check engine Lexus GS450h 2013 Owner's Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS6
GS450h_U (OM30D01U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenanceDo-it-yourself service precautions..................................631
Hood ............................................... 634
Positioning a floor jack............. 635
Engine compartment ................637
12-volt battery ..............................647
Tires....................................................651
Tire inflation pressure ................. 661
Wheels ........................................... 664
Air conditioning filter ............... 666
Electronic key battery.............. 668
Checking and replacing fuses...............................................670
Headlight aim ..............................685
Light bulbs .................................... 687
7-1. Essential information Emergency flashers .................. 702
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency.... 703 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed................................ 704
If you think something is wrong ..................710
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer sounds........ 711
If a warning message is displayed .................................. 721
If you have a flat tire ................... 749
If the hybrid system will not start ................................ 762
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P ...................... 764
If the parking brake cannot be released ................................. 765
If the electronic key does not operate properly ...................... 767
If the 12-volt battery is discharged..............................770
If your vehicle overheats .......... 774
If the vehicle becomes stuck ..............................................778
7When trouble arises
GS450h_U.book Page 6 Monday, January 23, 2012 10:20 AM

17Pictorial index
GS450h_U (OM30D01U)
Windshield wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 219
Precautions against winter season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 319
To prevent freezing (windshield wiper de-icer)
* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 385
Precautions against car wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 618
Fuel filler door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 2 2 7
Refueling method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 227
Fuel type/fuel tank capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 784
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 651
Tire size/inflation pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 790
Winter tires/tire chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 319
Checking/rotation/tire pressure warning system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 651
Coping with flat tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 749
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 634
Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 634
Engine compartment cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 638
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 7 8 5
Coping with overheat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 774
Warning messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 728
Headlights/parking lights/daytime running lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 213
Fog lights
* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 218
Turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 205
Tail lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 213
Stop lights
Brake Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P . 210
License plate lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 213
Back-up lights
Shifting the shift lever to R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 199
Side marker lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 213
4
5
6
7
Light bulbs of the exterior lights for driving
(Replacing method: P. 687, Watts: P. 791)
*: If equipped
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
GS450h_U.book Page 17 Monday, January 23, 2012 10:20 AM

GS450h_U (OM30D01U)
932. Instrument cluster
2
Instrument cluster
■ECO lamp and SPORT lamp
●When sport mode is selected, SPORT lamp (red) will illuminate.
●When all of the following conditions are satisfied and Eco-friendly driving, ECO
lamp (blue) will illuminate. (ECO lamp will become brighter the more Eco-friendly
driving you perform. Also, while the vehicle is stopped or the acceleration exceeds
Zone of Eco driving, ECO lamp turns off. (→P. 92) However, when Eco drive
mode is selected, while the vehicle is stopped or the acceleration exceeds Zone of
Eco driving, ECO lamp does not turn off.):
• Driving with the shift lever in D
• Paddle shift switch is not operated.
• Either normal mode or Eco drive mode is selected.
• The vehicle speed is approximately 80 mph (130 km/h) or below.
■Tachometer
Hybrid System Indicator switches to the tachometer when driving mode is in sport
mode.
■Engine speed
On hybrid vehicles, engine speed is precisely controlled in order to help improve
fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions etc.
There are times when the engine speed that is displayed may differ even when vehi-
cle operation and driving conditions are the same.
■Customization
Settings (e.g. on/off operation of ECO lamp) can be changed.
(Customizable features →P. 807)
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
●Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which indi-
cates the maximum engine speed.
●The engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is in the
red zone (H). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place, and check
the engine after it has cooled completely. ( →P. 7 74 )
GS450h_U.book Page 93 Monday, January 23, 2012 10:20 AM

176
GS450h_U (OM30D01U)
4-1. Before driving
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When driving the vehicle
●During normal driving, do not turn off the hybrid system. Turning the hybrid sys-
tem off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the
power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer
and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.
However, in the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop
the vehicle in the normal way: →P. 7 0 3
●Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving down a
steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose effec-
tiveness. ( →P. 199)
●Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or outside
rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body are not
outside the vehicle.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do
not drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-speed capability
tires. Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire failure, loss of control and
possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on
your vehicle are high-speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.
GS450h_U.book Page 176 Monday, January 23, 2012 10:20 AM

