LEXUS LS500H 2018 Owners Manual

3916-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 6
Maintenance and care cold.
Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” lineIf the level is on or below the “L” line, add
coolant up to the “F” line. ( → P.453)
■
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 condition,
have your vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer.
■
Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be A
B
C WARNING■
When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the en gine/power control
unit coolant reservoir caps. ( → P.456)
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.
Checking and adding the brake
fluid

392 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 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
brake fluid
FMVSS No.116 DOT 4 or SAE J1704
brake fluid
 Item 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 any washer does not work or the
warning message appears on the
multi-information display, the washer
tank may be empty. Add washer 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.
Adding the washer fluid
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.

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

394 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 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
disconnecting the 12-volt battery. Take
extra care when connecting the 12-volt
battery if the power sw itch mode prior to
discharge is unknown.
If the system will not st art even after multiple
attempts, contact your Lexus dealer.
Make sure that the 12-volt battery ter-
minals are not corroded and that there
are no loose connections, cracks, or
loose clamps.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 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.
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.
Exterior

3956-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 6
Maintenance and care Terminals
Hold-down clamp
Check the 12-volt battery condition by
indicator color.
Blue: Good condition
Red: Charging is necessary.
Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer.
Clear: Replacement is necessary.
Have the 12-volt battery checked
by your Lexus dealer. Check if the treadw ear indicators are
showing on the tires. Also check the
tires for uneven wear, such as excessive
wear on one side of the tread.
New tread
Worn tread
Treadwear indicator The location of treadwear indicators is
shown by a “TWI” or “ ” mark, etc.,
molded into the sidewall of each tire.
Replace the tires if the treadwear indica-
tors are showing on a tire.Checking the 12-volt battery
condition A
B
A
B
C Tires Replace or rotate tires in accor-
dance with maintenance schedules
and treadwear.
Checking tires
A
B
C

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.

3996-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 6
Maintenance and care ■
Warning performance of the tire pres-
sure warning system
The warning of the tire pressure warning
system will change in accordance with driv-
ing conditions. For this reason, the system may give a warning even if the tire pressure
does not reach a low enough level, or if the
pressure is higher than the pressure that
was adjusted to when the system was initial-
ized.■
Tire pressure warning system certification 
For vehicles sold in the U.S.A. , Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico

400 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 
For vehicles sold in Canada