maintenance Lexus GS450h 2009 Owner's Guide

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■Engine oil consumption
●The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the oil viscosity, the quality of
the oil and the way the vehicle is driven.
●More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high speeds, frequent
acceleration and deceleration.
●A new engine consumes more oil.
●When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in mind that the oil may
have become diluted, making it difficult to judge the true level accurately.
●Oil consumption: Max. 1.1 qt./600 miles, 0.9 Imp.qt./600 miles (1.0 L per 1000
km). If the vehicle consumes more than this amount, contact your Lexus dealer.
■Resetting the engine oil maintenance data (U.S.A. only)
Perform the following steps:Press the “DISP” switch ( →P. 167) to change the multi-information display
to blank.
Turn the “POWER” switch to OFF.
Turn the “POWER” switch to ON mode with the trip meter reset button
held down.
Keep pressing the button for longer than 7 seconds after the “POWER”
switch is in ON mode.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
After the above operation, the message
shown in the left will appear on the display.
The master warning light and tone will turn
on. After 5 seconds, the system reset is com-
pleted.
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CAUTION
■Used engine oil
●Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin
disorders such as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should be taken to avoid
prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash
thoroughly with soap and water.
●Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do not dis-
pose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the ground.
Call your Lexus dealer, service station or auto parts store for information con-
cerning recycling or disposal.
●Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on regular basis.
■When replacing the engine oil
●Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
●Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
●Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
●Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.
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CoolantThe coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the hybrid system is cold. Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line.
■If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, reservoir cap, radiator cap, drain cock and water
pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Lexus dealer pressure test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or 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. (Enabled: -31 °F [-35 °C])
Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized water. (Enabled: -44 °F [-42 °C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Lexus dealer.
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Radiator and condenserCheck the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not sure of their
condition, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the radiator and reservoir cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the cap is
removed, causing burns or other injuries.
NOTICE
■When adding the 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.
CAUTION
■When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser, as they may be hot and you may be burned.
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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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12 volt batteryThe 12 volt battery is located in the left-hand side of luggage compart-
ment.
■ 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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■Exterior
Make sure that the 12 volt battery
terminals are not corroded and
that there are no loose connec-
tions, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
■Before recharging
When recharging, the 12 volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Therefore, before recharging:
●If recharging with the 12 volt battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to discon-
nect the ground cable.
●Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and discon-
necting the charger cables to the 12 volt battery.
■After recharging/reconnecting the 12 volt battery
In some cases, the hybrid system may not start. Follow one or both of the following
procedures:
●After opening and closing the driver’s door, wait 10 seconds then attempt to
start the hybrid system. (If the system does not start first time, repeat the proce-
dure.)
●With the shift lever in “P” and the “POWER” switch is OFF, open and close any
door, then attempt to start the hybrid system.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts at both methods, contact
your Lexus dealer.
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CAUTION
■Chemicals in the 12 volt battery
A 12 volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce
hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death or seri-
ous injury, take the following precautions while working on or near 12 volt battery:
●Do not cause sparks by touching the 12 volt battery terminals with tools.
●Do not smoke or light a match near the 12 volt battery.
●Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
●Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
●Wear protective safety glasses when working near the 12 volt battery.
●Keep children away from the 12 volt battery.
■Where to safely charge the 12 volt battery
Always charge the 12 volt battery in an open area. Do not charge the 12 volt battery
in a garage or closed room where there is not sufficient ventilation.
■How to recharge the 12 volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (5A or less). The 12 volt battery may explode if
charged at a quicker rate.
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CAUTION
■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.
NOTICE
■When recharging the 12 volt battery
Never recharge the 12 volt battery while the hybrid system is on. Also, be sure all
accessories are turned off.
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Washer fluidIf any washer does not work or the
warning message appears on the
multi-information display, the
washer tank may be empty. Add
washer fluid.
CAUTION
■When refilling the washer fluid
Do not refill the washer fluid when the hybrid system is hot or operating, as the
washer fluid contains alcohol and may catch the fire if spilled on the hybrid system
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 washer fluid tank.
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