Lexus ES300h 2013 Maintenance and care / Owner's Manual (OM33A01U)

8117-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
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When trouble arises
■Starting the hybrid system when the 12-volt battery is discharged
The hybrid system cannot be started by push-starting.
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
●Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the hybrid system is off.
●Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is running at a
low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic.
■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 discharge and the draining effects of certain elec-
trical 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 recharging or replacing the 12-volt battery
●Make sure the key is not inside the vehicl e when recharging or replacing the 12-volt
battery to prevent the doors from being locked with the key left inside the vehicle
when the alarm operates.
●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 wire-
less remote control or the mechanical key to lock or unlock the doors.
●The hybrid system may not start on the fir st 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 bat-
tery was discharged. Before disconnectin g 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.

8127-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
CAUTION
■Avoiding battery fires or explosions
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidentally igniting the flammable
gas that may be emi tted from the battery:
●Make sure each jumper cable is connected to the correct terminal and that it is
not unintentionally in contact with any other than the intended terminal.
●Do not allow the other end of the jumper cable connected to the “+” terminal to
come into contact with any other parts or metal surfaces in the area, such as
brackets or unpainted metal.
●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 bat-
tery.
■12-volt battery precautions
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive acidic electrolyte, while
related parts contain lead and lead compounds. Observe the following precau-
tions when handling the 12-volt battery:
●When working with the 12-volt battery, al ways wear safety glasses and take care
not to allow any 12-volt battery fluids (aci d) to come into contact with skin, cloth-
ing or the vehicle body.
●Do not lean over the 12-volt battery.
●In the event that 12-volt 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 hands after handling th e 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 yo ur Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
If the 12-volt battery is deteriorating, continued 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
P. 6 9 3

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ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
7
When trouble arises
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle overheats (gasoline vehicles)
Follow the correction procedure as described below.Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air conditioning system,
and then stop the engine.
If you see steam:
Carefully lift the hood after the steam subsides.
If you do not see steam:
Carefully lift the hood.
After the engine has cooled
down sufficiently, inspect the
hoses and radiator core (radia-
tor) for any leaks.
If a large amount of coolant leaks,
immediately contact your Lexus
dealer.
The coolant level is satisfactory if
it is between the “FULL” and
“LOW” line on the reservoir.
Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
The following may indicate that your vehicle is overheating.
●The needle of the engine coolant temperature gauge ( P. 9 3 )
enters the red zone or a loss of engine power is experienced. (For
example, the vehicle speed does not increase.)
●Steam comes out from under the hood.
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8147-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
Add coolant if necessary.
Water can be used in an emergency if
coolant is unavailable.
Start the engine and turn the air conditioning system on to check that
the radiator cooling fan operates and to chec k for coolant leaks from
the radiator or hoses.
The fan operates when the air conditioning system is turned on immediately after
a cold start. Confirm that the fan is operating by checking the fan sound and air
flow. If it is difficult to check these, tu rn the air conditioning system on and off
repeatedly.
(The fan may not operate in freezing temperatures.)
If the fan is not operating:
Stop the engine immediately and contact your Lexus dealer.
If the fan is operating:
Have the vehicle inspected at the nearest Lexus dealer.
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CAUTION
■When inspecting under the hood of your vehicle
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in serious injury such as burns.
●If steam is seen coming from under the hood, do not open the hood until the
steam has subsided. The engine compartment may be very hot.
●Keep hands and clothing (especially a tie, a scarf or a muffler) away from the fan
and belts. Failure to do so may cause the hands or clothing to be caught, resulting
in serious injury.
●Do not loosen the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are hot.
High temperature steam or coolant could spray out.
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8157-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
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When trouble arises
NOTICE
■When adding engine coolant
Add coolant slowly after the engine has cooled down sufficiently. Adding cool
coolant to a hot engine too quickly can cause damage to the engine.
■To prevent damage to the cooling system
Observe the following precautions:
●Avoid contaminating the coolant with foreign matter (such as sand or dust etc.).
●Do not use commercially available coolant additives.

