cooling LEXUS LS500H 2018 User Guide

3756-1. Maintenance and care
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 6
Maintenance and care ■
Cleaning the air in take vent filters
1 Remove the grille.
2 Remove the filter.
3 Remove any dust and clogs from
the filter using a vacuum cleaner,
etc.Make sure to also remove dust and clogs
from the inner side of the air intake vent
grille.
If the filter is damaged, have it replaced by
your Lexus dealer.
4 Install the filter in its original posi-
tion, and then install the grille. 5 Start the hybrid system and check
that “Maintenance Required for
Traction Battery Cooling Parts See
Owner’s Manual” is no longer dis-
played on the multi-information dis-
play. It may take approximately 20 minutes after
the hybrid system is started until the warn-
ing message disappea rs. If the warning
message does not disappear, have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer. ■
Air intake vents maintenance ●
If the vehicle is driven with the air intake
vents clogged, the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) may not be cooled suffi-
ciently, possibly causing in fuel
consumption. ●
Depending on the conditions under
which the vehicle is used, the air intake
vents may need to be cleaned more reg-
ularly. ■
Cleaning the air intake vent filters ●
Improper handling of the air intake vent
grilles and filters may result in damage to
them. If you have any concerns about
cleaning the filter, contact your Lexus
dealer. ●
If the vehicle is driven with the air intake
vent filter clogged, the hybrid battery
(traction battery) ma y not be cooled suf-
ficiently, possibly causing an increase in
the fuel consumption and damage to the
hybrid battery (traction battery). ●
Depending on the conditions under
which the vehicle is used, the air intake
vent filters may need to be cleaned more
regularly.
■
If “Maintenance Required for Traction
Battery Cooling Parts See Owner’s
Manual” is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display
●
It is possible the air intake vents or filters
are clogged due to accumulated dust.
Clean the air intake vents and filters,
referring to the cleaning method.
●
If the vehicle is driven continuously with

384 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) Tire inflation pres-
sure ( → P.408) • Tire pressure gauge
•Compressed air
source
Washer fluid
( → P.392) • Water or washer
fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter
use)
• Funnel (used only for
adding water or
washer fluid)
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many
mechanisms and fluids that may move
suddenly, become hot, or become elec-
trically energized. To avoid death or seri-
ous injury, observe the following
precautions. ■
When working on the engine com-
partment●
Make sure that the “ACCESSORY” or
“IGNITION ON” on the multi-infor-
mation display and the “READY” indi-
cator are both off.●
Keep hands, clothi ng and tools away
from the moving fan 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
flammable. Items Parts and tools ■
When working near the electric cool-
ing fan or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, the
electric cooling fan may automatically
start to run if the air conditioning is on
and/or the coolant temperature is high.
( → P.391) ■
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc. from get-
ting 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.

3876-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 6
Maintenance and care
Engine oil level dipstick ( → P.388)
Power control unit coolant reservoir ( → P.390)
Engine coolant reservoir ( → P.390)
Engine oil filler cap ( → P.389)
Brake fluid reservoir ( → P.391)
Fuse boxes ( → P.414)
Washer fluid tank ( → P.392)
Engine coolant radiator ( → P.391)
Power control unit coolant radiator ( → P.391)
Electric cooling fan
Condenser ( → P.391)■
12-volt battery
→ P.393Engine compartment
Components
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K

3916-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 6
Maintenance and care cold.
Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” lineIf the level is on or below the “L” line, add
coolant up to the “F” line. ( → P.453)
■
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 mix-
ture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized
water. (Minimum temperature: -31°F
[-35°C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mix-
ture 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 radiator, 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 system. Check the radiator and condenser and
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.
■
Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be A
B
C WARNING■
When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the en gine/power control
unit coolant reservoir caps. ( → P.456)
The cooling system may be under pres-
sure and may spray hot coolant if the cap
is removed, causing serious injuries, such
as burns.
NOTICE■
When adding coolant
Coolant is neithe r 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 pre-
vent it from damaging parts or paint.
Checking the radiator and con-
denser
WARNING
■
When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser
as they may be hot and cause serious
injuries, such as burns.
Checking and adding the brake
fluid

