brake Lexus HS250h 2012 Workshop Manual

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
HS250h_U_75050U
Selecting tire chainsUse the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains. Chain size
is regulated for each tire size. Side chain:0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter
Cross chain: 0.16 in. (4 mm) in diameter
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on location
and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing chains.
■ When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and shift the shift position to P without setting the
parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from
being released. If necessary, block the wheels to prevent inadvert-
ent sliding or creeping.
■Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
●Install tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the rear tires.
●Install tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after driv-
ing 1 /4  1 /2 mile (0.5  1.0 km).
●Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.

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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.

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4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
HS250h_U_75050U
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal
• The accelerator pedal should move smoothly (without uneven pedal
effort or catching).
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appro- priate clearance from the floor?
(→ P. 5 6 6 )
• Does the brake pedal have the cor- rect amount of free play?
(→ P. 5 6 6 )
Brakes
• The vehicle should not pull to one
side when the brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to the floor when the brakes
are applied.
Head restraints• Do the head restraints move smoothly and lock securely?
Hybrid transmission “Park” mecha-
nism• Can the vehicle be held securely on an incline with the shift position
in P?
Indicators/buzzers• Do the indicators and buzzers
function properly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?

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4-2. Maintenance
HS250h_U_75050U
ItemsCheck points
Parking brake
• Does the parking brake pedal move smoothly?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is on, is the vehicle
securely stopped?
Seat belts
• Do the seat belts operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be dam-
aged.
Seats• Do the seat controls operate prop-erly?
Steering wheel
• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correct amount of free play?
• There should not be any strange sounds coming from the steering
wheel.

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4
Maintenance and care
HS250h_U_75050U
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.
ItemsParts and tools
12-volt battery condition ( →P. 4 4 7 )
•Grease
•Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level ( →P. 4 4 5 )
• 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 4 2 )
• “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
HS250h_U_75050U
CAUTION
■When raising your vehicle
Make sure to observe the following precautions to reduce the possibility of death or
serious injury:
●When using a floor jack, follow the instructions of the manual provided with the
jack.
●Do not use the jack that was supplied with your vehicle.
●Do not put any part of your body underneath the vehicle when it is supported
only by the floor jack.
●Always use floor jack and/or automotive jack stands on a solid, flat, level surface.
●Do not start the hybrid system while the vehicle is supported by the floor jack.
●Stop the vehicle on level, firm ground, firmly set the parking brake and push the P
position switch.
●Make sure to set the floor jack properly at the jack point.
Raising the vehicle with an improperly positioned floor jack will damage the vehi-
cle and may cause the vehicle to fall off the floor jack.
●Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in the vehicle.
●When raising the vehicle, do not place any object on top of or underneath the
floor jack.
●Lift up the vehicle using a floor jack such as
the one shown in the illustration.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
HS250h_U_75050U
Engine compartment
Engine coolant reservoir (→P. 4 4 2 )
Engine oil filler cap (→P. 4 3 9 )
Engine oil level dipstick (→P. 4 3 9 )
Power control unit coolant
reservoir ( →P. 4 4 2 )
Brake fluid reservoir (→P. 445)Fuse box ( →P. 4 6 9 )
Engine coolant radiator (→P. 444)
Power control unit coolant
radiator (→ P. 444)
Condenser ( →P. 444)
Electric cooling fans
Washer fluid tank (→P. 4 4 6 )

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
HS250h_U_75050U
Brake fluid■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
■ Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary item.
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 brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency.
Use only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damage painted sur-
faces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean water
immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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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.
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 out or
when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious problem.
CAUTION
■When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the hybrid system is hot or operating as washer fluid
contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine 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 label of the washer fluid bottle.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
HS250h_U_75050U
●When the 12-volt battery is reconnected, start the hybrid system, depress the
brake pedal and confirm that it is possible to shift into each shift position.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may pro-
duce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death or
serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or near the 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 bat-
tery in a garage or closed room where there is insufficient ventilation.
■How to recharge the 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The 12-volt battery may explode if
charged at a quicker rate.