battery LEXUS RX450h 2021 Repair Manual

3786-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
WARNING
■Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid and may pro-
duce hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. To reduce the risk of death
or serious injury, take the following pre-
cautions 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 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.
■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
less). 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
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 feel pain or burning, get medical
attention 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 nec-
essary.
●If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk.
Get emergency medical attention
immediately.
■When replacing the 12-volt battery
Use a 12-volt battery designed for this
vehicle. Failure to do so may cause gas
(hydrogen) to enter the passenger com-
partment, causing a fire or explosion.
For replacement of the 12-volt battery,
contact your Lexus dealer.
■When handling the 12-volt battery
 P.453
■When disconnecting the 12-volt bat-
tery (RX450h)
Do not disconnect the negative (-) termi-
nal on the body side as shown. The dis-
connected negative (-) terminal may
touch the positive (+) terminal, which
may cause a short and result in death or
serious injury.
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.

3796-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
RX450h
Make sure that the 12-volt battery ter-
minals 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 ter-
minals are not corroded and that there
are no loose connections, cracks, or
loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
RX450h
Install the 12-volt battery cover with the
clips.
1 Push up center position
2 Insert
3 Press
RX450hL
1 Install the deck side trim cover.
2 Install the 12-volt battery cover.
Exterior
A
B
A
B
Installing the 12-volt battery
cover

3936-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
■Replacing the rear wiper insert
Have the rear wiper inse rt replaced by your
Lexus dealer.
■Handling of the windshield wiper blades
and inserts
Improper handling of the windshield wiper
blades and inserts may cause them to be
damaged. If it is difficult to follow the wiper
blade and insert replacement procedure
precisely, contact your Lexus dealer.
■If the electronic key battery is depleted
The following symptoms may occur:
●The smart access system with push-but-
ton start and wireless remote control will
not function properly.
●The operationa l range will be reduced.
Flathead screwdriver
 Lithium battery CR2032
■Use a CR2032 lithium battery
●Batteries can be purchased at your Lexus
dealer, local electrical appliance shops or
camera stores.
●Replace only with the same or equivalent
type recommended by the manufacturer.
●Dispose of used batteries according to
the local laws.
1Take out the mechanical key.
2 Remove the cover.
To prevent damage to the key, cover the tip
Electronic key battery
Replace the battery with a new one
if it is depleted.
You will need the following items:
Replacing the battery

3946-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
of the flathead screwdriver with a tape.
3Remove the depleted battery.
When removing the cover, the electronic
key module may stick to the cover and the
battery may not be visible. In this case,
remove the electronic key module in order
to remove the battery.
Insert a new battery with the “+” terminal
facing up.
WARNING
■Battery precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or
serious injury.
●Do not swallow the battery. Doing so
may cause chemical burns.
●A coin battery or button battery is
used in the electronic key. If a battery is
swallowed, it may cause severe chemi-
cal burns in as little as 2 hours and may
result in death or serious injury.
●Keep away new and removed batteries
from children.
●If the cover cannot be firmly closed,
stop using the electronic key and stow
the key in the place where children
cannot reach, and then contact your
Lexus dealer.
●If you accidentally swallow a battery or
put a battery into a part of your body,
get emergency medical attention
immediately.
■To prevent battery explosion or leak-
age of flammable liquid or gas
●Replace the battery with a new battery
of the same type. If a wrong type of
battery is used, it may explode.
●Do not expose batteries to extremely
low pressure due to high altitude or
extremely high temperatures.
●Do not burn, break or cut a battery.
NOTICE
■For normal operation after replacing
the battery
Observe the following precautions to
prevent accidents:
●Always work with dry hands.
Moisture may cause the battery to
rust.
●Do not touch or move any other com-
ponent inside the remote control.
●Do not bend either of the battery ter-
minals.

