warning LEXUS RC300 2018 Owners Manual

392 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechan isms and fluids that may move suddenly,
become hot, or become electrically energize d. To avoid death or serious injury, observe
the following precautions. ■
When working on the engine compartment ●
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.●
Be careful not to touch the engine, 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 or the battery. Fuel and
battery fumes are flammable. ●
Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and corro-
sive sulfuric acid. ■
When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the engine switch is off.
With the engine switch in IGNITION ON mode, the electric cooling fans may auto-
matically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high.
(  P. 406) ■
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, flui d spray, etc. from getting in
your eyes.
NOTICE ■
If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner f ilter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt
in the air.

3936-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U) 6
Maintenance and care Pull the hood lock release lever. The hood will pop up slightly.
Pull up the auxiliary catch lever and
lift the hood.
Hood Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.1
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WARNING ■
Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked.
If the hood is not locked properly, it may op en while the vehicle is in motion and cause
an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.

4036-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U) 6
Maintenance and care ■
Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In th e following situations,
oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be refilled in between oil
maintenance intervals. ●
When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle or after
replacing the engine ●
If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used●
When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, or when driving while accel-
erating or decelerating frequently ●
When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when drivin g frequently through
heavy traffic ■
After changing the engine oil (except RC F)
The engine oil maintenance data should be reset. Perform the following procedures:
Select on the multi-information display. (  P. 111)
Press the or meter control switch on the steering wheel to select “Vehicle
Settings” then “Oil Maintenance” . (To confirm setting, press .)
Select “Yes” an d then press .
A message is displayed on th e multi-information display.
WARNING ■
Used engine oil ●
Used engine oil contains potentially harm ful contaminants which may cause skin dis-
orders such as inflammation and skin cance r, so care should be taken to avoid pro-
longed and repeated contact. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash
thoroughly with soap and water. ●
Dispose of used oil and filters only in a sa fe and acceptable manner. Do not dispose of
used oil and filters in household tras h, 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 reac h 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 refill the vehicle.●
Be sure the engine oil fille r cap is properly tightened. 1
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406 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)Check the radiator, condenser and interc ooler radiator and clear away any for-
eign objects.
If any of the above parts are extremely dirt y or you are not sure of their condition,
have your vehicle inspecte d by your Lexus dealer.WARNING ■
When the engine is hot (RC350/RC300)
Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap, intercooler coolant reservoir cap and
coolant inlet cap. (  P. 530)
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the cap is
removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns. ■
When the engine is hot (RC F)
Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap. (  P. 530)
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the cap is
removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
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 cool-
ing. 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.
Radiator, condenser and intercooler radiator (if equipped)
WARNING ■
When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator, condenser or inte rcooler as they may be hot and cause seri-
ous injuries, such as burns.

4076-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U) 6
Maintenance and care ■
Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines on the
tank.
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Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items. ■
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.Brake fluid 
RC350/RC300 
RC F
Fluid type SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid
SAE J1704 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 4 brake fluid
Items Clean funnel
WARNING ■
When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damage painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your ey es, flush the affected area with clean water
immediately.
If you still experience di scomfort, see a doctor.
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 ref illing, there may be a serious problem.

410 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)WARNING ■
Chemicals in the battery
Batteries contain poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce hydrogen
gas which is flammable and explosive. To redu ce the risk of death or serious injury, take
the following precautions while wo rking on or near the battery:●
Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools. ●
Do not smoke or light a match near the battery. ●
Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes. ●
Never inhale or swallow electrolyte. ●
Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery. ●
Keep children away from the battery. ■
Where to safely charge the battery
Always charge the battery in an open area . Do not charge the battery in a garage or
closed room where there is insufficient ventilation.■
How to recharge the battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less) . The battery may explode if charged at a
quicker rate. ■
Emergency measures regarding electrolyte ●
If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immediate medical
attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or cloth while traveling to
the nearest medical facility. ●
If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you fe el pain or burning, get medical attention
immediately. ●
If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your s kin. Immediately take off the clothing and fol-
low the procedure above if necessary. ●
If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergenc y medical attention immedi-
ately.
NOTICE ■
When recharging the battery
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also, be sure all accessories
are turned off.

4116-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U) 6
Maintenance and care If any washer does not work or the warning message appears on the multi-
information display, the washer tank may be empty. Add washer fluid.
Washer fluid 
RC350/RC300 AWD 
RC300
RC F
WARNING ■
When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the engine is hot or running 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, as well as damaging
the pump leading to problems of the washer fluid not spraying.■
Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid bottle.

412 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)Check if the treadwear indicators are showing on the tires. Also check the tires
for uneven wear, such as excessive wear on one side of the tread.
Check the spare tire condition and pressure if not rotated.
New tread
Worn tread
Treadwear indicator The location of treadwear indicato rs is shown by a “TWI” or “  ” mark, etc., molded
into the sidewall of each tire.
Replace the tires if the treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.
Vehicles with front and rear tires of the same size
Rotate the tires in the order shown. To equalize tire wear and extend tire life,
Lexus recommends that tire rotation is
carried out at the same interval as tire
inspection.
Do not fail to initialize the tire pressure
warning system after tire rotation. 
Vehicles with front and rear tires of differing sizes
Tires cannot be rotated.Tires Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance schedules and tread-
wear.
Checking tires
Tire rotation 1
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Front

4136-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U) 6
Maintenance and care Your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that uses tire pres-
sure warning valves and transmitters to detect low tire inflation pressure before
serious problems arise. ●
If the tire pressure drops below a predet ermined level, the driver is warned by
a screen display and a warning light. (  P. 455, 477)●
The tire pressure detected by the
tire pressure warning system can be
displayed on the multi-information
display. (  P. 103, 118)The illustration used is intended as an
example, and may differ from the image
that is actually disp layed on the multi-
information display.
◆ Installing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When replacing tires or wheels, tire pr essure warning valv es and transmitters
must also be installed.
When new tire pressure wa rning valves and transmitters are installed, new ID
codes must be registered in the tire pressure warning computer and the tire
pressure warning system must be initia lized. Have tire pressure warning valve
and transmitter ID codes registered by your Lexus dealer. (  P. 414)
◆ Initializing the tire pressure warning system ■
The tire pressure warning system must be initialized in the following circum-
stances: ●
When rotating the tires. ●
When the tire inflation pressure is changed such as when changing travel-
ing speed. ●
When changing the tire size.
When the tire pressure warning system is initialized, the current tire inflation
pressure is set as the benchmark pressure.Tire pressure warning system

414 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)■
How to initialize the tire pressure warning system
Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn the engine switch off.Initialization cannot be performed while the vehicle is moving.
Adjust the tire inflation pressure to th e specified cold tire inflation pressure
level. (  P. 548)Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure
level. The tire pressure warning system will operate based on this pressure level.
Turn the engine switch to IGNITION ON mode.
Press and hold the tire pressure
warning reset switch until the tire
pressure warning light blinks
slowly 3 times.
Wait for a few minutes with the engine switch in IGNITION ON mode and
then turn the engine switch off.
◆ Registering ID codes
The tire pressure warning valve and tran smitter is equipped with a unique ID
code. When replacing a tire pressure warning valve and transmitter, it is nec-
essary to register the ID code. Have the ID code registered by your Lexus
dealer. 1
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