Lexus GS350 2013 Owner's Manual

620
GS350_U (OM30C34U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the “LOW”
line, add coolant up to the “FULL” line.
(→ P. 74 7 )
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota 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.
U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized
water. (Minimum temperature: -31 °F [-35 °C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized
water. (Minimum temperature: -44 °F [-42 °C])
For more details about engine coolant, contact your Lexus dealer.
■If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant reservoir caps, drain cock and
water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Lexus dealer test the cap and check for leaks in
the cooling system.
Engine coolant
1
2
3

GS350_U (OM30C34U)
6216-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap or the radiator cap.(→P. 74 8 )
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the cap is
removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of water
and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion protection
and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
■If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging parts or paint.

622
GS350_U (OM30C34U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts is extremely dirty or you are not sure of their
condition, have your vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
Radiator and condenser
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause serious inju-
ries, such as burns.

GS350_U (OM30C34U)
6236-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary item.
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency.
Use only newly opened brake fluid.
Brake fluid
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Items Clean funnel
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and 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, see a doctor.
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 out
or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious problem.

624
GS350_U (OM30C34U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Check the battery as follows.
■Battery 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
■Checking battery fluid
Check that the level is between the “UPPER LEVEL” and “LOWER
LEVEL” lines.“UPPER LEVEL” line
“LOWER LEVEL” line
If the fluid level is at or below the
“LOWER LEVEL” line, add distilled
water.
Battery
1
2
1
2

GS350_U (OM30C34U)
6256-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
■Adding distilled waterRemove the vent plug.
Add distilled water.
If the “UPPER LEVEL” line cannot
be seen, check the fluid level by
looking directly at the cell.
Put the vent plug back on and close it securely.
■Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Therefore, observe the following 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.
1
Low O.K.2
3

626
GS350_U (OM30C34U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■After recharging/reconnecting the battery
The engine may not start. Follow the procedure below to initialize the system.Shift the shift lever to P.
Open and close any of the doors.
Restart the engine.
●Unlocking the doors using the smart access system with push-button start may not
be possible immediately after reconnecting the battery. If this happens, use the
wireless remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.
●Start the engine with the engine switch in ACCESSORY mode. The engine may
not start with the engine switch turned off. However, the engine will operate nor-
mally from the second attempt.
●The engine switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the battery is reconnected,
the vehicle will return the engine switch mode to the status it was in before the bat-
tery was disconnected. Make sure to turn off the engine before disconnect the bat-
tery. Take extra care when connecting the battery if the engine switch mode prior
to discharge is unknown.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■Chemicals in the battery
Batteries contain 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 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.
1
2
3

GS350_U (OM30C34U)
6276-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■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 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 burning, get medical atten-
tion 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 imme-
diately.
NOTICE
■When recharging the battery
Never recharge the battery while the engine is operating. Also, be sure all acces-
sories are turned off.
■When adding distilled water
Avoid overfilling. Water spilled during battery recharging may cause corrosion.

628
GS350_U (OM30C34U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
If any washer does not work or the
warning message appears on the
multi-information display, the
washer tank may be empty. Add
washer fluid.
Wa s h e r f l u i d
CAUTION
■When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the engine is hot or running as washer fluid contains
alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces.
■Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid bottle.

629
GS350_U (OM30C34U)6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Tires
New tread
Treadwear indicator
Worn tread
The location of treadwear indicators is
shown by the “TWI” or “ ∆” marks, etc.,
molded on the sidewall of each tire.
Check spare tire condition and pres-
sure if not rotated.
Replace or rotate tires in accord ance with maintenance schedules and
treadwear.
Checking tires
1
2
3