4417-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 7
When trouble arises ■
If “Oil Maintenance Required” is dis-
played
Indicates that the engine oil should be
changed.
Check and change the en gine oil, and oil fil-
ter by your Lexus deal er. After changing the
engine oil, make sure to reset the message.
( → P.390)■
If “Shift System Malfunction Driving
Unavailable” is displayed
There is a malfunction in the shift control
system. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer immediately. ■
If a message that in dicates the need for
the shift lever oper ation is displayed
To prevent the shift lever from being oper-
ated incorrectly or the vehicle from moving
unexpectedly, a message that requires shift-
ing the shift position may be displayed on
the multi-information display. In that case,
follow the instruction of the message and
shift the shift position. ■
If a message that in dicates the need for
visiting your Lexus dealer is displayed
The system or part shown on the
multi-information display is malfunctioning.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer immediately. ■
If a message that in dicates the need for
referring to Owner’s Manual is dis-
played●
If any of the following messages are
shown on the multi-information display,
follow the instructions.
• “Engine Coolant Temp High” ( → P.453)
•“Battery Low” ( → P.447)
• “Transmission Fluid Temp High” ( → P.175)
●
If any of the following messages are
shown on the multi-information display, it
may indicate a malfunction. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
• “Access System with Elec. Key Malfunc-
tion”
• “Shift System Malfunction”
• “P Switch Malfunction”
• “Shift System Unavailable”
• “Hybrid System Malfunction”
•“Check Engine” • “Hybrid Battery System Malfunction”
• “Accelerator System Malfunction” ●
If any of the following messages are
shown on the multi-info rmation display, it
may indicate a malfun ction. Immediately
stop the vehicle and contact your Lexus
dealer.
• “Braking Power Low”
• “Charging System Malfunction”
• “Oil Pressure Low” ●
If “Maintenance Required for Traction
Battery Cooling Parts” is shown, the fil-
ters may be clogged, the air intake vents
may be blocked, or there may be a gap in
the duct. Therefore, perform the follow-
ing correction procedure.
• If the air intake vent s and filters of the
hybrid battery (traction battery) are dirty,
perform the procedure on P.374 to clean
them.
• If the warning message is shown when
the air intake vents and filters of the
hybrid battery (traction battery) are not
dirty, have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer.
NOTICE■
If “High Power Consumption Partial
Limit On AC/Heater Operation” is
displayed frequently
There is a possible malfunction relating
to the charging system or the 12-volt bat-
tery may be deteriorating. Have the vehi-
cle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
■
If “Have Traction Battery Inspected”
is displayed
This message indicates that the hybrid
battery (traction battery) may require
inspection or replacement. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
Do not continue driving the vehicle, as
the hybrid system may become not able
to be started again.

452 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) WARNING●
In the event that battery fluid comes
into contact with the skin or eyes,
immediately wash the affected area
with water and seek medical attention.
Place a wet sponge or cloth over the
affected area until medical attention
can be received.●
Always wash your hands after handling
the 12-volt battery support, terminals,
and other batter y-related parts.●
Do not allow children near the 12-volt
battery.■
After recharging the 12-volt battery
Have the 12-volt battery inspected at
your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
If the 12-volt battery is deteriorating, con-
tinued use may cause the 12-volt battery
to emit a malodorous gas, which may be
detrimental to the health of passengers. ■
When replacing the 12-volt battery●
When the vent plug and indicator are
close to the hold down clamp, the bat-
tery fluid (sulfuric acid) may leak.●
For information regarding 12-volt bat-
tery replacement, contact your Lexus
dealer.
●
After replacing, securely attach the
exhaust hose and exhaust hole plug to
the exhaust hole of the replaced
12-volt battery. If not properly installed,
gases (hydrogen) may leak into the
vehicle interior, and there is the possi-
ble danger of the gas igniting and
exploding.
NOTICE
■
When handling jumper cables
When connecting the jumper cables,
ensure that they do not become entan-
gled in the cooling fan or engine drive
belt. ■
To prevent damaging the vehicle
The exclusive jump starting terminal is to
be used when charging the 12-volt bat-
tery from another vehicle in an emer-
gency. It cannot be used to jump start
another vehicle.

