engine coolant LEXUS LS500H 2018 User Guide

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

390 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) with a heavy load, or when driving while
accelerating or decelerating frequently●
When leaving the engine idling for a long
time, or when driving frequently through
heavy traffic■
After changing the engine oil
The engine oil maintena nce data should be
reset. Perform the following procedures:
1 Press or of the meter control
switch to select .
2 Press or to select “Vehicle Set-
tings” and then press .
3 Press or to select “Oil Mainte-
nance” and then press .
4 Press or to select “Yes” and
then press .
A message will be displayed on the
multi-information disp lay when the reset
procedure has been completed.
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is
between the “F” and “L” lines on the
reservoir when the engine is cold. ■
Engine coolant reservoir
Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” line If the level is on or below the “L” line, add
coolant up to the “F” line. ( → P.453)
■
Power control unit coolant reser-
voir
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is
between the “F” and “L” lines on the
reservoir when the hybrid system is WARNING■
Used engine oil●
Used engine oil contains potentially
harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflamma-
tion and skin cancer, so care should be
taken to avoid prolonged and
repeated contact. To remove used
engine oil from your skin, wash thor-
oughly with soap and water.
●
Dispose of used oil and filters only in a
safe and acceptable manner. Do not
dispose of used oil and filters in house-
hold trash, in sewers or onto the
ground.
Call your Lexus dealer, service station
or auto parts store for information
concerning recycling or disposal.
●
Do not leave used engine oil within the
reach of children. NOTICE■
To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis. ■
When replacing the engine oil ●
Be careful not to spill engine oil on the
vehicle components. ●
Avoid overfilling, or the engine could
be damaged. ●
Check the oil level on the dipstick
every time you re fill the vehicle.●
Be sure the engine o il filler cap is prop-
erly tightened.
Checking the coolant
A
B
C

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

426 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U)  Fluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air condi-
tioning after use is normal.)
 Flat-looking tires or uneven tire
wear
 Engine coolant temperature gauge
needle continually points higher
than normal.
 Changes in exhaust sound
 Excessive tire squeal when corner-
ing
 Strange noises related to the sus-
pension system
 Pinging or other noises related to
the hybrid system
 Engine missing, stumbling or run-
ning roughly
 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, spongy
feeling, pedal almost touches the
floor
If you think something is
wrong If you notice any of the following
symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Con-
tact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms

4277-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 7
When trouble arises ■
Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)
■
Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)
■
High coolant temperature warning light *
(warning buzzer)
*
: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer soundsCalmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights comes on or
flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, bu t then goes off, this does not necessar-
ily indicate a malfunction in the system. However, if this continues to occur,
have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
Actions to the warning lights or warning buzzers Warning light Details/Actions(U.S.A.)
or (red)
(Canada) Indicates that:
 The brake fluid level is low; or
 The brake system is malfunctioning
→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
Indicates that the brake pads are worn out (only the right-side pads can
be detected)
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
Warning light Details/Actions
(yellow) Indicates a malfunction in:
 The regenerative braking system;
 The electronically controlled brake system; or
 The parking brake system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Warning light Details/Actions
Indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too high
→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Handling method ( → P.453)

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.

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

4557-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 7
When trouble arises coolant is unavailable.
6 After stopping the hybrid system
and waiting for 5 minutes or more,
start the hybrid system again and
check for the multi-information dis-
play.
If the message does not disappear:
Stop the hybrid system and contact
your Lexus dealer.
If the message is not displayed:
The hybrid system temperature has
dropped and the vehicle may be
driven normally.However, if the message appears again fre-
quently, contact your Lexus dealer.
■
When adding engine coolant
Add coolant in accordance with the follow-
ing procedure.
1 Remove the engine compartment
cover. 2 Push the tab in and open the engine
compartment cover.
3 Remove the engine cover.
4 Remove the caps and .
5 Add coolant through the inlet of the cap
up to the “F” line , and then
replace the cap . A B
A C
A

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.