coolant Lexus HS250h 2011 Do-it-yourself maintenance / LEXUS 2011 HS250H OWNERS MANUAL (OM75037U)

167
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the hybrid system and its components
A high engine coolant temperature warning light (P. 498) is installed instead of
an engine coolant temperature gauge. If the high engine coolant temperature
warning light illuminates or flashes, the vehicle may be overheating. Immediately
stop the vehicle in a safe area ( P. 5 4 8 ) .

249
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
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 appropria te to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the front 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 accord ing to the driving conditions:
● Do not try to forcibly open a w indow 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 accumu lated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumul ated 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.
■ When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suitable to the
road conditions.

417
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
General maintenance
Engine compartment
Tr u n k
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level?(P. 4 3 7 )
CoolantIs the engine coolant at the correct
level? ( P. 4 3 4 )
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level?
(P. 4 3 0 )
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser
The radiator and condenser should
be free from foreign objects.
(P. 4 3 6 )
Wa s h e r f l u i dIs there sufficient washer fluid?
( P. 4 3 8 )
ItemsCheck points
12-volt batteryCheck the connections. ( P. 4 3 9 )
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed
at the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Service Guide” or “Owner’s
Manual Supplement”. It is recomme nded that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service
shop for advice.

422
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct pro-
cedure as given in these sections.
ItemsPa r t s a n d t o o l s
12-volt battery condition (P. 4 3 9 )
•Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level ( P. 4 3 7 )
• 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 3 4 )
• “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.
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
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move sud-
denly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death or serious injury,
observe the following precautions:
■When working on the engine compartment
●Make sure that the indicator on the “POWER” switch and the “READY” indicator
are both off.
●Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fans and engine drive belt.
●Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust manifold,
etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
●Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the engine
compartment.
●Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes are flam-
mable.
■When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the “POWER” switch is off.
With the “POWER” switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fans may automati-
cally start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high.
(  P. 4 3 6 )
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting
in your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to
dirt in the air. Also, a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compartment.

428
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine compartment
Engine coolant reservoir (P. 4 3 4 )
Engine oil filler cap (P. 4 3 1 )
Engine oil level dipstick (P. 430)
Power control unit coolant
reservoir ( P. 4 3 4 )
Brake fluid reservoir (P. 4 3 7 )Fuse box ( P. 4 6 1 )
Engine coolant radiator (P. 4 3 6 )
Power control unit coolant
radiator ( P. 4 3 6 )
Condenser ( P. 4 3 6 )
Electric cooling fans
Washer fluid tank (P. 4 3 8 )

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CoolantThe coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the hybrid system is cold.
Engine coolant reservoir
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line. (P. 5 6 0 )

435
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Power control unit coolant reservoirReservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line. (P. 5 6 0 )
■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 coolant, contact your Lexus dealer.
■If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiators, hoses, engine/power control unit 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 systems.

436
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Radiator and condenserCheck the radiator and condenser an d 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.
CAUTION
■When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the engine/power control unit coolant reservoir caps.
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 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 radiators or condense r as they may be hot and cause burns.

5
When trouble arises
495
5-1. Essential information
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
● High engine coolant temperature warning light flashes or comes
on
■ 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