2021 LEXUS RX450h battery replacement

2914-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
Use fluids that are appropriate to
the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
•Washer fluid
Have a service technician inspect
the condition of the 12-volt battery.
 Have the vehicle fitted with four
snow tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires ar e of the specified size
and the same brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
Perform the following according to the
driving conditions:
 Do not try to forcibly open a window
or move a wiper that is frozen. Pour
warm water over the frozen area to
melt the ice. Wipe away the water
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary prepara-
tions and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive
the vehicle in a manner appropriate
to the prevailing weather condi-
tions.
Pre-winter preparations
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to
reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of
vehicle control and cause death or seri-
ous injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended level of air
pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120
km/h), regardless of the type of snow
tires being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some
wheels.
■Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to
reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle
being unable to be driven safely, and may
cause death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed
limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), which-
ever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces
or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt
steering, sudden br aking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine
braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering
a curve to ensure that vehicle control is
maintained.
●Do not use the LTA (Lane Tracing
Assist) system.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow
tires from your Lexus dealer or legitimate
tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attach-
ment of snow tires affects the operation
of the tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters.
Before driving the vehicle

3626-2. Maintenance
6-2.Maintenance
■Repair and replacement
It is recommended that genuine Lexus parts
be used for repairs to ensure performance
of each system. If non-Lexus parts are used
in replacement or if a repair shop other than
a Lexus dealer perfor ms repairs, confirm
the warranty coverage.
■Allow inspection and repairs to be per-
formed by a Lexus dealer
●Lexus technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up to date with the
latest service information. They are well
informed about the operation of all sys-
tems on your vehicle.
●Keep a copy of the repa ir order. It proves
that the maintenance that has been per-
formed is under warra nty coverage. If any
problem should arise while your vehicle is
under warranty, your Lexus dealer will
promptly take care of it.
General maintenance should be per-
formed on a daily basis. This can be
done by yourself or by a Lexus dealer.
Scheduled maintenance should be
performed at specified intervals
according to the maintenance sched-
ule.
For details about ma intenance items and
schedules, refer to the “Warranty and Ser-
vice Guide”, “Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment” or “Scheduled Maintenance”.
■Resetting the message indicating main-
tenance is required (U.S.A. only)
After the required maintenance is pre-
formed according to the maintenance
schedule, please reset the message.
To reset the message, follow the procedures
described below:
1 Press or of the meter control
switch to select .
2 Press or of the meter control
switch, select the “Scheduled Mainte-
nance” screen and then press and hold
the .
Maintenance requirements
To ensure safe and economical driv-
ing, day-to-day care and regular
maintenance are essential. It is the
owner’s responsibility to perform
regular checks. Lexus recommends
the following maintenance:
WARNING
■If your vehicle is not properly main-
tained
Improper maintenanc e could result in
serious damage to the vehicle and possi-
ble death or serious injury.
■Handling of the 12-volt battery
●Engine exhaust, some of its constitu-
ents, and a wide variety of automobile
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and
other reproductive harm. Work in a
well ventilated area.
●Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehi-
cles as well as waste produced by
component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer and birth
defects or other re productive harm.
Avoid exposure and wash any affected
area immediately.
●12-volt battery post s, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds which are known to
cause brain damage. Wash your hands
after handling. ( P.376)
General maintenance
Scheduled maintenance

3786-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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 insufficient ventilation.
■How to recharge the 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or
less). The 12-volt battery may explode if
charged at a quicker rate.
■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.
■When handling the 12-volt battery
 P.453
■When disconnecting the 12-volt bat-
tery (RX450h)
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.
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.

3936-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
■Replacing the rear wiper insert
Have the rear wiper inse rt replaced by your
Lexus dealer.
■Handling of the windshield wiper blades
and inserts
Improper handling of the windshield wiper
blades and inserts may cause them to be
damaged. If it is difficult to follow the wiper
blade and insert replacement procedure
precisely, contact your Lexus dealer.
■If the electronic key battery is depleted
The following symptoms may occur:
●The smart access system with push-but-
ton start and wireless remote control will
not function properly.
●The operationa l range will be reduced.
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
the local laws.
1Take out the mechanical key.
2 Remove the cover.
To prevent damage to the key, cover the tip
Electronic key battery
Replace the battery with a new one
if it is depleted.
You will need the following items:
Replacing the battery

