Lexus GS450h 2009 Owner's Manual

440
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
■Installing the clips
Push up center portion
Insert
Press
Engine oil
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■ Checking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground. After turning off the hybrid sys-
tem, wait more than five minutes for the oil to drain back into the
bottom of the engine.
Hold a rag under the end and pull
the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check the
oil level.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 440 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

441
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.Low
Full
■ Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near the
low level mark, add engine oil of
the same type as already in the
engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before
adding oil.
Remove the oil filler cap.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the filler cap, turning it clockwise.STEP6
Engine oil selection→ P. 5 6 7
Oil quantity
(Low → Full)1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.)
ItemsClean funnel
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 441 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

442
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
■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.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 442 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

443
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
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.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 443 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

444
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
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.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 444 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

445
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
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.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 445 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

446
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
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.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 446 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

447
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
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.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 447 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

448
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
■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.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 448 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

449
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
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.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 449 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM