384 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) Tire inflation pres-
sure ( → P.408) • Tire pressure gauge
•Compressed air
source
Washer fluid
( → P.392) • Water or washer
fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter
use)
• Funnel (used only for
adding water or
washer fluid)
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many
mechanisms and fluids that may move
suddenly, become hot, or become elec-
trically energized. To avoid death or seri-
ous injury, observe the following
precautions. ■
When working on the engine com-
partment●
Make sure that the “ACCESSORY” or
“IGNITION ON” on the multi-infor-
mation display and the “READY” indi-
cator are both off.●
Keep hands, clothi ng and tools away
from the moving fan and engine drive
belt.
●
Be careful not to touch the engine,
power control unit, radiator, exhaust
manifold, etc. right after driving as they
may be hot. Oil and other fluids may
also be hot.
●
Do not leave anything that may burn
easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
●
Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose
an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes are
flammable. Items Parts and tools ■
When working near the electric cool-
ing fan or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, the
electric cooling fan may automatically
start to run if the air conditioning is on
and/or the coolant temperature is high.
( → P.391) ■
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc. from get-
ting in your eyes.
NOTICE■
If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter
removed may cause excessive engine
wear due to dirt in the air.
396 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) ■
When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if: ●
The treadwear indicators are showing on
a tire.●
You have tire damage such as cuts, splits,
cracks deep enough to expose the fabric,
and bulges indicating internal damage●
A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be
properly repaired due to the size or loca-
tion of a cut or other damage
If you are not sure, consult with your Lexus
dealer. ■
Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked
by a qualified technician even if it has sel-
dom or never been used or damage is not
obvious. ■
Maximum load of tire
Check that the maximum load of the
replacement tire is greater than 1/2 of the
Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) of
either the front axle or the rear axle, which-
ever is greater.
For the GAWR, see the Certification Label.
For the maximum load of the tire, see the
load limit at maximum cold tire inflation
pressure mentioned on the sidewall of the
tire. ( → P.472)
■
Tire types
●
Summer tires
Summer tires are high-speed performance
tires best suited to highway driving under
dry conditions. Since summer tires do not
have the same traction performance as
snow tires, summer tires are inadequate for
driving on snow-covered or icy roads. For
driving on snow-covered roads or icy roads, the use of snow tires is recom-
mended. When installing snow tires, be
sure to replace all four tires. ●
All season tires
All season tires are designed to provide
better traction in snow and to be adequate
for driving in most winter conditions as well
as for use year-round. All season tires,
however, do not have adequate traction
performance compared with snow tires in
heavy or loose snow. Also, all season tires
fall short in accelerati on and handling per-
formance compared with summer tires in
highway driving. ●
Snow tires
For driving on snow-covered roads or icy
roads, we recommend using snow tires. If
you need snow tires, select tires of the
same size, construction and load capacity
as the originally instal led tires. Since your
vehicle has radial tires as original equip-
ment, make sure your snow tires also have
radial construction. Do not install studded
tires without first checking local regula-
tions for possible restrictions. Snow tires
should be installed on all wheels.
( → P.309) ■
If the tread on snow tires wears down
below 0.16 in. (4 mm)
The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is
lost.
WARNING
■
When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to
prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause damage to
parts of the drive train as well as danger-
ous handling characteristics, which may
lead to an accident resulting in death or
serious injury.
3976-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 6
Maintenance and care
Vehicles with front and rear tires of
the same size
Rotate the tires in the order shown. To equalize tire wear and extend tire life,
Lexus recommends that tire rotation is car-
ried out at the same in terval as tire inspec-
tion.
Do not fail to initialize the tire pressure
warning system after tire rotation.
Vehicles with front and rear tires of
differing sizes
Tires cannot be rotated.
When run-flat tires are installed, the
vehicle can be driven for a maximum of
100 miles (160 km) at a speed below
50 mph (80 km/h) after any tire goes
flat. (However, the vehicle speed may
not increase to near 50 mph [80
km/h] depending on weather or driv-
ing conditions.)
A run-flat tire has a mark on
the side wall. Make sure to replace the flat tire before the
vehicle has been driven for near 100 miles
(160 km). Also, do not use a repaired tire.
■
Run-flat tires ●
The run-flat tires are for only this vehicle.
Do not use the tires on other vehicles. ●
Do not mix run-flat tires and normal tires.
●
If non-genuine Lexus wheels are used, it
may be impossible to sufficiently demon-
strate the performance of run-flat tires.
