2018 LEXUS LS500H charging

352 5-6. Using the other interior features
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 
Vehicle without power rear seat
Pull the armrest down for use. 
Vehicle with power rear seat
Pull the lock release lever and fold the
rear seatback down. An assist grip installed on the ceiling
can be used to support your body
while sitting on the seat.
To use the coat hook, push it on.NOTICE●
Do not push down on or apply unnec-
essary force to an external device or
the cable of an external device while it
is connected.■
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not use the USB charging ports for a
long period of time with the hybrid sys-
tem stopped.
Armrest
NOTICE
■
To prevent damage to the armrest
Do not place too much strain on the arm-
rest. Assist grips
WARNING■
Assist grip
Do not use the assist grip when getting in
or out of the vehicle or rising from your
seat.
Doing so could damage the assist grip, or
could cause you to injure yourself by fall-
ing over.
NOTICE■
To prevent damage to the assist grip
Do not hang any heavy object or put a
heavy load on the assist grip.
Coat hooks

3936-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 6
Maintenance and care The 12-volt battery is located in the
trunk under the luggage mat.
Removing the luggage mat: → P.348
■
Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery pro-
duces hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Therefore, observe the fol-
lowing precautions before recharging: ●
If recharging with the 12-volt battery
installed on the vehicle, be sure to discon-
nect the ground cable. ●
Make sure the power switch on the char-
ger is off when connecting and discon-
necting the charger cables to the 12-volt
battery. ■
After recharging/reconnecting the
12-volt battery ●
Unlocking the doors using the smart
access system with push-button may not
be possible immediately after reconnect-
ing the 12-volt battery. If this happens, use
the wireless remote control or the
mechanical key to lo ck/unlock the doors.
●
Start the hybrid system with the power
switch in ACCESSORY mode. The
hybrid system may not start with the
power switch turned off. However, the
hybrid system will operate normally from
the second attempt.
●
The power switch mode is recorded by
the vehicle. If the 12-volt battery is recon-NOTICE■
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.
12-volt battery
Location

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

428 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) ■
Charging system warning light *
(warning buzzer)*
: This light illuminates on the multi-information display. ■
Low engine oil pressure warning light *
(warning buzzer)*
: This light illuminates on the multi-information display. ■
Malfunction indicator lamp (warning buzzer)
■
SRS warning light (warning buzzer) Warning light Details/Actions
Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system
→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer.
Warning light Details/Actions
Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low
→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer.
Warning light Details/Actions
(U.S.A.)
or
(Canada) Indicates a malfunction in:
 The hybrid system;
 The electronic engine control system;
 The electronic throttle control system; or
 The electronic hybrid transmission control system
→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer.
Warning light Details/Actions
Indicates a malfunction in:
 The SRS airbag system;
 The front passenger occupant classification system; or
 The seat belt pr etensioner system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

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.

450 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 6 Open and close any of the doors of
your vehicle with the power switch
off.
7 Maintain the engine speed of the
second vehicle and start the hybrid
system of your vehicle by turning
the power switch to ON mode.
8 Make sure the “READY” indicator
comes on. If the indicator does not
come on, contact your Lexus
dealer.
9 Once the hybrid system has
started, remove the jumper cables
in the exact reverse order from
which they were connected.
10 Close the exclusive jump starting
terminal cover and install the fuse
box cover and en gine compart-
ment cover.
Once the hybrid system starts, have
the vehicle inspected at your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible. ■
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 sys-
tem while the hybrid system is off.
●
Turn off any unnecessary electrical com-
ponents when the vehicle is running at a
low speed for an extended period, such
as in heavy traffic.
■
When the 12-volt battery is removed or
discharged
●
Information stored in the ECU is cleared.
When the 12-volt battery is depleted,
have the vehicle inspected at your Lexus
dealer.
●
Some systems may require initialization. ( → P.495)■
When removing the 12-volt battery ter-
minals
When the 12-volt battery terminals are
removed, the information stored in the
ECU is cleared. Before removing the
12-volt battery terminals, contact your
Lexus dealer. ■
Charging the 12-volt battery
The electricity stored in the 12-volt battery
will discharge gradually even when the
vehicle is not in use, due to natural dis-
charge and the draining effects of certain
electrical appliances. If the vehicle is left for
a long time, the 12-volt battery may dis-
charge, 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
unlock 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 mechani-
cal 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 return to the
mode it was in before the 12-volt battery
was discharged. Before disconnecting
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
discharged, be especially careful when
reconnecting the 12-volt battery.
■
When replacing the 12-volt battery
●
Use a Central Degassing type 12-volt
battery (European Regulations).
●
Use a 12-volt battery with the same case
size as the previous 12-volt battery and an
epuivalent 20 hour rate capacity (20HR)
or greater.

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.