engine LEXUS RX400H 2008 Repair Manual

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct proce-
dure given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
12-volt battery condition ( →P. 3 2 7)
•Grease
•Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level (→ P. 3 2 5 )
Engine/power control unit coolant
level (→ P. 3 2 3 )
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high quality ethylene gly-
col 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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ItemsParts and tools
Engine oil level (→P. 3 1 8 )
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel, funnel (used
only for adding engine oil)
Fuses (→ P. 3 5 2 )• Fuse with same amperage rating as
original
Headlight aim ( →P. 364)• Phillips-head screwdriver
Radiator and condenser (→P. 3 2 5 )
Tire inflation pressure ( →P. 3 4 0 )• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Wa s h e r f l u i d ( →P. 3 2 9 )
• Water washer fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter use)
•Funnel

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CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move sud-
denly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death or serious injury:
■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, inverter, 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 or 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
corrosive sulfuric acid.
●Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts, cables and
their connectors. It can cause severe burns or electric shock that may result in
death or serious injury.
●When the hybrid system is operating with the READY light on, the engine may
suddenly start in some cases. When you inspect the engine compartment, be
sure to turn off the hybrid system.
■When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the engine switch is off.
With the engine switch on, the electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if
the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. (→P. 3 2 5 )
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting
in the eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner:
Driving with the air filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt in
the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compartment.

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Engine compartment
Brake fluid reservoir(→P. 325)
Engine oil level dipstick (→P. 318)
Engine oil filler cap (→P. 318)
Power control unit coolant
reservoir ( →P. 323)
Fuse boxes ( →P. 352)Engine coolant radiator
(→P. 325)
Condenser ( →P. 325)
Power control unit coolant
radiator ( →P. 325)
Electric cooling fans
Engine coolant reservoir (→P. 323)
12-volt battery ( →P. 327)
Washer fluid tank (→P. 329)

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Engine compartment cover■ Removing the engine compartment left cover
■ Removing the engine compartment right cover
: Hooks
(Hook up gently to remove)

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Installing the clips
Open
Insert
Press
Engine oil
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 turning off the hybrid sys-
tem, wait more than five minutes for the oil to drain back into the
bottom of the engine.
Hold a rag under the end and 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.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

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Maintenance and care
RX400h_UWipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
Low
Full
■ Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near the
low level mark, add engine oil of
the same type as already in the
engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before
adding oil. Remove the oil filler cap.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the filler cap, turning it clockwise.
It takes about 1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 lmp. qt.) to raise the oil level from low to full on the
dipstick.
STEP6
Oil gradeILSAC multi-grade engine oil
ItemsClean funnel
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

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Recommended viscosity
SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20
SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20 engine oil
may be used. However, SAE 0W-
20 is the best choice for good fuel
economy and good starting in cold
weather.
■How to read oil container labels
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval
Committee) Certification Mark is added to some oil containers to help
you select the oil you should use.
Outside temperature

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■Engine oil consumption
●The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the oil viscosity, the quality of the
oil and the way the vehicle is driven.
●More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high speeds and frequent
acceleration and deceleration.
●A new engine consumes more oil.
●When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in mind that the oil may have
become diluted, making it difficult to judge the true level accurately.
●Oil consumption: Max. 1.1 qt./600 miles, 0.9 lmp.qt./600 miles (1.0 L per 1000
km)
●If you consume more than 1.1 qt. (1.0 L, 0.9 lmp.qt.) every 600 miles (1000 km),
contact your Lexus dealer.
■After changing the engi ne oil (U.S.A. only)
The oil change system should be reset. Perform the following procedures: Switch the display to the odometer. ( →P. 1 4 3 )
Turn the engine switch to the LOCK position.
STEP1
STEP2
While pressing the ODO/TRIP button, turn
the engine switch to the ON position. A mes-
sage MAINT REQD RESET MODE will
appear on the display. To select the system,
hold the button for at least 5 seconds. A mes-
sage COMPLETE will appear and a beep will
sound.STEP3

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CAUTION
■Used engine oil
●Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin
disorders such as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should be taken to avoid
prolonged 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 dis-
pose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the ground.
Call your Lexus dealer, service station or auto parts store for information con-
cerning 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 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.