charging LEXUS RX400H 2008 Owners Manual

25
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
RX400h_U
■Regenerative braking
The motor generator converts kinetic energy to electric energy when:
●The accelerator pedal is released.
●The brake pedal is depressed with the shift lever in D.
■Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop auto-
matically in the following conditions:
●During gasoline engine warm-up
●During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
●During low or high hybrid battery (traction battery) temperature
■Charging the battery
●As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery
does not need to be charged from an outside source. However, if the vehicle is
left parked for a long time the hybrid battery will slowly discharge. For this rea-
son, be sure to drive the vehicle at least once every several months for at least
30 minutes or 10 miles (16 km). If the hybrid battery becomes fully discharged
and you are unable to jump-start the vehicle with the battery, contact your
Lexus dealer.
●If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be charged.
When driving in heavy traffic, operate the vehicle with the shift lever in D to
avoid discharging the battery.
■During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor
(traction motor) charges the hybrid battery as necessary.
■ When accelerating sharply
The power of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is added via elec-
tric motor (traction motor) to that of the gasoline engine.
■ When braking (regenerative brake)
The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery
(traction battery).

29
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
RX400h_U
Navigation system screenMulti-information display
When the vehicle is
powered by the elec-
tric motor (traction
motor)
When the vehicle is
powered by both the
gasoline engine and the
electric motor (traction
motor)
When the vehicle is
powered by the
gasoline engine
When the vehicle is
charging the hybrid
battery (traction
battery)
When there is no
energy flow
Hybrid battery
(traction battery) statusLowFullLowFull

81
1-6. Refueling
1
Before driving
RX400h_U
CAUTION
■Refueling the vehicle
Observe the following precautions while refueling the vehicle. Failure to do so, may
result in death or serious injury.
●Touch the vehicle or some other metal surface to discharge any static electricity.
Sparks resulting from discharging static electricity may cause the fuel vapors to
ignite.
●Always hold the grips on the fuel tank cap and turn it slowly to remove it.
A whooshing sound may be heard when the fuel tank cap is loosened. Wait until
the sound cannot be heard before fully removing the cap. In hot weather, pressur-
ized fuel may spray out the filler neck and cause injury.
●Do not allow anyone that has not discharged static electricity from their bodies to
come close to an open fuel tank.
●Do not inhale vaporized fuel.
Fuel contains substances that are harmful if inhaled.
●Do not smoke while refueling the vehicle.
Doing so may cause the fuel to ignite and cause a fire.
●Do not return to the vehicle or touch any person or object that is statically
charged.
This may cause static electricity to build up, resulting in a possible ignition hazard.
■When replacing the fuel cap
Do not use anything but a genuine Lexus fuel tank cap designed for your vehicle.
Doing so may cause a fire or other incident which may result in death or serious
injury.
■When opening the fuel cap
Do not remove the cap quickly. In hot weather, fuel under pressure could cause
injury by spraying out of the filler neck if the cap is suddenly removed.

327
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
RX400h_U
12-volt batteryCheck the 12-volt battery as follows.
■ 12-volt battery exterior
Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded and that
there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Te r m i n a l s
Hold-down clamp
■ Checking the 12-volt battery condition
Check the 12-volt battery condition using the indicator color.
Blue: Good condition
White: Charging is necessary.
Have the vehicle inspected by
your Lexus dealer.
Red: Not working properly,
have the 12-volt battery
checked by your Lexus dealer.
■Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Therefore, before recharging:
●If recharging with the 12-volt battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to discon-
nect the ground cable.
●Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and discon-
necting the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.

328
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX400h_U
■After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
In some cases, the hybrid system may not start. If this happens, follow the procedure
below. (If the system does not start first time, repeat the procedure.)
Turn the hybrid system off. Open and close the driver's door, and turn the hybrid
system on.
If the system will not start even after repeating the procedure, contact your Lexus
dealer.
CAUTION
■Chemicals in the 12-volt battery:
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may pro-
duce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death or
serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or near the 12-volt
battery:
●Do not cause sparks by touching the 12-volt battery terminals with tools.
●Do not smoke or light a match near the 12-volt battery.
●Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
●Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
●Wear protective safety glasses when working near the 12-volt battery.
●Keep children away from the 12-volt battery.
■Where to safety charge the 12-volt battery
Always charge the 12-volt battery in an open area. Do not charge the 12-volt bat-
tery in a garage or closed room where there is not sufficient ventilation.
■How to recharge the 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The 12-volt 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 medi-
cal attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or cloth while
traveling to the nearest medical facility.