4537-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 7
When trouble arises 
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge enters the red zone or
“Engine Coolant Temp High Stop in
a Safe Place See Owner’s Manual”
is shown on the multi-information
display
1 Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
turn off the air conditioning system,
and then stop the hybrid system.
2 If you see steam:
Carefully lift the hood after the
steam subsides.
If you do not see steam:
Carefully lift the hood.
3 After the hybrid system has cooled
down sufficiently, inspect the hoses and radiator core (radiator) for any
leaks.
Radiators
Cooling fan If a large amount of coolant leaks, immedi-
ately contact your Lexus dealer.
4 The coolant level is satisfactory if it
is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir.
Reservoir
“F” line
“L” line
Coolant inlet cap
5 Add coolant if necessary.
( → P.455) Water can be used in an emergency if If your vehicle overheats The following may indicate that
your vehicle is overheating.
 The engine coolant temperature
gauge ( → P.77, 81) is in the red
zone or a loss of hybrid system
power is experienced. (For exam-
ple, the vehicle speed does not
increase.)
 “Engine Coolant Temp High Stop
in a Safe Place See Owner’s
Manual” or “Hybrid System
Overheated Reduced Output
Power” is shown on the
multi-information display.
 Steam comes out from under the
hood.
Correction procedures A
B
A
B
C
D

454 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) coolant is unavailable.
6 Start the hybrid system and turn the
air conditioning system on to check
that the radiator cooling fan oper-
ates and to check for coolant leaks
from the radiator or hoses.The fan operates when the air conditioning
system is turned on immediately after a
cold start. Confirm that the fan is operating
by checking the fan sound and air flow. If it
is difficult to check these, turn the air con-
ditioning system on and off repeatedly.
(The fan may not operate in freezing tem-
peratures.)
7 If the fan is not operating:
Stop the hybrid system immediately
and contact your Lexus dealer.
If the fan is operating:
Have the vehicle inspected at the
nearest Lexus dealer. 
If “Hybrid System Overheated
Reduced Output Power” is shown
on the multi-information display
1 Stop the vehicle in a safe place.
2 Stop the hybrid system and care-
fully lift the hood. 3 After the hybrid system has cooled
down, inspect the hoses and radia-
tor core (radiato r) for any leaks.
Radiator
Cooling fan If a large amount of coolant leaks, immedi-
ately contact your Lexus dealer.
4 The coolant level is satisfactory if it
is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir.
Reservoir
“F” line
“L” line
5 Remove the engine compartment
cover and add coolant if necessary. Water can be used in an emergency if A
B
A
B
C

456 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 6 Add coolant through the inlet of the cap
until it is full, and then replace the
cap .
WARNING■
When inspecting under the hood of
your vehicle
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in serious
injury such as burns. ●
If steam is seen coming from under the
hood, do not open the hood until the
steam has subsided. The engine com-
partment may be very hot.●
After the hybrid system has been
turned off, check that the indicator on
the power switch and the “READY”
indicator are off.
When the hybrid system is operating,
the gasoline engine may automatically
start, or the cooling fan may suddenly
operate even if the gasoline engine
stops. Do not touch or approach rotat-
ing parts such as the fan, which may
lead to fingers or cl othing (especially a
tie, a scarf or a muffler) getting caught,
resulting in serious injury.●
Do not loosen the coolant inlet cap or
the coolant reservoir cap while the
hybrid system and radiator are hot.
High temperature steam or coolant
could spray out.
NOTICE
■
When adding engine/power control
unit coolant
Add coolant slowly after the hybrid sys-
tem has cooled down sufficiently. Adding
cool coolant to a hot hybrid system too
quickly can cause damage to the hybrid
system. B
B NOTICE■
To prevent damage to the cooling sys-
tem
Observe the following precautions: ●
Avoid contaminating the coolant with
foreign matter (such as sand or dust
etc.). ●
Do not use any coolant additive.

4638-1. Specifications
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 8
Vehicle specifications Outside temperature
Oil viscosity (0W-20 is explained here
as an example):
• The 0W in 0W-20 indicates the
characteristic of the oil which allows
cold startability. Oils with a lower
value before the W allow for easier
starting of the engine in cold
weather.
• The 20 in 0W-20 indicates the vis-
cosity characteristic of the oil when
the oil is at high temperature. An oil with a higher viscosity (one with a
higher value) may be better suited if
the vehicle is operated at high
speeds, or under extreme load con-
ditions.
How to read oil container label:
The International Lubricant Specifica-
tion Advisory Committee (ILSAC)
Certification Mark is added to some oil
containers to help you select the oil you
should use.A
Cooling system Capacity Gasoline
engine 11.6 qt. (11.0 L, 9.7 Imp. qt.)
Power con-
trol unit 2.6 qt. (2.5 L, 2.2 Imp. qt.)
Coolant type Use either of the following:
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
• Similar high-quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate,
non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with
long-life hybrid orga nic acid technology
Do not use plain water alone.
Ignition system (spark plug) Make DENSO FK20HBR8
Gap 0.031 in. (0.8 mm)