2018 LEXUS LS500H check engine

3896-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 6
Maintenance and care drain back into the bottom of the
engine.
2 Holding a rag under the end, pull
the dipstick out.
3 Wipe the dipstick clean.
4 Reinsert the dipstick fully.
5 Holding a rag under the end, pull
the dipstick out and check the oil
level.
Low
Normal
ExcessiveThe shape of the dipstick may differ
depending on the type of vehicle or
engine.
6 Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it
fully. ■
Checking the oil type and prepar-
ing the item needed
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before add-
ing oil.
 Engine oil selection
→ P.462
 Oil quantity (Low → Full)
1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.)
 Item
Clean funnel ■
Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near the low
level mark, add engine oil of the same
type as that already in the engine.
1 Remove the oil filler cap by turning
it counterclockwise.
2 Add engine oil slowly, checking the
dipstick.
3 Install the oil filler cap by turning it
clockwise. ■
Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be con-
sumed while driving. In the following situa-
tions, oil consumption may increase, and
engine oil may need to be refilled in
between oil maintenance intervals.
●
When the engine is new, for example
directly after purchasing the vehicle or
after replacing the engine
●
If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate
viscosity is used
●
When driving at high engine speeds or A
B
C

390 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) with a heavy load, or when driving while
accelerating or decelerating frequently●
When leaving the engine idling for a long
time, or when driving frequently through
heavy traffic■
After changing the engine oil
The engine oil maintena nce data should be
reset. Perform the following procedures:
1 Press or of the meter control
switch to select .
2 Press or to select “Vehicle Set-
tings” and then press .
3 Press or to select “Oil Mainte-
nance” and then press .
4 Press or to select “Yes” and
then press .
A message will be displayed on the
multi-information disp lay when the reset
procedure has been completed.
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is
between the “F” and “L” lines on the
reservoir when the engine is cold. ■
Engine coolant reservoir
Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” line If the level is on or below the “L” line, add
coolant up to the “F” line. ( → P.453)
■
Power control unit coolant reser-
voir
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is
between the “F” and “L” lines on the
reservoir when the hybrid system is WARNING■
Used engine oil●
Used engine oil contains potentially
harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflamma-
tion and skin cancer, so care should be
taken to avoid prolonged and
repeated contact. To remove used
engine oil from your skin, wash thor-
oughly with soap and water.
●
Dispose of used oil and filters only in a
safe and acceptable manner. Do not
dispose of used oil and filters in house-
hold trash, in sewers or onto the
ground.
Call your Lexus dealer, service station
or auto parts store for information
concerning recycling or disposal.
●
Do not leave used engine oil within the
reach of children. NOTICE■
To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis. ■
When replacing the engine oil ●
Be careful not to spill engine oil on the
vehicle components. ●
Avoid overfilling, or the engine could
be damaged. ●
Check the oil level on the dipstick
every time you re fill the vehicle.●
Be sure the engine o il filler cap is prop-
erly tightened.
Checking the coolant
A
B
C

3916-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 6
Maintenance and care cold.
Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” lineIf the level is on or below the “L” line, add
coolant up to the “F” line. ( → P.453)
■
Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
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.
U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mix-
ture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized
water. (Minimum temperature: -31°F
[-35°C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mix-
ture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized
water. (Minimum temperature: -44°F
[-42°C])
For more details about coolant, contact
your Lexus dealer.
■
If the coolant level drops within a short
time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses,
engine/power control unit coolant reservoir
caps, drain cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Lexus
dealer test the cap and check for leaks in
the cooling system. Check the radiator and condenser and
clear away any foreign objects. If either
of the above parts is extremely dirty or
you are not sure of their condition,
have your vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer.
■
Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be A
B
C WARNING■
When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the en gine/power control
unit coolant reservoir caps. ( → P.456)
The cooling system may be under pres-
sure and may spray hot coolant if the cap
is removed, causing serious injuries, such
as burns.
NOTICE■
When adding coolant
Coolant is neithe r plain water nor
straight antifreeze. The correct mixture
of water and antifreeze must be used to
provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read
the antifreeze or coolant label. ■
If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to pre-
vent it from damaging parts or paint.
Checking the radiator and con-
denser
WARNING
■
When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser
as they may be hot and cause serious
injuries, such as burns.
Checking and adding the brake
fluid

392 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines
on the tank.
■
Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and
prepare the necessary item.
 Fluid type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703
brake fluid
FMVSS No.116 DOT 4 or SAE J1704
brake fluid
 Item Clean funnel
■
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. If any washer does not work or the
warning message appears on the
multi-information display, the washer
tank may be empty. Add washer fluid.
WARNING
■
When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your
hands and eyes and damage painted sur-
faces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes,
flush the affected area with clean water
immediately.
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 leve l in the accumulator
is high.
If the reservoir need s frequent refilling,
there may be a serious problem.
Adding the washer fluid
WARNING■
When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the hybrid
system is hot or operating as washer fluid
contains alcohol and may catch fire if
spilled on the engine, etc.
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.

414 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 1 Turn the power switch off.
2 Open the fuse box cover. 
Engine compartment: type A fuse
box Push the tabs in and lift the lid off.

