light Lexus GS250 2012 Owner's Manual

643
6Maintenance and care
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
6-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle exterior ......... 644
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle interior .......... 648
6-2. Maintenance
Maintenance
requirements ................... 651
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service
precautions...................... 654
Hood ................................. 657
Positioning a floor jack ..... 658
Engine compartment ......... 660
Tires .................................. 672
Tire inflation pressure ....... 689
Wheels .............................. 691
Air conditioning filter ....... 693
Electronic key battery ....... 695
Checking and replacing
fuses ................................ 698
Light bulbs ........................ 720

6456-1. Maintenance and care
6
Maintenance and care
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
When using a car wash
If the door handle becomes wet while the electronic key is within the effec-
tive range, the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. In that case, follow the
following correction procedures to wash the vehicle:
Place the key in a position 2 m (6 ft.) or more separate from the vehicle
while the vehicle is being washed. (Take care to ensure that the key is not
stolen.)
Set the electronic key to battery-saving mode to disable the smart entry &
start system. (P. 1 2 9 )
Aluminum wheels
Remove any dirt immediately by using a neutral detergent. Do not use hard
brushes or abrasive cleaners. Do not use strong or harsh chemical cleaners.
Use the same mild detergent and wax as used on the paint.
Do not use detergent on the wheels when they are hot, for example after
driving for long distance in the hot weather.
Wash detergent from the wheels immediately after use.
Bumpers
Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.
Front side windows water-repellent coating
The following precautions can extend the effectiveness of the water-repel-
lent coating.
• Remove any dirt, etc. from the front side windows regularly.
• Do not allow dirt and dust to accumulate on the windows for a long
period.
Clean the windows with a soft, damp cloth as soon as possible.
• Do not use wax or glass cleaners that contain abrasives when cleaning
the windows.
• Do not use any metallic objects to remove condensation build up.
When the water-repellent performance has become insufficient, the coating
can be repaired. Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another
duly qualified and equipped professional.
Outside rear view mirror rain-clearing coating (if equipped)
Observe the following precautions in order to retain the rain-clearing proper-
ties of the mirrors:
Clean the mirrors using a car shampoo or glass cleaner that does not contain
silicone or an abrasive compound, and rinse thoroughly with water.
Allow the mirrors to be exposed to direct sunlight for 1 to 2 days.

6476-1. Maintenance and care
6
Maintenance and care
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
NOTICE
To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and components
(aluminum wheels etc.)
Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If coal tar or tree sap is present on the paint surface
• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the
paint surface
• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust,
iron powder or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gasoline are spilled on the paint surface
If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.
To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a
place with low humidity when storing the wheels.
Cleaning the exterior lights
Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the surfaces of the lights.
Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses.
When using an automatic car wash (with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
Set the wipers to the intermittent windshield wipers. (P. 245)
If AUTO mode is selected, the wipers may operate and the wiper blades
may be damaged.

6506-1. Maintenance and care
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
NOTICE
Cleaning detergents
Do not use the following types of detergent, as they may discolor the vehi-
cle interior or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces:
• Non-seat portions: Organic substances such as benzene or gasoline,
alkaline or acidic solutions, dye, and bleach
• Seats: Alkaline or acidic solutions, such as thinner, benzene, and alco-
hol
Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel’s or other
interior part’s painted surface may be damaged.
Preventing damage to leather surfaces
Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration of
leather surfaces:
Remove any dust or dirt from leather surfaces immediately.
Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
Park the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.
Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or containing wax on the uphol-
stery, as they may stick to the leather surface if the vehicle interior heats
up significantly.
Water on the floor
Do not wash the vehicle floor with water.
Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes
into contact with electrical components such as the audio system above or
under the floor of the vehicle. Water may also cause the body to rust.
When cleaning the inside of the windshield (vehicles with LKA [Lane-
Keeping Assist])
Be careful not to touch the camera sensor (P. 274).
If the camera is accidentally scratched or hit, LKA may not operate prop-
erly or may cause a malfunction.
Cleaning the inside of the rear window
Do not use glass cleaner to clean the rear window, as this may cause dam-
age to the rear window defogger heater wires or antenna. Use a cloth
dampened with lukewarm water to gently wipe the window clean. Wipe
the window in strokes running parallel to the heater wires or antenna.
Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires or antenna.

655 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Light bulbs (P. 722)
• Bulb with same number and watt-
age rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
•Wrench
Radiator and condenser (P. 667)
Tire inflation pressure (P. 691)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Wa s h e r f l u i d (P. 671)
• Water or washer fluid containing
antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding
water or washer fluid)
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
When working on the engine compartment
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
Be careful not to touch the engine, 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 or the battery.
Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces. If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the
affected area with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, consult a doctor.
ItemsParts and tools

6566-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
CAUTION
When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the engine switch is off.
With the engine switch in IGNITION ON mode, the electric cooling fans
may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the cool-
ant temperature is high. (P. 667)
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting 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. Also, a backfire could cause a fire in the engine
compartment.
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 or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.

657
6 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Maintenance and care
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Hood
Pull the hood lock release
lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Pull up the auxiliary catch
lever and lift the hood.
Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.
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CAUTION
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.

6706-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
CAUTION
Chemicals in the battery
Batteries contain poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce
hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of
death or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or
near the battery:
Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.
Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.
Keep children away from the battery.
Where to safely charge the battery
Always charge the battery in an open area. Do not charge the battery in a
garage or closed room where there is insufficient ventilation.
Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate 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 necessary.
If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.

6746-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)Your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that
uses tire pressure warning valves and transmitters to detect low tire
inflation pressure before serious problems arise.
Vehicles without the tire inflation pressure display function
If the tire pressure drops below a predetermined level, the driver is
warned by a warning light. (P. 753)
Vehicles with the tire inflation pressure display function
If the tire pressure drops below a predetermined level, the driver
is warned by a screen display and a warning light. (P. 772)
The tire pressure detected by the tire pressure warning system
can be displayed on the multi-information display. (P. 106)
Installing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When replacing tires or wheels, tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters must also be installed.
When new tire pressure warning valves and transmitters are
installed, new ID codes must be registered in the tire pressure
warning computer and the tire pressure warning system must be
initialized. Have tire pressure warning valve and transmitter ID
codes registered by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional. (P. 676)
Tire pressure warning system (if equipped)

6766-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)Press and hold the tire pres-
sure warning reset switch
until the tire pressure warn-
ing light blinks slowly 3
times.
Wait for a few minutes with the engine switch in IGNITION
ON mode and then turn the engine switch off.
Registering ID codes
The tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is equipped with
a unique ID code. When replacing a tire pressure warning valve
and transmitter, it is necessary to register the ID code. Have the
ID code registered by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
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