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ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle overheats (hybrid vehicles)
■If the needle of the engine coolant temperature gauge enters the red
zone
Stop the vehicle in a safe place an d turn off the air conditioning sys-
tem, and then stop the hybrid system.
If you see steam:
Carefully lift the hood after the steam subsides.
If you do not see steam:
Carefully lift the hood.
After the hybrid system has
cooled down sufficiently,
inspect the hoses and cooling
system for leaks.
If a large amount of coolant leaks,
immediately contact your Lexus
dealer.
The following may indicate that your vehicle is overheating.
●The needle of the engine coolant temperature gauge ( P. 9 3 )
enters the red zone or a loss of hybrid system power is experienced.
(For example, the vehicle speed does not increase.)
●“Hybrid System Overheat” ( P. 772) is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.
●Steam comes out from under the hood.
Correction procedures
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8177-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
7
When trouble arises
The coolant level is satisfactory
if it is between the “FULL” and
“LOW” line on the reservoir.Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
Add coolant if necessary.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency if coolant is unavailable.
Start the hybrid system and turn the air conditioning system on to
check that the radiator cooling fan operates and to check for coolant
leaks from the radiator or hoses.
The fan operates when the air conditioning system is turned on immediately
after a cold start. Confirm that the fan is operating by checking the fan sound
and air flow. If it is difficult to check these, turn the air conditioning system on
and off repeatedly.
(The fan may not operate in freezing temperatures.)
If the fan is not operating:
Stop the hybrid system immediately and contact your Lexus dealer.
If the fan is operating:
Have the vehicle inspected at the nearest Lexus dealer.
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8187-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
■If “Hybrid System Overheat” is shown on the multi-information dis-
play
Stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Stop the hybrid system and carefully lift the hood.
After the hybrid system has
cooled down, inspect the
hoses and radiator core (radia-
tor) for any leaks.
The coolant level is satisfactory
if it is between the “FULL” and
“LOW” line on the reservoir.Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
Add coolant if necessary.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency if coolant is unavailable.
Start the hybrid system and check fo r the multi-information display.
If the message does not disappear:
Stop the hybrid system and contact your Lexus dealer.
If the message is not displayed:
Have the vehicle inspected at the nearest Lexus dealer.
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8197-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
7
When trouble arises
CAUTION
■When inspecting under the hood of your vehicle
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in serious injury such as burns.
●If steam is seen coming from under the hood, do not open the hood until the
steam has subsided. The engine compartment may be very hot.
●Check that the indicator on the “POWER ” switch and the “READY” indicator are
off.
●On hybrid vehicles, the gasoline engine may automatically start, or the cooling
fan may suddenly operate even if the gasoline engine stops. Do not touch or
approach rotating parts such as the fan, which may lead to fingers or clothing
(especially a tie, a scarf or a muffler) getting caught, resulting in serious injury.
●Do not loosen the radiator cap while th e hybrid system and radiator are hot.
High temperature steam or coolant could spray out.
NOTICE
■When adding engine/power control unit coolant
Add coolant slowly after the hybrid syst em has cooled down sufficiently. Adding
cool coolant to a hot hybrid system too quickly can cause da mage to the hybrid
system.
■To prevent damage to the cooling system
Observe the following precautions:
●Avoid contaminating the coolant with foreign matter (such as sand or dust etc.).
●Do not use commercially available coolant additives.

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ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the vehicle becomes stuck
Stop the engine . Set the parking brake and shift the
shift lever to P.
Remove the mud, snow or sand from around the front wheels.
Place wood, stones or some other material under the front wheels to
help provide traction.
Restart the engine .
Shift the shift lever to D or R and release the parking brake. Then, while
exercising caution, depress the accelerator pedal.
■When it is difficult to free the vehicle
Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle
becomes stuck in mud, dirt or snow:
Press to turn off TRAC.
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