brake fluid Lexus GS450h 2008 Owner's Manual

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1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
GS_HV_U
June 19, 2008 1:15 pm
CAUTION
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury.
●Pull your vehicle off the road, put the shift lever in “P”, apply the parking brake,
turn the hybrid system off.
●Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
●If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric shock may
occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
●If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch it as it may be strong alkaline electrolyte from
the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact with your skin or
eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water or if possible, boric
acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
●If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible. Never
use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even a small
amount of water may be dangerous.
●If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with the rear wheels raised. If the wheels
with the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground when towing, the
motor may continue to generate electricity. This may cause an electricity leakage
leading to a fire. (
→P. 4 8 2 )
●Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has leaked
onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave the vehicle as
soon as possible.
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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_HV_U
June 19, 2008 1:15 pm
NOTICE
■If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
●The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
●The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one. ( →P. 5 2 0 )
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause the
following serious damage to the vehicle.
●Engine stalling
●Short in electrical components
●Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure to
have your Lexus dealer check the following.
●Brake function
●Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, transmission,
differentials, etc.
●Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints (where
possible) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.
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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GS_HV_U
June 19, 2008 1:15 pm
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
■Pre-winter preparations
● Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific gravity of
battery electrolyte.
● 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 same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
■Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe
away the water immediately 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.
● Remove any ice that has accumulated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that
may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.
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4-2. Maintenance
GS_HV_U
June 19, 2008 1:15 pm
General maintenance
Engine compartment
Luggage compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluid• At the correct level? (→P. 4 2 9 )
Engine/power control unit coolant• At the correct level? (→P. 4 2 7 )
Engine oil• At the correct level? (→ P. 422)
Exhaust system• No fumes or strange sounds?
Radiator/condenser/hoses• Not blocked with foreign matter?
(→ P. 4 2 8 )
Wa s h e r f l u i d• At the correct level? ( →P. 4 3 4 )
ItemsCheck points
12 volt battery•Maintenance-free ( →P. 4 3 0 )
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.
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GS_HV_U
June 19, 2008 1:15 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 3 0)
•Grease
•Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level ( →P. 4 2 9 )
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
•Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine/power control unit coolant
level ( →P. 4 2 7 )
• “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)
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_HV_U
June 19, 2008 1:15 pm
Engine compartment
■12 volt battery
→P. 4 3 0
Engine oil level dipstick
(→P. 4 2 2 )
Engine oil filler cap (→P. 423)
Brake fluid reservoir (→P. 4 2 9 )
Fuse box ( →P. 4 5 6 )Washer fluid tank
(→P. 4 3 4 )
Gasoline engine/power
control unit coolant
reservoir ( →P. 4 2 7 )
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( →P. 4 2 8 )
Radiator ( →P. 4 2 8 )
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_HV_U
June 19, 2008 1:15 pm
Brake fluid■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
■ Adding fluid
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency. Use
only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted
surfaces.
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_HV_U
June 19, 2008 1:15 pm
12 volt batteryThe battery is located in the left-hand side of luggage compartment.
■ Removing the cover
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.
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5-1. Essential information
GS_HV_U
June 19, 2008 1:15 pm
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably needs
adjustment or repair. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
■Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points
higher than normal
■ Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system
■ Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, sp ongy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor
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When trouble arises
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GS_HV_U
June 19, 2008 1:15 pm
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer sounds...
Stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be
dangerous.
The following warning indicates a possible problem in the brake system.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer.
*1: Parking brake engaged warning buzzer:
→ P. 5 0 6
Stop the vehicle immediately.
The following warning indicates the possibility of damage to the vehicle
that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place
and contact your Lexus dealer.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)

(Canada)
Brake system warning light (warning buzzer) *1
• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake system
This light also comes on when the parking brake is not
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is fully
released, the system is operating normally.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Charging system warning lightMalfunction in the vehicle’s charging system.
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights turn on or
flash. If a light turns on or flashes, but then turns off, this does not necessar-
ily indicate a malfunction in the system.
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