octane LEXUS RX400H 2008 Owners Manual

80
1-6. Refueling
RX400h_U
Closing the fuel tank capWhen replacing the fuel tank cap,
turn it until one clicking sound is
heard.
After releasing your hand, the cap
will turn slightly to the opposite
direction.
■Fuel types
Use unleaded gasoline. (91 Octane rating [Research Octane Number 96] or
higher)
■Fuel tank capacity
Approximately 17.2 gal. (65 L, 14.3 Imp. gal.)
■Open fuel filler door warning
→ P. 4 0 7
■When the fuel filler door opener is inoperable
The handle can be used to open the fuel filler
door if the fuel filler door cannot be opened
using the inside switch because the battery is
discharged or for any other reason.

433
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
RX400h_U
Fuel
Front electric motor (traction motor)
Rear electric motor (traction motor with all wheel drive models)
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
Fuel typeUnleaded gasoline only
Octane rating91 (Research octane number 96) or higher
Fuel tank capacity17.2 gal. (65 L, 14.3 lmp.gal)
Ty p ePermanent magnet synchronous motor
Maximum output123 kW
Maximum torque33.9 kgf•m (333 N•m, 245 ft•lbf)
Ty p ePermanent magnet synchronous motor
Maximum output50 kW
Maximum torque13.2 kgf•m (130 N•m, 95 ft•lbf)
Ty p eNickel-Metal hybrid battery
Vo l t a g e9.6 V/m o du le
Capacity6.5 Ah (3HR)
Quantity30 modules
Overall voltage288 V

442
6-1. Specifications
RX400h_U
Fuel information
■Fuel tank opening for unleaded gasoline
To help prevent incorrect fueling, your Lexus has a fuel tank opening that only
accommodates the special nozzle on unleaded fuel pumps.
■If premium gasoline is not available
If 91 rating gasoline cannot be obtained, you may use unleaded gasoline with an
octane rating as low as 87 (Research Octane Rating 91).
■If your engine knocks
●Consult your Lexus dealer.
●You may occasionally notice light knocking for a short time while accelerating or
driving uphill. This is normal and there is no need for concern.
■Gasoline quality
In very few cases, driveability problems may be caused by the brand of gasoline you
are using. If driveability problems persist, try changing the brand of gasoline. If this
does not correct the problem, consult your Lexus dealer.
Your vehicle must use only unleaded gasoline.
Premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 (Research Octane
Number 96) or higher required for optimum engine performance.
At minimum, the gasoline you use should meet the specifications of
ASTM D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB3.5-M93 in Canada.

443
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
RX400h_U
■Gasoline quality standards
●Automotive manufacturers in the US, Europe and Japan have developed a speci-
fication for fuel quality called World-Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC) that is
expected to be applied worldwide.
●The WWFC consists of four categories that are based on required emission lev-
els. In the US, category 4 has been adopted.
●The WWFC improves air quality by lowering emissions in vehicle fleets, and cus-
tomer satisfaction through better performance.
■Lexus recommends the use of gasoline containing detergent additives
●Lexus recommends the use of gasoline that contains detergent additives to avoid
build-up of engine deposits.
●All gasoline sold in the US contains detergent additives to clean and/or keep
clean intake systems.
■Lexus recommends the use of cleaner burning gasoline
Cleaner burning gasoline, including reformulated gasoline that contains oxygen-
ates such as ethanol or MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) is available in many
areas.
Lexus recommends the use of cleaner burning gasoline and appropriately blended
reformulated gasoline. These types of gasoline provide excellent vehicle perfor-
mance, reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.
■Lexus does not recommend blended gasoline
●Lexus allows the use of oxygenate blended gasoline where the oxygenate con-
tent is up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE.
●If you use gasohol in your Lexus, be sure that it has an octane rating no lower than
87.
●Lexus does not recommend the use of gasoline containing methanol.
■Lexus does not recommend gasoline containing MMT
Some gasoline contains octane enhancing additive called MMT (Methylcyclopen-
tadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl).
Lexus does not recommend the use of gasoline that contains MMT. If fuel contain-
ing MMT is used, your emission control system may be adversely affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp on the instrument cluster may come on. If this hap-
pens, contact your Lexus dealer for service.

444
6-1. Specifications
RX400h_U
NOTICE
■Notice on gasoline quality
●Do not use leaded gasoline.
Leaded gasoline can cause damage to your vehicle’s three-way catalytic convert-
ers causing the emission control system to malfunction.
●Do not use gasohol other than that stated here.
Other gasohol may cause fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems.
●Use of unleaded gasoline with an octane rating lower than 91 may result in gaso-
line engine knocking. Persistent knocking can lead to gasoline engine damage
and should be corrected by refueling with higher octane unleaded gasoline.
At worst, this will lead to engine damage.
■Fuel-related poor driveability
If after using a different type of fuel, poor driveability is encountered (poor hot start-
ing, vaporization, engine knocking, etc.), discontinue the use of that type of fuel.
■When refueling with gasohol
Take care not to spill gasohol.
It can damage your vehicle's paint.