check oil LEXUS RC300H 2017 Owners Manual

15Pictorial index
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Windshield wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 241
Precautions against winter season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 337
To prevent freezing (windshield wiper de-icer)*1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 439 Precautions against car wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 462
Fuel filler door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P . 249
Refueling method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 249 Fuel type/fuel tank capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 598
Tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 484
Tire size/inflation pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 604 Winter tires/tire chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 33 7
Checking/rotation/tire pressure warning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 484 Coping with flat tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 563
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 471
Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 471 Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 599 Coping with overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 587
Warning messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 544
Headlights/front position lights/daytime running lights/
turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 229, 232
Front fog lights*1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 239
Rear fog light*3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 239
Back up light*2
Shifting the shift lever to R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 222
Tail lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 232
Stop lights
Emergency brake signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 305
License plate lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 232
Rear fog light*2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 239
Back up light*3
Shifting the shift lever to R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 222
4
5
6
7
Light bulbs of the exterior lights for driving
(Replacing method: P. 518, Watts: P. 605)
*1: If equipped
*2: Left-hand drive vehicles
*3: Right-hand drive vehicles
8
9
10
11
12
13

2124-1. Before driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
NOTICE
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time while driving, as this may restrain the hybrid system output.
●Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake pedals at thesame time to hold the vehicle on a hill.
■When parking the vehicle
Always set the parking brake, and shift the sh ift lever to P. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal isaccidentally depressed.
■Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for anextended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
●When driving over bumps in the road, driv e as slowly as possible to avoid damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
■If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering wheel firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
●The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.
●The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire ( P. 563)
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause the
following serious damage to the vehicle:
●Engine stalling
●Short in electrical components
●Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure to have any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional check the following:
●Brake function
●Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, hybrid transmis-
sion, differentials, etc.
●Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints (where possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

3374-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect the condition of the 12-volt battery.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire chains for
the rear tires.*
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and brand, and that chains match the size of the tires.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on vehicles with 19-inch tires.
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen. Pour
warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away the water imme-
diately 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.
●Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accumulated on
the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassi s, around the tires or on the brakes.
●Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before getting in the
vehicle.
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the vehi-
cle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevail-
ing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle

4747-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil level on
the dipstick.
■Checking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine and turning
off the engine, wait more than 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into the
bottom of the engine.
Holding a rag under the end, pull
the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull
the dipstick out and check the oil
level.
Low
Normal
Excessive
The shape of the dipstick may dif-
fer depending on the type of vehi-
cle or engine.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
Engine oil
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
6

4757-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near the
low level mark, add engine oil of the
same type as that already in the
engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before adding
oil.
Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.
Engine oil selection P. 599
Oil quantity (Low  Full) 1.5 L (1.6 qt., 1.3 Imp. qt.)
Items Clean funnel
1
2
3

4777-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
WARNING
■Used engine oil
●Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin dis- orders such as inflammation and skin cancer, 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 safe and acceptable manner. Do not dispose of
used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the ground. Call any authorized Lexus dealer or repair er, or another duly qualified and equipped professional, 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 refill the vehicle.
●Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

5267-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
WARNING
■Replacing light bulbs
●Turn off the lights. Do not attempt to replace the bulb immediately after turning off the lights.
The bulbs become very hot and may cause burns.
●Do not touch the glass portion of the light bulb with bare hands. When it is unavoid- able to hold the glass portion, use and hold with a clean dry cloth to avoid getting
moisture and oils on the bulb. Also, if the bulb is scratched or dropped, it may blow out or crack.
●Fully install light bulbs and any parts used to secure them. Failure to do so may result
in heat damage, fire, or wate r entering the headlight unit. This may damage the head- lights or cause condensation to build up on the lens.
■To prevent damage or fire
●Make sure bulbs are fully seated and locked.
●Check the wattage of the bulb before installing to prevent heat damage.

5518-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Indicates that the windows are not fully closed (with the
power switch off, and the driver’s door open) A buzzer also sounds. Close all the windows.
(If equipped)
Indicates that the windows and the moon roof are not fully closed (with the power switch off, and the driver’s
door open) A buzzer also sounds. Close all the windows and the moon roof.
Indicates a malfunction in the brake override system
A buzzer also sounds.  Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
Indicates that engine oil level is low This message may appear if the vehicle is stopped on a
slope. Move the vehicle to a level surface and check to see if the message disappears.A buzzer also sounds.
 Check the level of engine oil, and add if necessary.
Indicates that the hybrid system has overheated This message may be displayed when driving undersevere operating conditions. (For example, when driv-
ing up a long steep hill.) A buzzer also sounds.
 Stop and check. (P. 587)
Warning messageDetails/Actions
(Flashes)
(Flashes)

5548-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Indicates that the engine oil is scheduled to be changed.
(The indicator will not work properly unless the message has been reset.) Check the engine oil, and change if necessary.
After changing the engine oil, the message should be reset.
Indicates that the engine oil should be changed. (Afterthe engine oil is changed and the message has been
reset.)  Check and change the engine oil, and oil filter by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another
duly qualified and equipped professional. After changing the engine oil, the message should bereset.
(If equipped)
Indicates that the Automatic High Beam switch ispressed while the headlights are in low beam.
 Turn the high beam on and press the Automatic High Beam switch again.
(If equipped)
Indicates that, since the VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)system was turned off, the pre-crash brake system oper-
ation is stopped Operation of the pre-crash brake assist is alsostopped.
 Turn the VSC on. (P. 307)
(If equipped)
Indicates that the PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system) is not currently functional because the grille cover or the sen- sor is dirty
 Check the grille cover and the sensor and clean them if they are dirty.
Warning messageDetails/Actions
(Flashes)

599
9
9-1. Specifications
Vehicle specifications
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Oil capacity (Drain an d refill [Reference*])
*: The engine oil capacity is a reference quantity to be used when changing the engine
oil. Warm up the engine and turn off the hybrid system, wait more than 5 minutes, and
check the oil level on the dipstick.
■Engine oil selection
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is used in your Lexus vehicle. Lexus recom-
mends the use of approved “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil”. Another motor oil of
matching quality can also be used.
Oil grade:
0W-20, 5W-30 and 10W-30:
API grade SL “Energy-Conserving ”, SM “Energy-Conserving” or SN
“Resource-Conserving”; or IL SAC multigrade engine oil
15W-40:
API grade SL, SM or SN multigrade engine oil
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
SAE 0W-20 is filled into your Lexus
vehicle at manufacturing, and the
best choice for good fuel economy
and good starting in cold weather.
If SAE 0W-20 oil is not available,
SAE 5W-30 oil may be used. How-
ever, it should be replaced with SAE
0W-20 at the next oil change.
If you use SAE 10W-30 or a higher
viscosity engine oil in extremely low
temperatures, the engine may
become difficult to start, so SAE
0W-20 or 5W-30 engine oil is rec-
ommended.
Lubrication system
With filter4.5 L (4.8 qt., 4.0 Imp. qt.)
Without filter4.1 L (4.3. qt., 3.6 Imp. qt.)
Temperature range anticipated before
next oil change
Preferred