2018 LEXUS LS500H battery replacement

64 1-3. Hybrid system
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) There are air intake vents on each side
of the rear seatback with the purpose
of cooling the hybrid battery (traction
battery). If the vents become blocked,
hybrid battery output may be reduced. When a certain level of impact is
detected by the impact sensor, the
emergency shut off system blocks the
high voltage current and stops the fuel
pump to minimize the risk of electrocu-
tion and fuel leakage. If the emergency
shut off system activates, your vehicle
will not restart. To restart the hybrid
system, contact your Lexus dealer.
A message is automatically displayed
when a malfunction occurs in the
hybrid system or an improper opera-
tion is attempted.
If a warning message is shown on the
multi-information display, read the
message and follow the instructions.
■
If a warning light comes on, a warning
message is displayed, or the 12-volt bat-
tery is disconnected
The hybrid system may not start. In this
case, try to start the system again. If the
“READY” indicator does not come on, con-Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) air intake vents
NOTICE■
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air
intake vents●
Make sure not to block the air intake
vent with anything, such as a seat
cover, plastic cover, or luggage. If the
vents become blocked, the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) input and output
may be restricted, leading to a reduc-
tion in hybrid battery (traction battery)
output and a malfunction.
●
When dust etc. has accumulated in the
air intake vent, periodically clean it
with a vacuum cleaner to prevent the
vent from clogging.
●
A filter is installed to the air intake vent.
When the filter remains noticeably
dirty even after cleaning the air intake
vent, filter cleaning or replacement is
recommended. When cleaning or
replacing the filter, contact your Lexus
dealer.
Refer to P.374 for details on how to
clean the filters. ●
Do not get water or foreign materials
in the air intake vent s as this may cause
a short circuit and damage the hybrid
battery (traction battery).
Emergency shut off system
Hybrid warning message

378 6-2. Maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(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 12-volt 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. ●
12-volt battery post s, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds which are known to
cause brain damage. Wash your hands
after handling. ( → P.393)
General maintenance
Scheduled maintenance

394 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) nected, 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 before
disconnecting the 12-volt battery. Take
extra care when connecting the 12-volt
battery if the power sw itch 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 12-volt battery ter-
minals are not corroded and that there
are no loose connections, cracks, or
loose clamps.WARNING■
Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid and may pro-
duce hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. To reduce the risk of death
or serious injury, take the following pre-
cautions 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 bat-
tery in a garage or closed room where
there is insuffic ient 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 12-volt battery
Use a 12-volt battery designed for this
vehicle. Failure to do so may cause gas
(hydrogen) to enter the passenger com-
partment, causing a fire or explosion.
For replacement of the 12-volt battery,
contact your Lexus dealer.
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.
Exterior

3956-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 6
Maintenance and care Terminals
Hold-down clamp
Check the 12-volt battery condition by
indicator color.
Blue: Good condition
Red: Charging is necessary.
Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer.
Clear: Replacement is necessary.
Have the 12-volt battery checked
by your Lexus dealer. Check if the treadw ear indicators are
showing on the tires. Also check the
tires for uneven wear, such as excessive
wear on one side of the tread.
New tread
Worn tread
Treadwear indicator The location of treadwear indicators is
shown by a “TWI” or “ ” mark, etc.,
molded into the sidewall of each tire.
Replace the tires if the treadwear indica-
tors are showing on a tire.Checking the 12-volt battery
condition A
B
A
B
C Tires Replace or rotate tires in accor-
dance with maintenance schedules
and treadwear.
Checking tires
A
B
C

4136-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 6
Maintenance and care ■
If the electronic key battery is depleted
The following symptoms may occur: ●
The smart access syst em with push-but-
ton start and wireless remote control will
not function properly.●
The operational rang e will be reduced.■
When the card key battery needs to be
replaced (if equipped)
The battery for th e card key is available only
at Lexus dealers. Your Lexus dealer can
replace the battery for you.
 Flathead screwdriver
 Small flathead screwdriver
 Lithium battery CR2032 ■
Use a CR2032 lithium battery●
Batteries can be purchased at your Lexus
dealer, local electrical appliance shops or
camera stores.
●
Replace only with the same or equivalent
type recommended by the manufacturer.
●
Dispose of used batteries according to
local laws. 1 Take out the mechanical key.
2 Remove the cover. To prevent damage to the key, cover the tip
of the flathead scre wdriver with a tape.
3 Remove the depleted battery. Insert a new battery with the “+” terminal
facing up.Electronic key battery Replace the battery with a new one
if it is depleted.
As the key may be damaged if the
following procedure is not per-
formed properly, it is recom-
mended that key battery
replacement be performed by your
Lexus dealer.
Items to prepare Replacing the battery

