battery Lexus GS350 2008 Owner's Guide

395
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
■Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Lexus dealer
●Lexus technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date with the
latest service information. They are well informed about the operations of all
systems on your vehicle.
●Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has been
performed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise while your
vehicle is under warranty, your Lexus dealer will promptly take care of it.
CAUTION
■Hazardous materials
●Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile com-
ponents contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause can-
cer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a well ventilated area.
●Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by compo-
nent wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid exposure and wash
any affected area immediately.
●12 volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after
handling. (→P. 4 1 7 )
●Used engine oil contains chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer in lab-
oratory animals. Avoid prolonged and repeated contact. Always protect your
skin by washing thoroughly with soap and water.
GS_U_G.book Page 395 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

396
4-2. Maintenance
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluid• At the correct level? (→P. 4 1 6 )
Engine coolant• At the correct level? ( →P. 4 1 4 )
Engine oil• At the correct level? (→ P. 4 0 9 )
Exhaust system• No fumes or strange sounds?
Radiator/condenser/hoses• Not blocked with foreign matter?
(→ P. 4 1 5 )
Wa s h e r f l u i d• At the correct level? (→ P. 4 2 0 )
12 volt battery•Maintenance-free (→P. 4 1 7 )
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed
at the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Services Guide/Owner’s
Manual Supplement”. It is recommended that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service
shop for advice.
GS_U_G.book Page 396 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

399
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs
Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which include
OBD (On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system monitors the oper-
ation of the emission control system.
■If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in
the emission control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test
and may need to be repaired. Cont act your Lexus dealer to service
the vehicle.
■ Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test:
● When the 12 volt battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are set du ring ordinary driving are erased.
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes may
not be completely set.
● When the fuel tank cap is loose
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on as a temporary mal-
function and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
■ When the malfunction indicator la mp goes off after several driv-
ing trips
The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the
vehicle is driven 40 or more times.
■ If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test
Contact your Lexus dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-testing.
GS_U_G.book Page 399 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

400
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct proce-
dure given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
12 volt battery condition ( →P. 4 1 7)
•Grease
•Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level ( →P. 4 1 6 )
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
•Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine coolant level
(→ P. 4 1 4 )
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high quality ethylene gly-
col based non-silicate, non-amine,
non-nitrite and non-borate coolant
with long-life hybrid organic acid
technology.
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
is pre-mixed with 50% coolant and
50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
is pre-mixed with 55% coolant and
45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding cool- ant)
GS_U_G.book Page 400 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

402
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move sud-
denly, 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 driv-
ing as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
●Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the engine
compartment.
●Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the 12 volt battery.
Fuel and 12 volt battery fumes are flammable.
●Be extremely cautious when working on the 12 volt battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
■When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is OFF.
With the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in IGNITION ON mode, the electric
cooling fan may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the
coolant temperature is high. (→P. 4 1 5 )
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting
in the 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.
GS_U_G.book Page 402 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

406
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
Engine compartment
GS460
Engine oil level dipstick(→P. 4 0 9 )
Engine oil filler cap (→P. 4 1 0 )
Brake fluid reservoir (→P. 4 1 6 )
Fuse box ( →P. 4 4 2 )
Washer fluid tank (→P. 4 2 0 )Engine coolant reservoir
(→P. 4 1 4 )
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( →P. 415)
Radiator ( →P. 415)
Fuse box ( →P. 4 4 2 )
12 volt battery ( →P. 417)
GS_U_G.book Page 406 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

407
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
GS350
Engine oil level dipstick(→P. 4 0 9 )
Engine oil filler cap (→P. 4 1 0 )
Brake fluid reservoir (→P. 4 1 6 )
Fuse box ( →P. 4 4 2 )
Washer fluid tank (→P. 4 2 0 )Engine coolant reservoir
(→P. 4 1 4 )
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( →P. 415)
Radiator ( →P. 415)
Fuse box ( →P. 4 4 2 )
12 volt battery ( →P. 417)
GS_U_G.book Page 407 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

417
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
12 volt batteryCheck the battery as follows.
■ Exterior
Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that there
are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Te r m i n a l s
Hold-down clamp
■ Check battery condition
Check the battery condition by the indicator color.
Blue: Good condition
White: Charging necessary
Have the battery checked by
your Lexus dealer.
Red: Not working properly,
have the battery checked by
your Lexus dealer.
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 or
when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.
GS_U_G.book Page 417 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

418
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
■Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Therefore, before recharging:
●If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect the
ground cable.
●Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and discon-
necting the charger cables to the battery.
■After recharging/reconnecting the battery
In some cases, the engine may not start. Follow one or both of the following proce-
dures:
●After opening and closing the driver’s door, wait 10 seconds then attempt to
start the engine. (If the system does not start first time, repeat the procedure.)
●With the shift lever in “P” and the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is OFF, open
and close any door, then attempt to start the engine.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts at both methods, contact
your Lexus dealer.
GS_U_G.book Page 418 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

419
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
CAUTION
■Chemicals in the battery
A battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce hydro-
gen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death or serious
injury, take the following precautions while working on or near 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 safety 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 not sufficient ventilation.
■How to recharge the battery
Only perform a slow charge (5A or less). The battery may explode if charged at a
quicker rate.
■Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
●If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immediate medi-
cal 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 a burning sensation, seek
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. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten raw
egg or vegetable oil. Get emergency medical attention immediately.
GS_U_G.book Page 419 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM