply water to the vehicle body,
wheel wells and underside of the
vehicle to remove any dirt and dust.
 Wash the vehicle body using a
sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.
 For hard-to-remove marks, use car
wash soap and rinse thoroughly with
water.
 Wipe away any water.
 Wax the vehicle when the water-
proof coating deteriorates. If water does not bead on a clean surface,
apply wax when the vehicle body is cool.
■
Self-restoring coat
The vehicle body has a self-restoring coat-
ing that is resistant to small surface
scratches caused in a car wash etc.
●
The coating lasts for 5 to 8 years from
when the vehicle is delivered from the
plant.
●
The restoration time differs depending on
the depth of the scratch and outside tem-
perature.
The restoration time may become
shorter when the coating is warmed by
applying warm water.
●
Deep scratches caused by keys, coins,
etc. cannot be restored.
●
Do not use wax that contains abrasives. ■
Automatic car washes ●
Before washing the vehicle:
• Fold the mirrors
• Turn off the power trunk opener and
closer (if equipped)
Start washing from the front of the vehicle.
Extend the mirrors before driving.●
Brushes used in automatic car washes
may scratch the vehicl e surface and harm
your vehicle’s paint. ■
High pressure car washes ●
Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash
to come within close proximity of the win-
dows and the air suspension unit (if
equipped). ●
Before using the car wash, check that the
fuel filler door on your vehicle is closed
properly. ■
When using a car wash
If the door handle becomes wet while the
electronic key is within the effective range,
the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. In
that case, follow the following correction
procedures to wash the vehicle: ●
Place the key in a position 6 ft. (2 m) or
more separate from the vehicle while the
vehicle is being wash ed. (Take care to
ensure that the key is not stolen.) ●
Set the electronic key to battery-saving
mode to disable the smart access system
with push-button start. ( → P.108)■
Aluminum wheels ●
Remove any dirt immediately by using a
neutral detergent. ●
Wash detergent off with water immedi-
ately after use.
●
To protect the paint from damage, make
sure to observe the following precau-
tions.
• Do not use acidic, alkaline or abrasive
detergent
• Do not use hard brushes
• Do not use detergent on the wheels when
they are hot, such as after driving or park-
ing in hot weatherCleaning and protecting the
vehicle exterior Perform cleaning in a manner
appropriate to each component
and its material.
Cleaning instructions

368 6-2. Maintenance
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 6-2.Maintenance
■
Repair and replacement
It is recommended that genuine Lexus parts
be used for repairs to ensure performance
of each system. If non-Lexus parts are used
in replacement or if a repair shop other than
a Lexus dealer perfor ms repairs, confirm
the warranty coverage. ■
Allow inspection and repairs to be per-
formed by a Lexus dealer●
Lexus technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up to date with the
latest service information. They are well
informed about the operation of all sys-
tems on your vehicle.●
Keep a copy of the repa ir order. It proves
that the maintenance that has been per-
formed is under warra nty coverage. If any
problem should arise while your vehicle is
under warranty, your Lexus dealer will
promptly take care of it. General maintenance should be per-
formed on a daily basis. This can be
done by yourself or by a Lexus dealer.
Scheduled maintenance should be
performed at specified intervals
according to the maintenance sched-
ule. For details about ma intenance items and
schedules, refer to the “Warranty and Ser-
vice Guide”, “Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment” or “Scheduled Maintenance”.
■
Resetting the message indicating main-
tenance is required
After the required maintenance is per-
formed according to the maintenance
schedule, please reset the message.
To reset the message, follow the procedure
described below:
1 Press or of the meter control
switch to select .
2 Press or to select “Vehicle Set-
tings” and then press .Maintenance requirements To ensure safe and economical driv-
ing, day-to-day care and regular
maintenance are essential. It is the
owner’s responsibility to perform
regular checks. Lexus recommends
the maintenance below.
WARNING
■
If your vehicle is not properly main-
tained
Improper maintenanc e could result in
serious damage to the vehicle and possi-
ble death or serious injury.
■
Handling of the battery
●
Engine exhaust, some of its constitu-
ents, and a wide variety of automobile
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and
other reproductive harm. Work in a
well ventilated area. ●
Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehi-
cles as well as waste produced by
component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer and birth
defects or other re productive harm.
Avoid exposure and wash any affected
area immediately. ●
Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contai n lead and lead
compounds which are known to cause
brain damage. Wash your hands after
handling. ( → P.384)
General maintenance
Scheduled maintenance

370 6-2. Maintenance
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) Radiator, con-
denser, inter-
cooler radiator
and intercooler
sub radiator The radiator, con-
denser, intercooler
radiator and inter-
cooler sub radiator
should be free from
foreign objects.
( → P.382)
Washer fluid Is there sufficient
washer fluid?
( → P.383)
Trunk Items Check points
Battery Check the connec-
tions. ( → P.384)
Vehicle interior Items Check points
Accelerator
pedal • The accelerator
pedal should move
smoothly (without
uneven pedal effort
or catching).
Automatic trans-
mission “Park”
mechanism •When parked on a
slope and the shift
position is in P, is the
vehicle securely
stopped?Items Check points
Brake pedal •Does the brake
pedal move
smoothly?
•Does the brake
pedal have appro-
priate clearance
from the floor?
•Does the brake
pedal have the cor-
rect amount of free
play?
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 not get too
close to the floor
when the brakes are
applied.
Head restraints •Do the head
restraints move
smoothly and lock
securely?
Indicators/buzz-
ers •Do the indicators
and buzzers function
properly?
Lights • Do all the lights
come on?Items Check points