Engine compartment: type B fuse
box Remove the engine compartment cover
( → P.388) and push the ta bs in and lift the
lid off.WARNING■
Removed battery and other parts
These parts are small and if swallowed by
a child, they can cause choking. Keep
away from children. Failure to do so
could result in death or serious injury.
NOTICE■
When replacing the battery
Use a flathead screwdriver of appropri-
ate size. Applying excessive force may
deform or damage the cover. ■
For normal operation after replacing
the battery
Observe the following precautions to
prevent accidents: ●
Always work with dry hands.
Moisture may cause the battery to
rust.●
Do not touch or move any other com-
ponent inside the remote control.●
Do not bend either of the battery ter-
minals. Checking and replacing
fuses If any of the electrical components
do not operate, a fuse may have
blown. If this happens, check and
replace the fuses as necessary.
Checking and replacing fuses

4397-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 7
When trouble arises  In some situations, the master warning light and warning buzzer may not oper-
ate as specified. In this case, follow the instructions displayed in the warning
message.
 If a warning light comes on or flashes at the same time that a warning message is
displayed, take corrective actio n according to the warning light. ( → P.427)*
: A buzzer sounds the first time a message is shown on the multi-information display.
■
Warning messages
The warning messages explained below
may differ from the actual messages
according to operation conditions and vehi-
cle specifications. ■
Warning buzzer
In some cases, the bu zzer may not be heard
due to being in a noisy location or audio
sound. ■
If “Engine Oil Level Low Add or
Replace” is displayed
The engine oil level is low. Check the level
of the engine oil, and add if necessary.
This message may appear if the vehicle is
stopped on a slope. Move the vehicle to a
level surface and check to see if the mes-
sage disappears.
■
If “Hybrid System Stopped Steering
Power Low” is displayed
This message is displa yed if the hybrid sys-
tem is stopped while driving.
When steering wheel operations are
heavier than usual, grip the steering wheel
firmly and operate it using more force than
usual. ■
If “Hybrid System Overheated Reduced
Output Power” is displayed
This message may be displayed when driv-
ing under severe operat ing conditions. (For
example, when driving up a long steep hill.)
Handling method: → P.453■
If “Warming Up Maximum Vehicle
Speed: 65 MPH” is displayed
The transmission is being warmed up and
the vehicle is unable to be driven over 65
mph (110 km/h). Wait until the transmission
warms up. ■
If “Stop the Vehicle in a Safe Place Shift
to P position” is displayed
There may be a malfunction in the hybrid
system or the shift position may be shifted to
N for a long time. I mmediately stop the
vehicle and contact your Lexus dealer.
■
If “Traction Battery Needs to be Pro-
tected Refrain From the Use of N Posi-
tion” is displayed
The remaining charge for the hybrid battery
(traction battery) is low.
As the hybrid battery (traction battery) can-
not be charged when the shift position is in
N, when stopping the vehicle for a long
period of time, shift the shift position to P.Comes on Does not sound Indicates a condition, such as malfunction of electri-
cal components, their cond ition, or indicates the
need for maintenance
Flashes Does not sound Indicates a situation, such as when an operation has
been performed incorrectly, or indicates how to
perform an operation correctlyWarning buzzer *
Warning

440 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) ■
If “Traction Battery Needs to be Pro-
tected Shift into P to Restart” is dis-
played
The remaining charge for the hybrid battery
(traction battery) is low, because the shift
position has been shifted to N for a long
period of time.
When moving the vehicle, shift the shift
position to P and restart the hybrid system. ■
If “Shift Is in N Release Accelerator
Before Shifting” is displayed
The accelerator pedal has been depressed
when the shift position is in N.
Release the accelerator pedal and shift the
shift position to D or R. ■
If “Depress Brake When Vehicle Is
Stopped Hybrid Syst em May Overheat”
is displayed
The message may be displayed when the
accelerator pedal is depressed to hold the
vehicle while the vehicle is stopped on an
incline, etc. The hybrid system may over-
heat. Release the accelerator pedal and
depress the brake pedal. ■
If “Auto Power Off to Conserve Battery”
is displayed
Power was turned off due to the automatic
power off function. Next time when starting
the hybrid system, operate the hybrid sys-
tem for approximately 5 minutes to
recharge the 12-volt battery. ■
If “Headlight System Malfunction Visit
Your Dealer” is displayed
The following systems may be malfunction-
ing. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer immediately.
●
The LED headlight system
●
AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System)
●
The automatic headlight leveling system
●
AHB (Automatic High Beam)
■
If “Front Camera Unavailable” or “Front
Camera Unavailable Remove Debris
On Windshield” is displayed
The following systems may be suspended
until the problem shown in the message is
resolved. ( → P.219, 226, 433) ●
PCS (Pre-Collision system) ●
LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) (if equipped) ●
LKA (Lane Keeping Assist) (if equipped) ●
Dynamic radar cruise control with
full-speed range ●
RSA (Road Sign Assist) (if equipped) ●
AHB (Automatic High Beam) ■
If “Maintenance Required Soon” is dis-
played
Indicates that all maintenance according to
the driven distance on the maintenance
schedule *
should be performed soon.
Comes on approximately 4500 miles
(7200 km) after the message has been
reset. If necessary, perform maintenance.
Please reset the message after the mainte-
nance is performed. ( → P.378)*
: Refer to the separate “Scheduled Main-
tenance” or “Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment” for the main tenance interval
applicable to your vehicle. ■
If “Maintenance Required Visit Your
Dealer” is displayed
Indicates that all mainte nance is required to
correspond to the driven distance on the
maintenance schedule *
.
Comes on approximately 5000 miles
(8000 km) after the message has been
reset. (The indicator will not work properly
unless the message ha s been reset.) Per-
form the necessary maintenance. Please
reset the message after the maintenance is
performed. ( → P.378) *
: Refer to the separate “Scheduled Main-
tenance” or “Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment” for the main tenance interval
applicable to your vehicle.
■
If “Oil Maintenance Required Soon” is
displayed
Indicates that the engine oil should be
scheduled to be changed.
Check the engine oil an d change it if neces-
sary. After changing th e engine oil, make
sure to reset the message. ( → P.390)

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.