Your vehicle is equipped with a tire
pressure warning system that uses tire
pressure warning valves and transmit-
ters to detect low ti re inflation pressure WARNING●
Do not mix tires of different makes,
models or tread patterns.
Also, do not mix tires of remarkably
different treadwear.●
Do not use tire sizes other than those
recommended by Lexus.●
Do not mix differently constructed
tires (radial, bias-b elted or bias-ply
tires).●
Do not mix summer, all season and
snow tires.●
Do not use tires that have been used
on another vehicle.
Do not use tires if you do not know
how they were used previously.
NOTICE■
Driving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving on
roads with loose surfaces or potholes.
These conditions may cause losses in tire
inflation pressure, reducing the cushion-
ing ability of the tires. In addition, driving
on rough roads may cause damage to
the tires themselves, as well as the vehi-
cle’s wheels and body.
Tire rotation Run-flat tires
Tire pressure warning system
398 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) before serious problems arise.
The tire pressure detected by the
tire pressure warning system can be
displayed on the multi-information
display. ( → P.86)
If the tire pressure drops below a
predetermined level, the driver is
warned by a screen display and a
warning light. ( → P.431)
■
Routine tire inflation pressure checks
The tire pressure warning system does not
replace routine tire inflation pressure
checks. Make sure to check tire inflation
pressure as part of your routine of daily
vehicle checks.
■
Tire inflation pressure
●
It may take a few minutes to display the
tire inflation pressure after the power
switch is turned to ON mode. It may also
take a few minutes to display the tire infla-
tion pressure after inflation pressure has
been adjusted.
●
Tire inflation pressu re changes with tem-
perature. The displayed values may also be different from the values measured
using a tire pressure gauge. ■
Situations in which the tire pressure
warning system may not operate prop-
erly ●
In the following cases, the tire pressure
warning system may not operate prop-
erly.
• If non-genuine Lexus wheels are used.
• If a tire has been replaced with a tire that
is not an OE (Original Equipment) tire.
• If a tire has been replaced with a tire that
is not of the specified size.
• If tire chains, etc. are installed.
• An auxiliary-supported run-flat tire is
equipped.
• If a window tint that affects the radio wave
signals is installed.
• If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehi-
cle, particularly around the wheels or
wheel housings.
• If the tire inflation pressure is much higher
than the specified level.
• If wheels not equipped with tire pressure
warning valves and transmitter are used.
• If the ID code on the tire pressure warn-
ing valves and transmitters is not regis-
tered in the tire pressure warning
computer. ●
Performance may be af fected in the fol-
lowing situations.
• When driving near a TV tower, electric
power plant, gas stat ion, radio station,
large display, airport or other facility that
generates strong radi o waves or electri-
cal noise
• When carrying a portable radio, cellular
phone, cordless phone or other wireless
communication device
If tire position information is not correctly
displayed due to the radio wave conditions,
the display may be corrected by changing
the location of the vehicle as the radio wave
conditions may change.
●
When the vehicle is stopped, the time
taken for the warning to start or turn off
may be longer.
●
When the inflation pressure of a tire
drops rapidly, for example when a tire has
burst, the warning may not operate.
4096-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 6
Maintenance and care 1 Remove the tire valve cap.
2 Press the tip of the tire pressure
gauge onto the tire valve.
3 Read the pressure using the gauge
gradations.
4 If the tire inflation pressure is not at
the recommended level, adjust the
pressure.
If you add too much air, press the
center of the valve to deflate.
5 After completing the tire inflation
pressure measurem ent and adjust-
ment, apply soapy water to the
valve and check for leakage.
6 Put the tire valve cap back on. ■
Tire inflation pressure check interval
You should check tire inflation pressure
every two weeks, or at least once a month.
Do not forget to check the spare. ■
Effects of incorrect tire inflation pres-
sure
Driving with incorrect ti re inflation pressure
may result in the following: ●
Reduced fuel economy●
Reduced driving comfort and poor han-
dling●
Reduced tire life due to wear●
Reduced safety●
Damage to the drive train
If a tire needs frequent inflating, have it
checked by your Lexus dealer.
■
Instructions for checking tire inflation
pressure
When checking tire inflation pressure,
observe the following:
●
Check only when the tires are cold.
If your vehicle has been parked for at
least 3 hours or has not been driven for
more than 1 mile or 1.5 km, you will get an
accurate cold tire in flation pressure read- ing. ●
Always use a tire pressure gauge.
It is difficult to judge if a tire is properly
inflated based only on its appearance. ●
It is normal for the ti re inflation pressure
to be higher after driving as heat is gen-
erated in the tire. Do not reduce tire infla-
tion pressure after driving. ●
Never exceed the vehicle capacity
weight.
Passengers and luggage weight should
be placed so that the vehicle is balanced.
WARNING■
Proper inflation is critical to save tire
performance
Keep your tires properly inflated.
If the tires are not properly inflated, the
following conditions may occur which
could lead to an accident resulting in
death or serious injury: ●
Excessive wear ●
Uneven wear ●
Poor handling ●
Possibility of blowouts resulting from
overheated tires
●
Air leaking from between tire and
wheel
●
Wheel deformation and/or tire dam-
age
●
Greater possibility of tire damage
while driving (due to road hazards,
expansion joints, sharp edges on the
road, etc.)
NOTICE
■
When inspecting and adjusting tire
inflation pressure
Be sure to put the tire valve caps back on.
If a valve cap is not installed, dirt or mois-
ture may get into the valve and cause an
air leak, resulting in decreased tire infla-
tion pressure.
4116-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 6
Maintenance and care or rubber hammer when balancing
your wheels.
1 Turn the power switch off.
2 Open the glove box. Remove the
partition. ( → P.345)
3 Remove the panel.
4 Unlock the filter cover ( ), pull the
filter cover out of the claws ( ),
and remove the filter cover.Air conditioning filter The air conditioning filter must be
changed regularly to maintain air
conditioning efficiency.
Removing the air conditioning
filter
A
B
412 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 5 Remove the filter case.
6 Remove the air conditioning filter
from the filter case and replace it
with a new one.The “ UP” marks shown on the filter
and the filter case should be pointing up.
■
Checking interval
Inspect and replace the air conditioning fil-
ter according to the maintenance schedule.
In dusty areas or area s with heavy traffic
flow, early replacement may be required.
(For scheduled mainte nance information,
please refer to the “Owner’s Manual Sup-
plement” or “Scheduled Maintenance”.)
■
If air flow from th e vents decreases dra-
matically
The filter may be clogged. Check the filter
and replace if necessary.
■
Air conditioning filter with deodorizing
function
When fragrances are placed in your vehi-
cle, the deodorizing effect may become
significantly weakened in a short period.
When an air conditioning odor comes out
continuously, replace the air conditioning filter.
NOTICE■
When using the air conditioning sys-
tem
Make sure that a filter is always installed.
Using the air conditioning system without
a filter may cause damage to the system. ■
To prevent damage to the filter cover
When moving the filter cover in the
direction of arrow to release the fitting,
pay attention not to apply excessive force
to the claws. Otherwise, the claws may
be damaged.
420 7-1. Essential information
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 7-1.Essential information
Press the switch to flash all of the turn
signal lights. To turn them off, press the switch once
again.
■
Emergency flashers●
If the emergency flashers are used for a
long time while the hybrid system is not
operating (while th e “READY” indicator
is not illuminated), the 12-volt battery may
discharge.●
If any of the SRS airbags deploy (inflate)
or in the event of a strong rear impact, the
emergency flashers will turn on automati-
cally.
The emergency flashers will turn off auto-
matically after operating for approxi-
mately 20 minutes. To manually turn the
emergency flashers off, press the switch
twice.
(The emergency flashers may not turn on
automatically depending on the force of
the impact and conditions of the colli-
sion.) 1 Steadily step on the brake pedal
with both feet and firmly depress it. Do not pump the brake pedal repeatedly
as this will increase the effort required to
slow the vehicle.
2 Shift the shift position to N.
If the shift position is shifted to N
3 After slowing down, stop the vehi-
cle in a safe place by the road.
4 Stop the hybrid system.
If the shift position cannot be shifted
to N
3 Keep depressing the brake pedal
with both feet to reduce vehicle
speed as much as possible.
4 To stop the hybrid system, press
and hold the power switch for 2
consecutive seconds or more, or Emergency flashers The emergency flashers are used to
warn other drivers when the vehicle
has to be stopped on the road due
to a breakdown, etc.
Operating instructions If your vehicle has to be
stopped in an emergency Only in an emergency, such as if it
becomes impossible to stop the
vehicle in the normal way, stop the
vehicle using the following proce-
dure:
Stopping the vehicle