372 6-2. Maintenance
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) The OBD system determines that a
problem exists somewhere in the emis-
sion control system. Your vehicle may
not pass the I/M test and may need to
be repaired. Contact your Lexus
dealer to service the vehicle.
 When the battery is disconnected
or discharged Readiness codes that are set during ordi-
nary driving are erased.
Also, depending on your driving habits, the
readiness codes may not be completely
set.
 When the fuel tank cap is loose The malfunction indicator lamp comes on
indicating a temporary malfunction and
your vehicle may not pass the I/M test. The error code in the OBD system will
not be cleared unless the vehicle is
driven 40 or more times.
Contact your Lexus dealer to prepare
the vehicle for re-testing.Emission inspection and
maintenance (I/M) pro-
grams Some states have vehicle emission
inspection programs which include
OBD (On Board Diagnostics)
checks. The OBD system monitors
the operation of the emission con-
trol system.
If the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on
Your vehicle may not pass the
I/M test in the following situa-
tions: When the malfunction indicator
lamp still remains on after sev-
eral driving trips
If your vehicle does not pass the
I/M test

3736-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 6
Maintenance and care 6-3.Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service pre-
cautions If you perform maintenance by
yourself, be sure to follow the cor-
rect procedure as given in these
sections.
Maintenance Items Parts and tools
Battery condition
( → P.384) •Grease
• Conventional
wrench (for terminal
clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
( → P.383) • FMVSS No.116 DOT
3 or SAE J1703
brake fluid
FMVSS No.116 DOT
4 or SAE J1704
brake fluid
•Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for
adding brake fluid) Engine/inter-
cooler coolant
level ( → P.381) •“Toyota Super Long
Life Coolant” or a
similar high quality
ethylene gly-
col-based non-sili-
cate, non-amine,
non-nitrite and
non-borate coolant
with long-life hybrid
organic acid tech-
nology
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 Coolant” is
pre-mixed with 55%
coolant and 45%
deionized water.
•Funnel (used only for
adding coolant)
Engine oil level
( → P.379) •“Toyota Genuine
Motor Oil” or equiv-
alent
• Rag or paper towel
•Funnel (used only for
adding engine oil)
Fuses ( → P.405) •Fuse with same
amperage rating as
original
Radiator, con-
denser, inter-
cooler radiator
and intercooler
sub radiator
( → P.382) ⎯Items Parts and tools

378 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) ■
Battery
→ P.384
■
Removing the engine compartment cover 
Outside 
Front
■
Installing the clips
1 Push up center portion
2 Insert
3 PressEngine compartment cover
A NOTICE
■
Checking the engine compartment
cover after installation
Make sure that the cover is securely
installed in its original position.

384 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) The battery is located in the trunk
under the luggage mat.
Removing the luggage mat: → P.339
■
Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces
hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Therefore, observe the following
precautions before recharging: ●
If recharging with the battery installed on
the vehicle, be sure to disconnect the
ground cable. ●
Make sure the engine switch on the char-
ger is off when connecting and discon-
necting the charger cables to the battery. ■
After recharging/reconnecting the bat-
tery ●
Unlocking the doors using the smart
access system with pu sh-button start may
not be possible immediately after recon-
necting the battery. If this happens, use
the wireless remote control or the
mechanical key to lo ck/unlock the doors.
●
Start the engine with the engine switch in
ACCESSORY mode. The engine may
not start with the engine switch turned off.
However, the engine will operate nor-
mally from the second attempt.
●
The engine switch mode is recorded by
the vehicle. If the battery is reconnected,
the vehicle will return the engine switch
mode to the status it was in before the NOTICE■
Do not use any fluid other than
washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine anti-
freeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the
vehicle’s painted surfaces, as well as
damaging the pump leading to problems
of the washer fluid not spraying. ■
Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as neces-
sary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed
on the label of the washer fluid bottle. Battery
Location

3856-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 6
Maintenance and care battery was disconnect ed. Make sure to
turn off the engine before disconnecting
the battery. Take extra care when con-
necting the battery if the engine switch
mode prior to discharge is unknown.
If the system will not st art even after multiple
attempts, contact your Lexus dealer.
Make sure that the battery terminals
are not corroded and that there are no
loose connections, cracks, or loose
clamps.WARNING■
Chemicals in the battery
The battery contains poisonous and cor-
rosive sulfuric acid and may produce
hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. To reduce the risk of death or
serious injury, take the following precau-
tions while working on or near the bat-
tery: ●
Do not cause sparks by touching the
battery terminals with tools.●
Do not smoke or light a match near the
battery.●
Avoid contact with eyes, skin and
clothes.●
Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.●
Wear protective safety glasses when
working near the battery.
●
Keep children away from the battery.
■
Where to safely charge the battery
Always charge the battery in an open
area. Do not charge the battery in a
garage or closed room where there is
insufficient ventilation.
■
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 feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately. ●
If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your
skin. Immediately take off the clothing
and follow the procedure above if nec-
essary. ●
If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk.
Get emergency medical attention
immediately. ■
When replacing the battery
Use a battery designed for this vehicle.
Failure to do so may cause gas (hydro-
gen) to enter the passenger compart-
ment, causing a fire or explosion.
For replacement of the battery, contact
your Lexus dealer.
NOTICE■
When recharging the battery
Never recharge the battery while the
engine is running. Also, be sure all acces-
sories are turned off.
Exterior