4527-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ponents when the vehicle is running at a
low speed for an extended period, such
as in heavy traffic.
■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 the 12-volt battery is removed or
discharged
●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.
●The power back door mu st be initialized.
(  P.119)
■When replacing the 12-volt battery
●RX450h: Use a Central Degassing type
12-volt battery (European Regulations). RX450hL: Use a 12-volt battery
designed for this vehicle.
●RX450h: Use a 12-volt battery that the
case size is same
as the previous one
(LN2), 20 hour rate capacity (20HR) is
equivalent (60Ah) or greater, and per-
formance rating (CCA) is equivalent
(460A) or greater.
• If the sizes differ, the 12-volt battery can- not be properly secured.
• If the 20 hour rate capacity is low, even if
the time period where the vehicle is not
used is a short time, the 12-volt battery
may discharge and the hybrid system
may not be able to start.
●Use a 12-volt battery with a handle. If a
12-volt battery without a handle is used,
removal is more difficult.
●After replacing, firm ly attach the follow-
ing items to the exhaust hole of the
12-volt battery.
• Use the exhaust hose that was attached to the 12-volt battery before replacing
and confirm that it is firmly connected to
the hole section of the vehicle.
• Use the exhaust hole plug included with the 12-volt battery re placed or the one
installed on the 12-volt battery prior to
the replacement. (Depending on the
12-volt battery to be replaced, the
exhaust hole may be plugged.)
RX450h
Exhaust hole plug
Exhaust hole
A
B

4537-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
Exhaust hose
Hole section of the vehicle
RX450hLExhaust hole
Exhaust hose
Hole section of the vehicle
●For details, consult your Lexus dealer.
WARNING
■When removing the 12-volt battery
terminals
Always remove the negative (-) terminal
first. If the positive (+) terminal contacts
any metal in the surrounding area when
the positive (+) terminal is removed, a
spark may occur, leading to a fire in addi-
tion to electrical shocks and death or
serious injury.
■Avoiding 12-volt battery fires or
explosions
Observe the following precautions to
prevent accidentally igniting the flamma-
ble gas that may be emitted from the
12-volt battery:
●Make sure each jumper cable is con-
nected to the correct terminal and that
it is not unintentiona lly in contact with
any other than the intended terminal.
●Do not allow the other end of the
jumper cable connected to the “+” ter-
minal to come into contact with any
other parts or metal surfaces in the
area, such as brackets or unpainted
metal.
C
D
A
B
C
●Do not allow the + and - clamps of the
jumper cables to come into contact
with each other.
●Do not smoke, use matches, cigarette
lighters or allow open flame near the
12-volt battery.
■12-volt battery precautions
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous
and corrosive acidic electrolyte, while
related parts contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Observe the following precau-
tions when handling the 12-volt battery:
●When working with the 12-volt battery,
always wear safety glasses and take
care not to allow any battery fluids
(acid) to come into contact with skin,
clothing or the vehicle body.
●Do not lean over the 12-volt battery.
●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 ha nds after handling
the 12-volt battery support, terminals,
and other battery-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.

4658-1. Specifications
8
Vehicle specifications
*: The fluid capacity is a reference quantity.If replacement is necessary, contact your Lexus dealer.
*: The fluid capacity is a reference quantity.If replacement is necessary, contact your Lexus dealer.
Electrical system (12-volt battery)
Open voltage at 68°F (20°C):
12.6 V or higher: Fully charged
12.2  12.4 V: Half charged
12.0 V or lower: Discharged
(Voltage is checked 20 minutes after the hybrid
system and all lights are turned off.)
Charging rates5 A max.
Hybrid transmission
Fluid capacity*5.1 qt. (4.8 L, 4.2 Imp. qt.)
Fluid typeToyota Genuine ATF WS
NOTICE
■Hybrid transmission fluid type
Using transmission fluid other than the above type may cause abnormal noise or vibra-
tion, or ultimately damage the transmission of your vehicle.
Rear differential (rear electric motor)
Fluid capacity*1.9 qt. (1.8 L, 1.6 Imp. qt.)
Fluid typeToyota Genuine ATF WS
NOTICE
■Hybrid transmission fluid type
Using transmission fluid other than the above type may cause abnormalnoise or vibration,
or ultimately damage the tr ansmission of your vehicle.
Brakes
Pedal clearance*3.7 in. (95 mm) Min.
Pedal free play0.04  0.24 in. (1.0  6.0 mm)