engine coolant LEXUS RX450h 2016 Owners Manual

98 2. Instrument cluster
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Engine coolant temperature gauge Displays the engine coolant temperature
Hybrid System Indicator Displays hybrid system power output or regeneration level (  P. 1 0 0 )
This display changes to a tachometer depe nding on the drive mode, and can be set
to show the tachometer in any driv e mode on the settings display. (  P. 1 0 9 )
Outside temperature Displays the outside temperature within the range of -40°F (-40°C) to 122°F
(50°C). Low outside temperature indicator comes on when the ambient tempera-
ture is 37°F (3°C) or lower.
Multi-information display Presents the driver with a variety of vehicle data (  P. 1 0 2 )
Displays warning messages in case of a malfunction (  P. 5 4 3 )
Clock Time displayed is linked to the analog clock on the instrument panel. (  P. 4 3 3 )
Speedometer
Fuel gauge
Shift position display (  P. 2 3 9 )
Odometer and trip meter (  P. 1 1 5 )1
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5
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8
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1012. Instrument cluster
2
Instrument cluster
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Tachometer
Hybrid System Indicator switches to the tachometer when driving mode is in sport mode.
The settings of the tachometer display can be changed on of the multi-information
display. (  P. 1 0 9 )■
Engine speed
On hybrid vehicles, engine speed is precisely controlled in order to help improve fuel
efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions etc.
There are times when the engine speed that is displayed may differ even when vehicle
operation and driving conditions are the same. ■
Brightness of the meters (day mode and night mode)
The brightness of the meters is changed between day mode and night mode. ●
Day mode: When the tail lights are off or when the tail lights are on but the surrounding
area is bright ●
Night mode: When the tail lights are on and the surrounding area is dark ■
Outside temperature display ●
In the following situations, the correct outside temperature may not be displayed, or the
display may take longer than normal to change.
• When stopped, or driving at low speeds (less than 12 mph [20 km/h])
• When the outside temperature has changed suddenly (at the entrance/exit of a
garage, tunnel, etc.) ●
When “  ” or “E” is displayed, the sy stem may be ma lfunctioning.
Take your vehicle to your Lexus dealer. ■
Clock settings screen
If the clock adjustment screen is displayed continuously when attempting to change the
clock settings, the system may be malfunctioning.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer. ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized. (  P. 1 0 9 )
NOTICE ■
To prevent damage to the engine and its components ●
Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which indicates
the maximum engine speed. ●
The engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is in the red
zone (H). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place, and check the
engine after it has cooled completely. (  P. 5 74 )

2254-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ●
To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system performance
when using engine braking, do no t put the transmission in D. (  P. 2 3 9 )●
Instability happens more frequently when descending steep or long downhill
grades. Before descending, slow down and downshift. Do not make sudden
downshifts while descending steep or long downhill grades. ●
Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes too fre-
quently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking
efficiency. ●
Due to the added load of the trailer, yo ur vehicle’s engine may overheat on hot
days (at temperatures over 85  F [30  C]) when driving up a long or steep
grade. If the engine coolant temperat ure gauge indicates overheating, imme-
diately turn off the air cond itioning (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and
stop in a safe spot. (  P. 5 74 )●
Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and the trailer’s wheels
when parking. Put the transmission in P and apply the parking brake. Avoid
parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do so only after performing the follow-
ing:
Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and trailer’s
wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly until the
blocks absorb the load.
Shift into P and apply the parking brake.
Turn off the hybrid system.●
When restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in P, start the hybrid system. Be sure to keep the
brake pedal depressed.
Shift into a forward gear. If reversing, shift into R.
If the parking brake is in manual mode, release the parking brake.
(  P. 2 4 6 )
Release the brake pedal, and slowly pull or back away from the wheel
blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks. 1
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5
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5

390 4-6. Driving tips
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ●
Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid ●
Have a service technician inspect the condition of the 12-volt battery. ●
Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire chains for
the front tires. Ensure that all tires are of the specified size and the same brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
Perform the following according to the driving conditions: ●
Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen. Pour
warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away the water imme-
diately to prevent it from freezing. ●
To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan, remove any
snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in front of the windshield. ●
Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accumulated on
the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the tires or on the brakes. ●
Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before getting in the
vehicle.Winter driving tips Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the vehi-
cle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevail-
ing weather conditions.
Pre-winter preparations
Before driving the vehicle