3956-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
1Turn the power switch off.
2 Open the fuse box cover.
Engine compartment
Push the tab in and lift the lid off.
Driver’s side instrument panel
Remove the lid.
Luggage compartment (type A fuse
box)
RX450h:
Remove the 12-volt battery cover.
( P.376) RX450hL:
Remove the deck board and side auxiliary
box cover and 12-volt battery cover.
(
 P.376)
Luggage compartment (type B fuse
box)
RX450h:
Remove the terminal cover.
RX450hL:
Remove the terminal cover.
Checking and replacing
fuses
If any of the electrical components
do not operate, a fuse may have
blown. If this happens, check and
replace the fuses as necessary.
Checking and replacing fuses

409
7
7
When trouble arises
When trouble arises
.7-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers................... 410
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency ........................... 410
If the vehicle is trapped in rising water.............................................. 411
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency If your vehicle needs to be towed......................................................... 413
If you think something is wrong ......................................................... 417
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer sounds ........ 418
If a warning message is displayed ........................................................ 428
If you have a flat tire.................. 432
If the hybrid system will not start ........................................................ 444
If you lose your keys ................. 446
If the fuel filler door cannot be opened........................................ 446
If the electronic key does not operate properly .................... 447
If the 12-volt battery is discharged ........................................................ 449
If your vehicle overheats ........ 454
If the vehicle becomes stuck ........................................................ 457

4107-1. Essential information
7-1.Essential information
Press the switch.
All the turn signal lights will flash. To turn
them off, press the switch once again.
■Emergency flashers
●If the emergency flashers are used for a
long time while the hybrid system is not
operating (while the “READY” indicator
is not illuminated), the 12-volt battery may
discharge.
●If any of the SRS airbags deploy (inflate)
or in the event of a strong rear impact, the
emergency flashers will turn on automati-
cally.
The emergency flashers will turn off auto-
matically after operating for approxi-
mately 20 minutes. To manually turn the
emergency flashers off, press the switch
twice.
(The emergency flashers may not turn on
automatically depending on the force of
the impact and conditions of the colli-
sion.)
1 Steadily step on the brake pedal
with both feet and firmly depress it.
Do not pump the brake pedal repeatedly
as this will increase the effort required to
slow the vehicle.
2Shift the shift lever to N.
If the shift lever is shifted to N
3 After slowing down, stop the vehi-
cle in a safe place by the road.
4 Stop the hybrid system.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted to
N
3 Keep depressing the brake pedal
with both feet to reduce vehicle
speed as much as possible.
4 To stop the hybrid system, press
and hold the power switch for 2
consecutive seconds or more, or
Emergency flashers
The emergency flashers are used to
warn other drivers when the vehicle
has to be stopped on the road due
to a breakdown, etc.
Operating instructions
If your vehicle has to be
stopped in an emergency
Only in an emergency, such as if it
becomes impossible to stop the
vehicle in the normal way, stop the
vehicle using the following proce-
dure:
Stopping the vehicle

4257-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
■Brake hold operated indicator
■Master warning light
■Warning buzzer
In some cases, the bu zzer may not be heard
due to being in a noisy location or audio
sound.
■Front passenger detection sensor, seat
belt reminder and warning buzzer
●If luggage is placed on the front passen-
ger seat, the front passenger detection
sensor may cause th e warning light to
flash and the warning buzzer to sound
even if a passenger is not sitting in the
seat.
●If a cushion is placed on the seat, the sen-
sor may not detect a passenger, and the
warning light may not operate properly.
■SRS warning light
This warning light system monitors the air-
bag sensor assembly, fr ont impact sensors,
side impact sensors (front door), side
impact sensors (rear), driver’s seat position
sensor, driver’s seat be lt buckle switch, front
passenger occupant cl assification system
(ECU and sensors), “AIR BAG ON” indica-
tor light, “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light,
front passenger’s seat belt buckle switch,
driver’s seat belt pretensioner, front passen-
ger’s seat belt pretensioner and force lim-
iter, airbags, interconnecting wiring and
power sources. ( P.30)
■If the malfunction indicator lamp comes
on while driving
First check the following:
●Is the fuel tank empty?
If it is, fill the fuel tank immediately.
●Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
The light will go off after several driving
trips.
If the light does not go off even after several
trips, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
■Electric power steering system warning
light (warning buzzer)
When the 12-volt battery charge becomes
insufficient or the voltage temporarily
drops, the electric power steering system
warning light may come on and the warning
buzzer may sound.
■When the tire pressure warning light
comes on
Inspect the tires to check if a tire is punc-
tured.
If a tire is punctured:  P.432
If none of the tires are punctured:
Turn the power switch off then turn it to ON
mode. Check if the tire pressure warning
light comes on or blinks.
If the tire pressure warning light blinks for
1 minute then stays on
There may be a malfunction in the tire
pressure warning system. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(flashes)
Indicates a malfunction in the brake hold system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
A buzzer sounds and the warning light comes on and flashes to indicate
that the master warning system has detected a malfunction.
P.428

