engine Lexus HS250h 2012 Owner's Guide

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2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
HS250h_U_75050U
■Instrument panel brightness adjustment
The instrument panel brightness levels when the tail lights are on and off can be
adjusted. However, when the surroundings are bright (daytime, etc.) turning on the
tail lights will not change the instrument panel brightness.
■Limitations of brightness adjustment
The brightness of the instrument panel lights is automatically adjusted based on the
light sensor detecting how bright the surroundings are. However, if the instrument
panel brightness has been manually set to the brightest setting, the automatic
adjustment will not be performed.
■Hybrid System Indicator
●By keeping the indicator needle within Eco area, Eco-friendly driving can be
achieved.
Hybrid Eco area shows that gasoline engine power is not being used very often.*
1
●Charge area indicates regeneration*2 status. Regenerated energy will be used
to charge the hybrid battery.
*
1: The gasoline engine will automatically stop and restart under various condi- tions.
*
2: When used in this manual, “regeneration” refers to the conversion of energy created by the movement of the vehicle into electrical energy.
■Customization
Settings (e.g. Sensitivity of the ambient light sensor used for dimming the meter
lights) can be changed. (Customizable features →P. 5 8 4 )
Eco area
Eco Driving Indicator Light turns on
Hybrid Eco area
Eco Driving Indicator Light turns on
Charge area
Eco Driving Indicator Light turns on
Powe r a re a
Eco Driving Indicator Light turns off

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2-2. Instrument cluster
HS250h_U_75050U
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the hybrid system and its components
A high engine coolant temperature warning light (→P. 502) 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 5 2 ) .

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2-4. Using other driving systems
HS250h_U_75050U■
Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC sys-
tems off, press and hold the button
for more than 3 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped.
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display and
“VSC OFF” indicator will come on.
Press the button again to turn the
systems back on.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRAC
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the hybrid system is
started, just after the vehicle begins to move, if the brake pedal is depressed
forcefully or repeatedly, or 1-2 minutes after the hybrid system is stopped. This
sound does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operat-
ing. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Reactivation of the TRAC /VSC systems
Turning off the hybrid system after turning off the TRAC/VSC systems will automat-
ically reactivate them.
■Reactivation of the TRAC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when vehi-
cle speed increases. However, when both TRAC and VSC systems are turned off,
the systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.

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2-5. Driving information
HS250h_U_75050U
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 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 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.
■ When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suitable to the
road conditions.

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3-2. Using the audio system
HS250h_U_75050U
CAUTION
■Certification
●Pa r t 1 5 o f t h e F CC R u l e s
FCC Warning:
Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment will void the user’s
authority to operate this device.
●Laser products
• Do not take this unit apart or attempt to make any changes by yourself. This is an intricate unit that uses a laser pickup to retrieve information from the
surface of compact discs. The laser is carefully shielded so that its rays remain
inside the cabinet. Therefore, never try to disassemble the player or alter any
of its parts since you may be exposed to laser rays and dangerous voltages.
• This product utilizes a laser. Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than
those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the audio system on longer than necessary with the engine off.
■To avoid damaging the audio system
Take care not to spill drinks or other fluids over the audio system.

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3-7. Other interior features
3
Interior features
HS250h_U_75050U
Safety information for Safety ConnectImportant! Read this information before using Safety Connect.
■ Exposure to radio frequency signals
The Safety Connect system installed in your vehicle is a low-power
radio transmitter and receiver. It receives and also sends out radio fre-
quency (RF) signals.
In August 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
adopted RF exposure guidelines with safety levels for mobile wireless
phones. Those guidelines are consistent with the safety standards pre-
viously set by the following U.S. and international standards bodies.
● ANSI (American National Stan dards Institute) C95.1 [1992]
● NCRP (National Council on Radiation Protection and Measure-
ment) Report 86 [1986]
● ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Pro-
tection) [1996]
Those standards were based on comprehensive and periodic evalua-
tions of the relevant scientific literature. Over 120 scientists, engineers,
and physicians from universities, and government health agencies and
industries reviewed the available body of research to develop the
ANSI Standard (C95.1).
The design of Safety Connect complies with the FCC guidelines in
addition to those standards.

Maintenance and care4
415
HS250h_U_75050U
4-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior.............. 416
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior .............. 420
4-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ........................ 423
General maintenance .......... 426
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs............................... 430 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions ............................ 431
Hood .......................................... 434
Positioning a floor jack ......... 435
Engine compartment ........... 437
12-volt battery ........................ 447
Tires............................................. 451
Tire inflation pressure........... 459
Wheels ...................................... 462
Air conditioning filter ........... 464
Electronic key battery........... 467
Checking and replacing fuses ........................................ 469
Light bulbs................................. 481

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4-1. Maintenance and care
HS250h_U_75050U
CAUTION
■When washing the vehicle
Do not apply water to the inside of the engine compartment. Doing so may cause
the electrical components etc. to catch fire.
■When cleaning the windshield (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield wiper)
●When the upper part of the windshield where the raindrop sensor is located is
touched by hand
●When a wet rag or similar is held close to the raindrop sensor
●If something bumps against the windshield
●If you directly touch the raindrop sensor body or if something bumps into the
raindrop sensor
■Precautions regarding the exhaust pipe
Exhaust gases cause the exhaust pipe to become quite hot.
When washing the vehicle, be careful not to touch the pipe until it has cooled suffi-
ciently, as touching a hot exhaust pipe can cause burns.
Set the wiper switch to off.
If the wiper switch is in “AUTO”, the wipers
may operate unexpectedly in the following
situations, and may result in hands being
caught or other serious injuries and cause
damage to the wiper blades.
Off

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4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
HS250h_U_75050U
CAUTION
■If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and possible
serious injury or death.
■Handling of the 12-volt battery
●Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile com-
ponents contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause can-
cer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a well ventilated area.
●Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by compo-
nent wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid exposure and wash
any affected area immediately.
●12-volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after
handling. (→P. 4 4 7 )

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4-2. Maintenance
HS250h_U_75050U
General maintenance
Engine compartment
Tr u n k
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level?(→ P. 4 4 5 )
CoolantIs the engine coolant at the correct
level? (→ P. 4 4 2 )
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level?
(→ P. 4 3 9 )
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser
The radiator and condenser should
be free from foreign objects.
(→ P. 444)
Wa s h e r f l u i dIs there sufficient washer fluid?
(→ P. 446)
ItemsCheck points
12-volt batteryCheck the connections. ( →P. 4 4 7 )
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 recommended that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service
shop for advice.