4417-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 7
When trouble arises ■
If “Oil Maintenance Required” is dis-
played
Indicates that the engine oil should be
changed.
Check and change the en gine oil, and oil fil-
ter by your Lexus deal er. After changing the
engine oil, make sure to reset the message.
( → P.390)■
If “Shift System Malfunction Driving
Unavailable” is displayed
There is a malfunction in the shift control
system. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer immediately. ■
If a message that in dicates the need for
the shift lever oper ation is displayed
To prevent the shift lever from being oper-
ated incorrectly or the vehicle from moving
unexpectedly, a message that requires shift-
ing the shift position may be displayed on
the multi-information display. In that case,
follow the instruction of the message and
shift the shift position. ■
If a message that in dicates the need for
visiting your Lexus dealer is displayed
The system or part shown on the
multi-information display is malfunctioning.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer immediately. ■
If a message that in dicates the need for
referring to Owner’s Manual is dis-
played●
If any of the following messages are
shown on the multi-information display,
follow the instructions.
• “Engine Coolant Temp High” ( → P.453)
•“Battery Low” ( → P.447)
• “Transmission Fluid Temp High” ( → P.175)
●
If any of the following messages are
shown on the multi-information display, it
may indicate a malfunction. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
• “Access System with Elec. Key Malfunc-
tion”
• “Shift System Malfunction”
• “P Switch Malfunction”
• “Shift System Unavailable”
• “Hybrid System Malfunction”
•“Check Engine” • “Hybrid Battery System Malfunction”
• “Accelerator System Malfunction” ●
If any of the following messages are
shown on the multi-info rmation display, it
may indicate a malfun ction. Immediately
stop the vehicle and contact your Lexus
dealer.
• “Braking Power Low”
• “Charging System Malfunction”
• “Oil Pressure Low” ●
If “Maintenance Required for Traction
Battery Cooling Parts” is shown, the fil-
ters may be clogged, the air intake vents
may be blocked, or there may be a gap in
the duct. Therefore, perform the follow-
ing correction procedure.
• If the air intake vent s and filters of the
hybrid battery (traction battery) are dirty,
perform the procedure on P.374 to clean
them.
• If the warning message is shown when
the air intake vents and filters of the
hybrid battery (traction battery) are not
dirty, have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer.
NOTICE■
If “High Power Consumption Partial
Limit On AC/Heater Operation” is
displayed frequently
There is a possible malfunction relating
to the charging system or the 12-volt bat-
tery may be deteriorating. Have the vehi-
cle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
■
If “Have Traction Battery Inspected”
is displayed
This message indicates that the hybrid
battery (traction battery) may require
inspection or replacement. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
Do not continue driving the vehicle, as
the hybrid system may become not able
to be started again.

4517-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 7
When trouble arises • If the sizes differ, the 12-volt battery can-
not be properly secured.
• If the 20 hour rate capacity is low, even if
the time period where the vehicle is not
used is a short time, the 12-volt battery
may discharge and the hybrid system
may not be able to start.●
Use a 12-volt battery with a handle. If a
12-volt battery without a handle is used,
removal is more difficult.●
After replacing, firmly attach the follow-
ing items to the exhaust hole of the
12-volt battery.
• Use the exhaust hose that was attached
to the 12-volt battery before replacing
and confirm that it is firmly connected to
the hole section of the vehicle.
• Use the exhaust hole plug included with
the 12-volt battery replaced or the one
installed on the 12-volt battery prior to
the replacement. (Depending on the
12-volt battery to be replaced, the
exhaust hole may be plugged.)
Exhaust hole plug
Exhaust hole
Exhaust hose
For details, consult your Lexus dealer. A
B
C WARNING■
When removing the 12-volt battery
terminals
Always remove the negative (-) terminal
first. If the positive (+) terminal contacts
any metal in the surrounding area when
the positive (+) terminal is removed, a
spark may occur, leading to a fire in addi-
tion to electrical shocks and death or
serious injury. ■
Avoiding 12-volt battery fires or
explosions
Observe the following precautions to
prevent accidentally igniting the flamma-
ble gas that may be emitted from the
12-volt battery: ●
Make sure each jumper cable is con-
nected to the correct terminal and that
it is not unintentiona lly in contact with
any other than the intended terminal. ●
Do not allow the other end of the
jumper cable connected to the “+” ter-
minal to come into contact with any
other parts or meta l 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
lighters 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 com-
pounds. Observe the following precau-
tions when handling the 12-volt battery:
●
When working with the 12-volt battery,
always wear safety glasses and take
care not to allow any battery fluids
(acid) to come into contact with skin,
clothing or the vehicle body.
●
Do not lean over the 12-volt battery.

452 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) WARNING●
In the event that battery fluid comes
into contact with the skin or eyes,
immediately 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 batter y-related parts.●
Do not allow children near the 12-volt
battery.■
After recharging the 12-volt battery
Have the 12-volt battery inspected at
your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
If the 12-volt battery is deteriorating, con-
tinued use may cause the 12-volt battery
to emit a malodorous gas, which may be
detrimental to the health of passengers. ■
When replacing the 12-volt battery●
When the vent plug and indicator are
close to the hold down clamp, the bat-
tery fluid (sulfuric acid) may leak.●
For information regarding 12-volt bat-
tery replacement, contact your Lexus
dealer.
●
After replacing, securely attach the
exhaust hose and exhaust hole plug to
the exhaust hole of the replaced
12-volt battery. If not properly installed,
gases (hydrogen) may leak into the
vehicle interior, and there is the possi-
ble danger of the gas igniting and
exploding.
NOTICE
■
When handling jumper cables
When connecting the jumper cables,
ensure that they do not become entan-
gled in the cooling fan or engine drive
belt. ■
To prevent damaging the vehicle
The exclusive jump starting terminal is to
be used when charging the 12-volt bat-
tery from another vehicle in an emer-
gency. It cannot be used to jump start
another vehicle.