check engine lexus LS400 1996 Audio System / 1996 LS400: ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
217
Checking battery exterior

TerminalsHold±down clamp
Check the battery for corroded or loose connections,
cracks, or loose hold±down clamps.
1. If the battery is corroded, wash it off with a solution of
warm water and baking soda. Coat the terminals with grease
to prevent further corrosion.
2. If the connections are loose, tighten the clamp bolts ± but
do not overtighten.
3. Tighten the hold±down clamp only enough to keep the
battery firmly in place. Overtightening may damage the
battery case.
NOTICE
Make sure the engine and all accessories are turned
off before performing maintenance.
When checking the battery, remove the ground
cable first and reinstall it last.
Be careful not to cause a short circuit with tools.
Take care no solution gets into the battery when
washing it.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
220
Adding distilled water
(Maintenance type battery only)

LowO.K.
1. Remove the vent plugs.
2. Add distilled water to cells needing fluid.
If the side of your battery is covered, check the water level
by looking down directly above the cell as illustrated above.
3. Retighten the vent plugs securely.
NOTICE
Do not overfill the cells. Excess electrolyte could
squirt out of the battery during heavy charging,
causing corrosion or damage.
Use a cover on the battery for longer life.
BATTERY RECHARGING
PRECAUTIONS
During recharging, the battery is producing hydrogen
gas.
Therefore, before recharging:
1. Maintenance type batteries ± Remove the vent plugs.
2. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be
sure to disconnect the ground cable.
3. Make sure the power switch on the recharger is off when
connecting the charger cables to the battery and when
disconnecting them.
CAUTION!

Always charge the battery in an unconfined area.
Do not charge the battery in a garage or closed
room where there is not sufficient ventilation.
Non±maintenance batteries: Only do a slow charge
(5 A or less). Charging at a quicker rate is
dangerous. The battery may explode causing
personal injuries.
Maintenance type batteries: Be sure to remove the
vent plugs before recharging.
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the engine is
running. Also, make sure all accessories are turned
off.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
221
CHECKING AND REPLACING THE
BLADE TYPE FUSES
Driver's side instrument panel
Engine compartment
Spare fuses
Pull±out tool
1. Turn the ignition switch off and open the fuse box
lid.Determine which fuse may be causing the problem. The lid
of the fuse box shows the name of the circuit for each fuse.
2. Make sure the inoperative component is turned off.
Pull the suspected fuse straight out with the pull±out
tool and check it. If it has blown, push a new fuse into
the clips.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
224
ADDING WASHER FLUID
If the washer tank becomes nearly empty, add washer
fluid.
You may use plain water as washer fluid. However, in cold
areas where temperatures range below the freezing point,
use washer fluid containing antifreeze. This product is
available at your Lexus dealer and most auto parts stores.
Follow the manufacturer's directions for how much to mix
with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute
because it may damage your vehicle's paint.
CHECKING THE HEADLIGHT AIM

Beam angle gauge (vertical movement)
Beam angle gauge (horizontal movement)
Before checking the headlight aim:
1. Be sure that the body around the headlight is not
deformed.
2. Park the vehicle on a level spot.
3. The driver gets into the driver's seat and puts the vehicle
in a state readying for a driving (with a full tank).
4. Bounce the vehicle several times.