4676-2. Maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
RX450h_U_OM0E013UGeneral maintenance Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed at
the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Service Guide” or “Owner’s
Manual Supplement”. It is recommende d that any problem you notice should
be brought to the attention of your Lexu s dealer or qualifie d service shop for
advice.
Engine compartment Items Check points
Brake fluid Is the brake fluid at the correct level? (  P. 4 8 1 )
Engine/power control unit
coolant Is the engine/power control unit coolant at the correct
level?(  P. 4 7 9 )
Engine oil Is the engine oil at the correct level?(  P. 4 76 )
Exhaust system There should not be any fumes or strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser The radiator and condenser should be free from
foreign objects. (  P. 4 8 0 )
Wa s h e r f l u i d Is there sufficient washer fluid?(  P. 4 8 2 )
Luggage compartment Items Check points
12-volt battery Check the connections. (  P. 4 8 3 )

471
RX450h_U_OM0E013U 6
Maintenance and care 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct proce-
dure as given in these sections. Items Pa r t s a n d t o o l s
12-volt battery con-
dition (  P. 4 8 3 ) •Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
(  P. 4 8 1 ) • FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine/power con-
trol unit coolant level
(  P. 4 7 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 coolant)
Engine oil level
(  P. 4 76 ) • “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses (  P. 5 0 8 ) • Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Headlight aim
*
(  P. 511) • Phillips-head screwdriver
Light bulbs
(  P. 5 1 3 ) • Bulb with same number and wattage rating as original
•Flathead screwdriver •Wrench
Radiator and con-
denser (  P. 4 8 0 ) 
Tire inflation pres-
sure (  P. 4 9 6 ) • Tire pressure gauge • Compressed air source

472 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX450h_U_OM0E013U * : Vehicles with sing le-beam headlightsWa s h e r f l u i d
(  P. 4 8 2 ) • Water or washer fluid containi ng antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)
WA R N I N G
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move suddenly,
become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death or serious injury, observe
the following precautions. ■
When working on the engine compartment ●
Make sure that the indicator on the power switch and the “READY” indicator are
both off. ●
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.●
Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, 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 and rags, in the engine
compartment. ●
Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes are flamma-
ble. ■
When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fans may automatically start to
run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. (  P. 4 8 0 )■
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or fallin g material, fluid spray, etc. from getting in
your eyes.
NOTICE ■
If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt
in the air. Items Pa r t s a n d t o o l s

4756-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
12-volt battery
 P. 4 8 3Engine compartment
Wa s h e r f l u i d t a n k (  P. 4 8 2 )
Brake fluid reservoir (  P. 4 8 1 )
Engine oil level dipstick
(  P. 4 76 )
Engine coolant reservoir
(  P. 4 7 9 )
Power control unit coolant reservoir
(  P. 4 7 9 ) Fuse boxes (  P. 5 0 8 )
Radiator (  P. 4 8 0 )
Power control unit coolant
radiator (  P. 4 8 0 )
Condenser (  P. 4 8 0 )
Electric cooling fans
Engine oil filler cap (  P. 4 7 7 )1
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4796-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
RX450h_U_OM0E013U The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on
the reservoir when the hybrid system is cold. ■
Engine coolant reservoir
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line If the level is on or below the “LOW”
line, add coolant up to the “FULL”
line. (  P. 5 74 )
■
Power control unit coolant reservoir
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line If the level is on or below the “LOW”
line, add coolant up to the “FULL”
line. (  P. 5 74 )■
Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high qu ality ethylene glycol
based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid
organic acid technology.
U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixt ure of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
(Minimum temperature: -31  F [-35  C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixt ure of 55% coolant and 45% deionized water.
(Minimum temperature: -44  F [-42  C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Lexus dealer. ■
If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine/p ower control unit coolant reservoir caps,
drain cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Lexus dealer test the cap and check for leaks in the
cooling system.Coolant 1
2
3
1
2
3

480 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts is extremely dirty or you are not sure of their condi-
tion, have your vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer. WA R N I N G ■
When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the engine/power control unit coolant reservoir caps and radiator 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 cool-
ing. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label. ■
If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging parts or paint.
Radiator and condenser WA R N I N G ■
When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause serious injuries,
such as burns.