Lexus GS300h 2015 Owner's Manual
Manufacturer: LEXUS, Model Year: 2015, Model line: GS300h, Model: Lexus GS300h 2015Pages: 620
Page 411 of 620

4116-1. Maintenance and care
6
Maintenance and care
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
■Caring for leather areas
Lexus recommends cleaning the interior of the vehicle at least twice a year to maintain
the quality of the vehicle’s interior.
■Shampooing the carpets
There are several commercial foaming-type cleaners available. Use a sponge or brush to
apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not use water. Wipe dirty surfaces and let
them dry. Excellent results are obtained by keeping the carpet as dry as possible.
■Seat belts
Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water us ing a cloth or sponge. Also check the belts
periodically for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.
■When cleaning the carpeted portions of the glove box, console box, etc.
If a strong adhesive tape is used, there is a possibility that the surface of the carpet could
be damaged.
WA R N I N G
■Water in the vehicle
●Do not splash or spill liquid in the vehicle, such as on the floor, in the hybrid battery
(traction battery) air vents, and in the trunk.
Doing so may cause the hybrid battery, electrical components, etc. to malfunction or
catch fire.
●Do not get any of the SRS components or wiring in the vehicle interior wet. ( →P. 44)
An electrical malfunction may cause the airbags to deploy or not function properly,
resulting in death or serious injury.
■Cleaning the interior (especially instrument panel)
Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel may reflect off the wind-
shield, obstructing the driver’s view and leading to an accident, resulting in death or
serious injury.
Page 412 of 620

4126-1. Maintenance and care
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
NOTICE
■Cleaning detergents
●Do not use the following types of detergent, as they may discolor the vehicle interior
or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces:
• Non-seat portions: Organic substances such as benzene or gasoline, alkaline oracidic solutions, dye, and bleach
• Seats: Alkaline or acidic solutions, such as thinner, benzene, and alcohol
●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 upholstery, 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 Lexus Safety System+)
Do not allow glass cleaner to contact the lens. Also, do not touch the lens. ( →P. 2 6 2 )
■Cleaning the inside of the rear window
●Do not use glass cleaner to clean the rear window, as this may cause damage to the
rear window defogger heater wires or antenna. Use a cloth dampened with luke-
warm 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.
Page 413 of 620

413
6
6-2. Maintenance
Maintenance and care
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
Maintenance requirements
Scheduled maintenance should be performed at specified intervals according to
the maintenance schedule.
For details about maintenance items and sche
dules, refer to the “Lexus Service Book-
let” or “Lexus Warranty Booklet”.
What about do-it-yourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself if you have a little mechanical
ability and a few basic automotive tools.
Note, however, that some maintenance ta sks require special tools and skills. These
are best performed by qualified technicians. Even if you’re an experienced do-it-your-
self mechanic, we recommend that repairs and maintenance be conducted by any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional. Any authorized Lexus dealer or re pairer will keep a record of maintenance,
which could be useful should you ever require Warranty Service. Should you choose
to select a qualified and equipped professional other than an authorized Lexus
repairer to service or maintain your vehicle, we recommend that you request that a
record of maintenance be kept.
■Where to go for maintenance service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition, Lexus recommends that
maintenance service operations as well as other inspections and repairs be carried out
by authorized Lexus dealers or repairers or other duly qualified and equipped profes-
sionals. For repairs and services covered by your warranty, please visit an authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, who will use genuine Lexus parts in repairing any difficulties you
may encounter. There can also be advantag es in utilizing authorized Lexus dealers or
repairers for non-warranty repairs and services, as members of the Lexus network will be
able to expertly assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional will
perform all of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle reliably and economically due
to their experience with Lexus vehicles.
To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and regular mainte-
nance are essential. Lexus recommends the following maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance
Do-it-yourself maintenance
Page 414 of 620

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 )
Page 415 of 620

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)
Page 416 of 620

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.
Page 417 of 620

417
6
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Maintenance and care
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
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.
1
2
WA R N I N G
■Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked.
If the hood is not locked properly, it may op
en while the vehicle is in motion and cause
an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.
Page 418 of 620

4186-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
Positioning a floor jack
◆Front
◆Rear
When using a floor jack, follow the instructions in the manual provided with
the jack and perform the operation safely.
When raising your vehicle with a floor jack, position the jack correctly.
Improper placement may damage your vehicle or cause injury.