LEXUS RX450h 2018 Owners Manual

6017-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UThe 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. 702)
■
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. 702)■
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 Cool ant” is a mixture 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/power control unit coolant reservoir caps,
drain cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Lexus de aler test the cap and check for leaks in the
cooling system.Coolant 1
2
3
1
2
3

602 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UCheck the radiator and condenser an d 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. WARNING ■
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 WARNING ■
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.

6037-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
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. ■
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.Brake fluid
Fluid type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Items Clean funnel
WARNING ■
When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damage painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your ey es, flush the affected area with clean water
immediately.
If you still experience di scomfort, see a doctor.
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 ref illing, there may be a serious problem.

604 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UIf none of the washer do not work or the
“Windshield Washer Fluid Low”
appears on the multi-information dis-
play, the washer tank may be empty.
Add washer fluid.Washer fluid
WARNING ■
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 engine, 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, as well as damaging
the pump leading to problems of the washer fluid not spraying.■
Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid bottle.

6057-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U 
RX450h
The 12-volt battery is located in the
left-hand side of luggage compart-
ment. 
RX450hL
The 12-volt battery is located in the
left-hand side of luggage compart-
ment.12-volt battery Location

606 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U 
RX450h
Lift the deck board and attach the hook. ( → P. 544)
Remove the cover after removing
the clips.
Press
Pull out 
RX450hL
Remove the deck board and side auxiliary box cover. ( → P. 545)
Remove the 12-volt battery cover.
Remove the deck side trim cover.Removing the 12-volt battery cover 1
2
1
2
1
2
3

6077-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U 
RX450h
Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded and that there are
no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp 
RX450hL
Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded and that there are
no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clampExterior 1
2
1
2

608 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U 
RX450h
Install the 12-volt battery cover with the
clips.
Push up center position
Insert
Press 
RX450hL
Install the deck side trim cover.
Install the 12-volt battery cover.Installing the 12-volt battery cover 1
2
3
1
2

6097-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produc es 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 disconnect the
ground cable. ●
Make sure the power switch on the charge r is off when connecting and disconnecting
the charger cables to the 12-volt battery. ■
After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery ●
The hybrid system may not start. Follow the procedure below to initialize the system.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Open and close any of the doors.
Restart the hybrid system. ●
Unlocking the doors using the smart access system with push-button start may not be
possible immediately after reconnecting the 12-volt battery. If this happens, use the
wireless remote control or the mechan ical key to lock/unlock the doors.●
Start the hybrid system with the power sw itch in ACCESSORY mo de. The hybrid sys-
tem may not start with the power switch turned off. However, the hybrid system will
operate normally from the second attempt.●
The power switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the 12-volt battery is reconnected,
the vehicle will return the power switch mode to the status it was in before the 12-volt
battery was disconnected. Make sure to turn off the power before disconnect the 12-
volt battery. Take extra care when connec ting the 12-volt battery if the power switch
mode prior to discharge is unknown.
If the system will not start even after multip le attempts at all methods above, contact your
Lexus dealer.
WARNING ■
Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce
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 matc h 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 safely charge the 12-volt battery
Always charge the 12-volt battery in an open area. Do not charge the 12-volt battery in
a garage or closed room where th ere is insufficient 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. 1
2
3

610 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UWARNING ■
Emergency measures regarding electrolyte ●
If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immediate medical
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 fe el pain or burning, get medical attention
immediately. ●
If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your s kin. Immediately take off the clothing and fol-
low the procedure above if necessary. ●
If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergenc y medical attention immedi-
ately. ■
When handling the 12-volt battery
→ P. 700 ■
When disconnecting the 12-volt battery (RX450h)
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.Do not disconnect the negative (-) terminal on
the body side as shown. The disconnected neg-
ative (-) terminal may touch the positive (+) ter-
minal, which may cause a short and result in
death or serious injury.