178
GS450h_U (OM30D01U)
4-1. Before driving
CAUTION
■If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indicators)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as possi-
ble.
Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
Front brakes only: Moderate levels of brake pad and disc wear allow enhanced
front braking power. As a result, the discs may wear more quickly than conven-
tional brake discs. Therefore, when replacing the brake pads, Lexus recommends
that you also have the thickness of the discs measured.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads and/or
those of the brake discs are exceeded.
■When the vehicle is stopped
●Do not depress the accelerator pedal unnecessarily.
If the vehicle is in any gear other than P or N, the vehicle may accelerate suddenly
and unexpectedly, causing an accident.
●In order to prevent accidents due to the vehicle rolling away, always keep
depressing the brake pedal while the “READY” indicator is on, and apply the
parking brake as necessary.
●If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, in order to prevent accidents caused by the
vehicle rolling forward or backward, always depress the brake pedal and securely
apply the parking brake as needed.
●Avoid revving or racing the engine.
Running the engine at high speed while the vehicle is stopped may cause the
exhaust system to overheat, which could result in a fire if combustible material is
nearby.
GS450h_U.book Page 178 Monday, January 23, 2012 10:20 AM

182
GS450h_U (OM30D01U)
4-1. Before driving
NOTICE
■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,
differential, etc.
●Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints (where
possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.
GS450h_U.book Page 182 Monday, January 23, 2012 10:20 AM

318
GS450h_U (OM30D01U)
4-6. Driving tips
■Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help con-
trol excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: In high temperatures, use the recirculated air mode. Doing
so will help to reduce the burden on the air conditioner and reduce fuel
consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out
until the gasoline engine and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will
consume fuel. Also, fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding
overuse of the heater.
■Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper tire
inflation pressure can cause poor fuel consumption.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on dry
roads can lead to poor fuel consumption. Use a tire that is appropriate
for the season.
■Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage can lead to poor fuel consumption. Avoid car-
rying unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack can also cause
poor fuel consumption.
■Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically when
cold, warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, frequently driv-
ing short distances will cause the engine to repeatedly warm up, which
can lead to poor fuel consumption.
GS450h_U.book Page 318 Monday, January 23, 2012 10:20 AM

615
GS450h_U (OM30D01U)
6Maintenance and care
6-1. Maintenance and care Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .................. 616
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ..................620
6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ... 623
General maintenance .............. 626
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs ................................... 630 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions................................. 631
Hood ............................................... 634
Positioning a floor jack ............. 635
Engine compartment ............... 637
12-volt battery.............................. 647
Tires................................................... 651
Tire inflation pressure .................661
Wheels ........................................... 664
Air conditioning filter ............... 666
Electronic key battery ..............668
Checking and replacing fuses.............................................. 670
Headlight aim ..............................685
Light bulbs..................................... 687
GS450h_U.book Page 615 Monday, January 23, 2012 10:20 AM

626
GS450h_U (OM30D01U)
6-2. Maintenance
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be per-
formed at the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Service Guide”
or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”. It is recommended that any prob-
lem you notice should be brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer
or qualified service shop for advice.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level? (→ P. 6 4 5 )
Engine/power control unit coolantIs the engine/power control unit coolant
at the correct level? ( →P. 6 4 2 )
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level?
(→ P. 6 3 9 )
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenserThe radiator and condenser should be
free from foreign objects. ( →P. 6 4 4 )
Wa s h e r f l u i dIs there sufficient washer fluid?
(→ P. 646)
Luggage compartment
ItemsCheck points
12-volt batteryCheck the connections. (→ P. 6 4 7 )
GS450h_U.book Page 626 Monday, January 23, 2012 10:20 AM

GS450h_U (OM30D01U)
6296-2. Maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Ve h i c l e e x t e r i o r
ItemsCheck points
Doors/trunk• Do the doors/trunk operatesmoothly?
Engine hood• Does the engine hood lock systemwork properly?
Fluid leaks
• There should not be any signs of fluidleakage after the vehicle has been
parked.
Ti r e s
• Is the tire inflation pressure correct?
• The tires should not be damaged orexcessively worn.
• Have the tires been rotated accord- ing to the maintenance schedule?
• The wheel nuts should not be loose.
CAUTION
■If the hybrid system is operating
Turn the hybrid system off and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before per-
forming maintenance checks.
GS450h_U.book Page 629 Monday, January 23, 2012 10:20 AM