
324 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 6-3.Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service pre-
cautions If you perform maintenance by
yourself, be sure to follow the cor-
rect procedure as given in these
sections.
Maintenance Items Parts and tools
12-volt Bat-
tery condition
( → P.333) •Grease
•Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp
bolts)
Brake fluid
level
( → P.332) • FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
or SAE J1703 brake
fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for
adding brake fluid)
Engine/power
control unit
coolant level
( → P.330) • “Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” or a similar
high quality ethylene gly-
col-based non-silicate,
non-amine, non-nitrite
and non-borate coolant
with long-life hybrid
organic acid technology
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” is pre-mixed
with 50% coolant and
50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” is pre-mixed
with 55% coolant and
45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for
adding coolant) Engine oil
level
( → P.328) •“Toyota Genuine Motor
Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for
adding engine oil)
Fuses
( → P.349) • Fuse with same amper-
age rating as original
Light bulbs
( → P.353) •Bulb with same number
and wattage rating as
original
Headlight aim • Phillips-head screw-
driver
Radiator and
condenser
( → P.331) —
Tire inflation
pressure
( → P.343) • Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
( → P.332) • Water or washer fluid
containing antifreeze
(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 indicator on the
power switch and the “READY” indi-
cator are both off.
●
Keep hands, clothing and tools away
from the moving fan and engine drive
belt. Items Parts and tools

3256-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 6
Maintenance and care 1 Pull the hood lock release lever. The hood will pop up slightly.
2 Pull up the auxiliary catch lever and
lift the hood.WARNING●
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.■
When working near the electric cool-
ing fans or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With power switch in ON mode, the
electric cooling fans may automatically
start to run if the air conditioning is on
and/or the coolant temperature is high.
( → P.331)■
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. Hood
Opening the hood
WARNING
■
Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and
locked.
If the hood is not locked properly, it may
open while the vehicle is in motion and
cause an accident, which may result in
death or serious injury.

330 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 2 Press or of the meter control
switches, sele ct the “Vehicle Settings”
and then press .
3 Press or of the meter control
switch, select the “Oil Maintenance”
and then press and hold .
4 Select the “Yes” and push .
“The Data Has Been Reset” is displayed
on the multi-information display.
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is
between the “FULL” and “LOW” lines
on the reservoir when the hybrid sys-
tem is cold. ■
Engine coolant reservoir
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line If the level is on or below the “LOW” line,
add coolant up to the “FULL” line.
( → P.394)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, ser-
vice 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

3316-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 6
Maintenance and care ■
Power control unit coolant reser-
voir
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” lineIf the level is on or below the “LOW” line,
add coolant up to the “FULL” line.
■
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 condi-
tion, have your vehicle inspected by
your Lexus dealer.A
B
C WARNING■
When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the en gine/power control
unit coolant reservoir caps.
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.

332 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U ■
Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
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;
FMVSS No.116 DOT 4 or SAE J1704
brake fluid
Items 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 none of the washer do not work or
the “Windshield Washer Fluid Low” on
the multi-information display, the
washer tank may be empty. Add
washer fluid.WARNING■
When the electric cooling fans are
operating
Do not touch the engine compartment.
With the power switch in ON mode, the
electric cooling fans may automatically
start to run if the air conditioning is on
and/or the coolant temperature is high.
Be sure the power switch is off when
working near the electric cooling fans or
radiator grille.
Checking and adding the brake
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.
Checking and adding the washer
fluid

3336-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 6
Maintenance and care The 12-volt battery is located in the left-
hand side of luggage compartment.
■
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 ●
The hybrid system may not start. Follow
the procedure below to initialize the sys-
tem.
1 Shift the shift lever to P.
2 Open and close any of the doors.
3 Restart the hybrid system.
●
Unlocking the doors using the smart
access system with pu sh-button start may
not be possible immediately after recon-
necting the 12-volt battery. If this hap-
pens, use the wireless remote control or
the mechanical key to lock/unlock the
doors.
●
Start the hybrid system with the power
switch in ACCESSORY mode. The 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. ■
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

334 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 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-
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
disconnect the 12- volt battery. Take extra
care when connecting the 12-volt battery
if the power switch mode prior to dis-
charge is unknown.
If the system will not st art even after multiple
attempts at all methods above, contact your
Lexus dealer.
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 handling the 12-volt battery
→ P.393 ■
When disconnecting the 12-volt bat-
tery
Do not disconnect the negative (-) termi-
nal on the body side as shown. The dis-
connected negative (-) terminal may
touch the positive (+) terminal, which
may cause a short and result in death or
serious injury.

3376-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 6
Maintenance and care 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 ade-
quate for driving in most winter condi-
tions as well as for use year-round. All
season tires, however, do not have ade-
quate traction performance compared
with snow tires in heavy or loose snow.
Also, all season tires fall short in accelera-
tion and handling performance com-
pared 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 insta lled 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
regulations for possible restrictions.
Snow tires should be installed on all
wheels. ( → P.257)■
If the tread on snow tires wears down
below 0.16 in. (4 mm)
The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is
lost.
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.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.
●
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-belted 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. ●
Do not tow if your vehicle has a com-
pact spare tire installed.
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. ■
If tire inflation pressure of each tire
becomes low while driving
Do not continue driving, or your tires
and/or wheels may be ruined.
Tire rotation