battery LEXUS RX450h 2015 Repair Manual

6424-2. Maintenance
CAUTION■
If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in se rious damage to the vehicle and possible
serious injury or death.■
Handling of the 12-volt battery ●
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile com-
ponents contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause can-
cer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a well ventilated area.●
Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by compo-
nent wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid exposure and wash
any affected area immediately.●
12-volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after
handling. (  P. 6 6 4 )

6444-2. Maintenance
Vehicle interior Items Check points
12-volt battery Check the connections. (  P. 6 6 4 )
Accelerator pedal • The accelerator pedal should move
smoothly (without uneven pedal
effort or catching).
Brake pedal • Does the brake pedal move
smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appro-
priate clearance from the floor?
(  P. 8 0 6 )
• Does the brake pedal have the cor-
rect amount of free play?
(  P. 8 0 6 )
Brakes • The vehicle should not pull to one
side when the brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel
spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too
close to the floor when the brakes
are applied.
Head restraints • Do the head restraints move
smoothly and lock securely?
Hybrid transmission “Park” mecha-
nism • When parked on a slope and the
parking brake is on, is the vehicle
securely stopped?

6474-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) programsSome states have vehicle emission inspection programs which include
OBD (On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system monitors the oper-
ation of the emission control system.
■ If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in
the emission control system. Your vehicle may not pa ss the I/M test
and may need to be repaired. Cont act your Lexus dealer to service
the vehicle.
■ Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test in the following situations:
● When the 12-volt battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are set during ordinary driving are erased.
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes may
not be completely set.
● When the fuel tank cap is loose
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on indicating a temporary
malfunction and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
■ When the malfunction indicator la mp still remains on after several
driving trips
The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the
vehicle is driven 40 or more times.
■ If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test
Contact your Lexus dealer to prep are the vehicle for re-testing.

6484-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct pro-
cedures as given in these sections.
Items Pa r t s a n d t o o l s
12-volt battery condition (  P. 664
) •Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level (  P. 6 6 2 ) • FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
•Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake
fluid)
Engine/power control unit coolant
level (  P. 6 5 9 ) • “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or a similar high quality ethylene
glycol 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)

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

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.

6874-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care Electronic key battery Replace the battery with a new one if it is discharged.
■ You will need the following items:
● Flathead screwdriver
● Small Phillips-head sc rewdriver
● Lithium battery (CR1632)
■ Replacing the battery
Take out the mechanical key.
Remove the cover.
Remove the depleted battery.
Insert a new battery with the “+”
terminal facing up.STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3