329
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
RX400h_U
Washer fluidIf any washer does not work or the
low washer fluid warning light
comes on, the washer tank may be
empty. Add washer fluid.
CAUTION
■Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
●If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical atten-
tion immediately.
●If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the clothing and
follow the procedure above if necessary.
●If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten raw
egg or vegetable oil. Get emergency medical attention immediately.
■When replacing the 12-volt battery
Use a 12-volt battery designed for the RX400h. Failure to do so may cause gas
(hydrogen) to enter the passenger compartment, causing a fire or explosion.
For replacement of the 12-volt battery, contact your Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
■When recharging the 12-volt battery
Never recharge the 12-volt battery while the hybrid system is running. Also, be sure
all accessories are turned off.

5
When trouble arises
389
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX400h_U
Stop the vehicle immediately.The following warnings indicate the possibility of damage to the vehicle
that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place
and contact your Lexus dealer.
Have the vehicle inspected by yo ur Lexus dealer immediately.
Failing to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to the
system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Charging system warning light Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)

(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lampIndicates a malfunction in:
• The electronic engine control system or
• The electronic throttle control system.
Hybrid battery warning lightIndicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s hybrid battery.
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system.

422
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX400h_U
■Starting the hybrid system when the 12-volt battery is discharged
The hybrid system cannot be started by push-starting.
■Avoiding a discharged battery
●Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the hybrid system is turned off.
●Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is running at a
low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic, etc.
■After recharging the 12-volt battery
(→ P. 3 2 8 )
■When the battery is removed or discharged
The power windows, power back door and moon roof must be initialized.
(→ P. 4 6 2 )
CAUTION
■Avoiding battery fires or explosions
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidentally igniting the flammable
gas that may be emitted from the battery.
●Make sure the jumper cable is connected to the correct terminal and that it is not
unintentionally in contact with any part other than the intended terminal.
●Do not allow the jumper cables to come into contact with the “+” and “-” termi-
nals.
●Do not allow open flame or use matches, cigarette lighters or smoke near the
battery.
Once the vehicle’s hybrid system has started, remove the
jumper cables in the exact reverse order in which they were
connected.
Once the hybrid system starts, have the vehicle checked at your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible.STEP5

436
6-1. Specifications
RX400h_U
Electrical system
12-volt battery
Open voltage at
68°F (20 °C):12.6  12.8 V Fully charged
12.2 
12.4 V Half charged
11.8 
12.0 V Discharged
(Voltage checked 20 minutes after the
key is removed from the engine switch
with all the lights turned off)
Charging rates5 A max.

480
Alphabetical index
RX400h_U
Traction control ...................................... 169
Trailer towing........................................... 187
TransmissionTransmission ..........................................135
Trip information display....................... 146
Trip meter ................................................. 138
Turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs........................365
Switch ........................................................136
Wattage.................................................... 441
Valet key...................................................... 34
Vanity lights Vanity lights .......................................... 273
Wattage.................................................... 441
Vanity mirrors ........................................ 273
Vehicle identification number .......... 431
Vehicle stability control....................... 169
Video mode ............................................. 251
VDIM .......................................................... 169
VSC ............................................................. 169
Warning buzzers Brake system ...................................... 388
Key reminder ....................................... 393
Open door ............................................391
Open moon roof reminder ............391
Seat belt reminder...............................391
Warning lights Anti-lock brake system...................389
Automatic headlight leveling system ..................................................389
Brake assist system...........................389
Brake system ...................................... 388
Charging system ...............................389 Electric power steering
control system ................................. 389
Hybrid battery system .................... 389
Low fuel level......................................... 391
Low tire pressure warning light.......................................................... 391
Master warning light.......................... 391
Open door ............................................. 391
Pretensioners ...................................... 389
Seat belt reminder light .................... 391
SRS airbags.......................................... 389
Warning messages
AWD system....................................... 398
Dynamic laser cruise control ..................................... 399, 402
Engine oil maintenance.................. 402
Engine oil pressure........................... 398
Fuel lid..................................................... 407
Head light level................................... 399
Hybrid system..................................... 398
Moon roof............................................. 402
Open door ........................................... 402
Parking brake...................................... 402
Vehicle stability control........399, 401
Washer fluid ........................................ 402
Water temp.......................................... 398
Transmission selector lever ......... 402
Washer
Checking................................................329
Preparing and checking before winter...................................... 182
Switch........................................................ 152
Washing and waxing........................... 298
Weight Cargo capacity .................................... 178
Load limits.................................................181
Weight .................................................... 430
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