370 6-1. Maintenance and care
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(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
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.120)■
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
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
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
419
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 7 7
When trouble arises When trouble arises .
7-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers.................. 420
If your vehicle has to be stopped in
an emergency .......................... 420
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed
........................................................ 422
If you think something is wrong
........................................................ 426
If a warning light turns on or a
warning buzzer sounds ....... 427
If a warning message is displayed
........................................................ 437
If you have a flat tire.................. 442
If the hybrid system will not start
........................................................ 443
If you lose your keys ................. 444
If the fuel filler door cannot be
opened........................................ 445
If the electronic key does not
operate properly .................... 445
If the 12-volt battery is discharged
........................................................ 447
If your vehicle overheats ........ 453
If the vehicle becomes stuck
........................................................ 457
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.
4437-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 7
When trouble arises
One of the following may be the cause
of the problem:
The electronic key may not be func-
tioning properly. ( → P.445)
There may not be sufficient fuel in
the vehicle’s tank.
Refuel the vehicle.
There may be a malfunction in the
immobilizer system. ( → P.66)
There may be a malfunction in the
shift control system. *
( → P.171, 441)
There may be a malfunction in the
steering lock system.
The hybrid system may be malfunc-
tioning due to an electrical problem
such as electronic key battery
depletion or a blown fuse. However,
depending on the type of malfunc-
tion, an interim measure is available
to start the hybrid system. ( → P.443)
There is a possibility that the tem-
perature of the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) is extremely low
(approximately below -22°F [-30°C]). ( → P.168) *
: It may not be possible to shift the shift
position from P.
One of the following may be the cause
of the problem:
The 12-volt battery may be dis-
charged. ( → P.447)
The 12-volt battery terminal con-
nections may be lo ose or corroded.
( → P.393)
One of the following may be the cause
of the problem:
One or both of the 12-volt battery
terminals may be disconnected.
( → P.393)
The 12-volt battery may be dis-
charged. ( → P.447)Contact your Lexus dealer if the problem
cannot be repaired, or if repair procedures
are unknown.
When the hybrid syst em does not start,
the following steps can be used as an
interim measure to start the hybrid sys-
tem if the power switch is functioning If the hybrid system will not
start Reasons for the hybrid system not
starting vary depending on the situ-
ation. Check the following and per-
form the appropriate procedure:
The hybrid system will not start
even though the correct starting
procedure is being followed.
( → P.168) The interior lights and head-
lights are dim, or the horn does
not sound or sounds at a low vol-
ume.
The interior lights and head-
lights do not turn on, or the horn
does not sound.
Starting the hybrid system in an
emergency
444 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) normally.
Do not use this starting procedure
except in cases of emergency.
1 Press the parking brake switch to
check that the parking brake is set.
( → P.181)Parking brake indicator will come on.
2 Turn the power switch to ACCES-
SORY mode.
3 Press and hold the power switch for
about 15 seconds while depressing
the brake pedal firmly.
Even if the hybrid system can be
started using the above steps, the sys-
tem may be malfunctioning. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer. If you lose your keys New genuine mechanical keys can
be made by your Lexus dealer using
another mechanical key and the
key number stamped on your key
number plate.
Keep the plate in a safe place such
as your wallet, not in the vehicle. NOTICE■
When an electronic key is lost
If the electronic key remains lost, the risk
of vehicle theft incr eases significantly.
Visit your Lexus deal er immediately with
all remaining electronic keys and the
card key (if equipped) that were pro-
vided with your vehicle.
4457-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 7
When trouble arises
Remove the cover inside the trunk and
pull the lever.
Using the lever to open the fuel filler
door may not allow for an adequate
reduction in fuel tank pressure before
refueling. To prevent fuel from spilling
out, turn the cap slowly when removing
it. During refueling, fuel may spill out
from the filler opening due to air being
discharged from inside the fuel tank.
Therefore, fill the fuel tank carefully and
slowly. ■
When the electronic key does not work
properly ●
Make sure that the smart access system
with push-button star t has not been dis-
abled at your Lexus dealer. If it has been
disabled, re-enable it. ●
Check if battery-saving mo de is set. If it is
set, cancel the function. ( → P.120)
■
Unlocking the door
Use the mechanical key ( → P.106) in
order to perform th e following opera-
tions:If the fuel filler door cannot
be opened If the fuel filler door opener switch
cannot be operated, contact your
Lexus dealer to service the vehicle.
In case where refueling is urgently
necessary, the following procedure
can be used to open the fuel filler
door.
Opening the fuel filler door If the electronic key does not
operate properly If communication between the
electronic key and vehicle is inter-
rupted ( → P.120) or the electronic
key cannot be used because the
battery is depleted, the smart
access system with push-button
start and wireless remote control
cannot be used. In such cases, the
doors and trunk can be opened and
the hybrid system can be started by
following the procedure below.
NOTICE■
In case of a smart access system with
push-button start malfunction or
other key-rela ted problems
Take your vehicle with all the electronic
keys provided with your vehicle to your
Lexus dealer.
Locking and unlocking the
doors, unlocking the trunk