LEXUS RX450h 2015 Owners Manual

6614-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Radiator and condenser
Check the radiator and condenser an d clear away any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not sure of their
condition, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer. CAUTION■
When the engine and hybrid system are hot
Do not remove the coolant reservoir cap.
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 cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.■
If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damaging to parts or paint.
CAUTION■
When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause serious inju-
ries, such as burns.

6624-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Brake fluid
■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
■ Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary item. Fluid type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703
Items Clean funnel
■
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.
CAUTION■
When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted
surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean water
immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.

6634-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Washer fluid
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.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 re filling, may be a serious problem.
CAUTION■
When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the hybrid system is hot or operating as washer fluid
contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the hybrid system 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.
■
Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid bottle.

6644-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
12-volt battery ■ Location
The 12-volt battery is located on
the left-hand side of the luggage
compartment.
■ Removing the 12-volt battery cover
Vehicles with a compact spare tire
Pull the lever upward to fold
back the front part of the deck
board.
Pull the folded deck board
upright.STEP 1
STEP 2

6654-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care Pull on the attached hook to
extend the string.
Use the hook to secure the deck
board as shown in the illustra-
tion.
Remove the spare tire cover.
After removing the clips,
remove the 12-volt battery
cover.STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
STEP 6

6664-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Vehicles with a full-size spare tire
Pull the lever upward to fold
back the front part of the deck
board.
Pull on the attached hook to
extend the string.
Use the hook to secure the deck
board as shown in the illustra-
tion.STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

6674-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care After removing the clips,
remove the 12-volt battery
cover.
■ Exterior
Make sure that the 12-volt ba ttery terminals are not corroded and
that there are no loose connect ions, cracks or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
■ Installing the 12-volt battery cover
Install the 12-volt battery cover
with the clips.STEP 4

6684-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■
Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Therefore, observe the following precautions 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.■
After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
The hybrid system may not start. Follow one or both of the following procedures: ●
After opening and closing the driver’s do or, wait 10 seconds and then attempt to
start the hybrid system. (If the system does not start the first time, repeat the pro-
cedure.)●
With the shift lever in P and the “POWER” switch off, open and close any door
and then attempt to start the hybrid system.
If the system will not start even after mult iple attempts at both methods, contact
your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION■
Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contain poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce
hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosiv e. To reduce the risk of death or seri-
ous injury, take the following precautions while working on or near the 12-volt bat-
tery: ●
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.

6694-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care CAUTION■
Where to safely 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 insufficient ventilation.■
How to recharge the 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or le ss). 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.●
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. Get emergency medical attention imme-
diately.■
When replacing the 12-volt battery
Use a 12-volt battery designed for the RX 450h. 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 operating. Also, be
sure all accessories are turned off.

6704-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Tires Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance schedules and
treadwear.
■ Checking tires
New tread
Treadwear indicator
Worn tread The location of treadwear indi-
cators is shown by the “TWI” or
“  ” marks, etc., molded on the
sidewall of each tire.
Check spare tire condition and
pressure if not rotated.
■ Tire rotation
Vehicles with a compact spare tire
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.
Vehicles with a full-size spare tire
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.Front
Front