engine Lexus GS300h 2015 Owner's Guide

3534-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
◆Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause poor fuel
economy.
◆Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically when cold,
warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, frequently driving short dis-
tances will cause the engine to repeatedly warm up, which can lead to excess
fuel consumption.

3544-6. Driving tips
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
Winter driving tips
●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 rear tires.
*
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and brand, and that chains match the size
of the tires.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on vehicles with front and rear tires of differing sizes and vehicles with LDH and 19 inch 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 imme-
diately to prevent it from freezing.
●To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan, remove any
snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in front of the windshield.
●Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accumulated on
the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the tires or on the brakes.
●Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before getting in the
vehicle.
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the vehi-
cle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevail-
ing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle

3574-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
WA R N I N G
■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 serious injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
●Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit specified for the
snow tires being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■Driving with tire chains (vehicles with front and rear tires of the same size except for
the vehicles with LDH and 19 inch tires)
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
50 km/h (30 mph), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steeri ng, sudden braking and shifting operations
that cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is main-
tained.
●Do not use LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system. (if equipped)
●Do not use LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control) system. (if equipped)
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of the
tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■Fitting tire chains (vehicles with front and rear tires of the same size except for the
vehicles with LDH and 19 inch tires)
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when tire
chains are fitted.
■When standing the windshield wipers up
Raise the wipers in line with the windshield. (→P. 3 5 6 )
Failure to do so may result in damage to the wipers and/or the hood.

3755-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
5
Interior features
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
■Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the outside/recircu-
lated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effective in preventing out-
side air from entering the vehicle interior. During cooling operation, setting the
recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior effectively.
●Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch depending on the tempera-
ture setting or the inside temperature.
■Automatic mode for air intake control
In automatic mode, the system detects exhaust gas and other pollutants and automati-
cally switches between outside air and recirculated air modes.
When the dehumidification function is off, and the fan is operating, turning automatic
mode on will activate the dehumidification function.
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
In the Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to prioritize
fuel efficiency:
●Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cooling capac-
ity
●Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations:
●Adjust the fan speed
●Turn off Eco drive mode (→P. 3 3 0 )
■When the S-FLOW mode operates
If air flows to the driver’s seat only, the temperature setting for the front passenger’s seat
is not displayed.
■When the outside temperature is low
The dehumidification function may not operate even when “A/C” on the option control
screen is selected.
■Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the outside air mode.
●During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into and accu-
mulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to be emitted from the
vents.
●To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air mode prior
to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short period of time immediately after the air conditioning system is started in automatic mode.

405
6Maintenance and care
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
6-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior.................406
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior................... 410
6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements...............................413
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions................................. 415
Hood ................................................. 417
Positioning a floor jack .............. 418
Engine compartment ................ 419
12-volt battery ............................. 428
Tires.................................................. 432
Tire inflation pressure ............... 445
Wheels ............................................447
Air conditioning filter ............... 449
Electronic key battery ................451
Checking and replacing fuses.............................................. 453
Light bulbs..................................... 458

4086-1. Maintenance and care
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
WA R N I N G
■When washing the vehicle
Do not apply water to the inside of the engine compartment. Doing so may cause the
electrical components etc. to catch fire.
■When cleaning the windshield (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
●When the upper part of the windshield where the raindrop sensor is located is
touched by hand
●When a wet rag or similar is held close to the raindrop sensor
●If something bumps against the windshield
●If you directly touch the raindrop sensor bo dy or if something bumps into the raindrop
sensor
■Precautions regarding the exhaust pipes
Exhaust gases cause the exhaust pipes to become quite hot.
When washing the vehicle, be careful not to touch the pipes until they have cooled suf-
ficiently, as touching hot exhaust pipes can cause burns.
■Precaution regarding the rear bumper with Blind Spot Monitor (if equipped)
If the paint of the rear bumper is chipped or scratched, the system may malfunction. If
this occurs, consult any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional.
Turn off AUTO mode of the wiper to prevent
the wiper from operating. ( →P. 2 5 0 )
If AUTO mode is selected, the wipers may
operate unexpectedly in the following situa-
tions, and may result in hands being caught or
other serious injuries and cause damage to the
wiper blades.

4146-2. Maintenance
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
■Does your vehicle need repairs?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs that indicate
service is needed. Some important clues are:
●Engine missing, stumbling or pinging
●Appreciable loss of power
●Strange engine noises
●A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air conditioning sys-
tem after use is normal.)
●Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Drive
with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
●Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear
●Vehicle pulls to one side when driven straight on a level road
●Strange noises related to suspension movement
●Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost touches the floor,
vehicle pulls to one side when braking
●Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal ( →P. 1 0 5 )
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipp ed professional as soon as possible. Your
vehicle may need adjustment or repair.
WA R N I N G
■If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and possible
death or serious injury.
■Handling of the 12-volt battery
12-volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after handling.
( → P. 4 2 8 )

415
6
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Maintenance and care
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct proce-
dure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
12-volt battery
condition
(
→ P. 4 2 8 ) •Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Engine/power
control unit coolant
level (
→P. 4 2 5 ) •“
To y o t a 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
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with 50%
coolant and 50% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)
Engine oil level
( → P. 4 2 2 )• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( →P. 4 5 3 )• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs
(→ P. 4 5 8 )• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver•Flathead screwdriver
•Wrench
Radiator and
condenser
(→ P. 4 2 7 )
Tire inflation
pressure ( →P. 4 4 5 )• Tire pressure gauge• Compressed air source
Wa s h e r f l u i d
(→ P. 4 2 7 )• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)

4166-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
WA R N I N G
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
●Make sure that the “POWER ON” on the multi-information display and the
“READY” indicator are both off.
●Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
●Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, 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. Fuel fumes are flamma-
ble.
●Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or 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, consult a doctor.
■When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, the elec tric cooling fans may automatically start to
run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. ( →P. 4 2 7 )
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or fallin g 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.
■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.

419
6
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Maintenance and care
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
Engine compartment
XGS450h
■12-volt battery
→
P. 4 2 8
Engine oil level dipstick
(→ P. 422)
Engine coolant reservoir (→ P. 4 2 5 )
Engine oil filler cap ( →P. 4 2 3 )
Power control unit coolant
reservoir ( →P. 4 2 5 ) Fuse box (
→P. 4 5 3 )
Wa s h e r f l u i d t a n k ( →P. 4 2 7 )
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( →P. 4 2 7 )
Radiator ( →P. 4 2 7 )1
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