4297-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
The master warning light and warning buzzers operate as follows depending on
the content of the message. If a message indicates the need for inspection by a
dealer, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
 In some situations, the master warning light and warning buzzer may not oper-
ate as specified. In this case, follow the instructions displayed in the warning
message.
 If a warning light comes on or flashes at the same time that a warning message is
displayed, take corrective actio n according to the warning light. ( P.418)
*: A buzzer sounds the first time a message is shown on the multi-information display.
■Warning messages
The warning messages explained below
may differ from the actual messages
according to operation conditions and vehi-
cle specifications.
■Warning buzzer
In some cases, the bu zzer may not be heard
due to being in a noisy location or audio
sound.
■If “Shift to P Before Exiting Vehicle” is
displayed
Message is displayed when the driver’s
door is opened with out turning the power
switch off with the shift lever in any position other than P.
Shift the shift lever to P.
■If “Hybrid System Overheated Output
power reduced” is displayed
This message may be displayed when driv-
ing under severe operat ing conditions. (For
example, when driving up a long steep hill.)
Handling method:  P.454
■If “Traction Battery Needs to be Pro-
tected Refrain From the Use of N Posi-
tion” is displayed
This message may be displayed when the
shift lever is in N.
As the hybrid battery (traction battery) can-
Messages and warnings
Warning buzzer*Warning
Comes onSounds
Indicates an important situat ion, such as when a sys-
tem related to driving is ma lfunctioning or that dan-
ger may result if the co rrection procedure is not
performed
FlashesSoundsIndicates a situation, such as when damage to the
vehicle or danger may result
Comes onDoes not sound
Indicates a condition, such as malfunction of electri-
cal components, their cond ition, or indicates the
need for maintenance
FlashesDoes not sound
Indicates a situation, such as when an operation has
been performed incorrectly, or indicates how to
perform an operation correctly

4307-2. Steps to take in an emergency
not be charged when the shift lever is in N,
shift the shift lever to P when the vehicle is
stopped.
■If “Traction Battery Needs to be Pro-
tected. Shift into P to Restart.” is dis-
played
This message is displayed when the hybrid
battery (traction battery) charge has
become extremely low because the shift
lever has been left in N for a certain amount
of time.
When operating the vehicle, shift to P and
restart the hybrid system.
■If “Shift Is in N Release Accelerator
Before Shifting” is displayed
Message is displayed when the accelerator
pedal has been depressed and the shift
lever is in N.
Release the accelerator pedal and shift the
shift lever to D or R.
■If “Depress Brake when Vehicle Is
Stopped Hybrid Syst em May Overheat”
is displayed
Message is displayed when the accelerator
pedal is depressed to maintain the vehicle
position when stopped on a upward slope,
etc.
If this continues, th e hybrid system may
overheat.
Release the accelerator pedal and depress
the brake pedal.
■If “Power Turned Off to Save Battery” is
displayed
This message is displayed when the power
was cut off due to the automatic power off
function. The next time the hybrid system is
started, increase the engine speed slightly
and maintain it at that speed for approxi-
mately 5 minutes to recharge the 12-volt
battery.
■If “Headlight System Malfunction Visit
Your Dealer” is displayed
The following systems may be malfunction-
ing. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer immediately.
●The LED headlight system
●AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) (if equipped)
●The automatic headlight leveling system
●Automatic High Beam
■If “Radar Cruise Control Unavailable
See Owner's Manual” is displayed
The dynamic radar cruise control with
full-speed range system is suspended tem-
porarily or until the problem shown in the
message is re solved. (causes and coping
methods: P.218)
■If “Radar Cruise Control Unavailable” is
displayed
The dynamic radar cruise control with
full-speed range system cannot be used
temporarily. Use the system when it
becomes available again.
■If a message that indicates the malfunc-
tion of front camera is displayed
The following systems may be suspended
until the problem shown in the message is
resolved. ( P.218, 424)
●PCS (Pre-Collision system)
●LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)
●Automatic High Beam
●RSA (Road Sign Assist) (if equipped)
●Dynamic radar cruise control with
full-speed range
■If “Maintenance Required Soon” is dis-
played (U.S.A. only)
Indicates that all maintenance according to
the driven distance on the maintenance
schedule
* should be performed soon.
Comes on approximately 4500 miles
(7200 km) after the message has been
reset. If necessary, perform maintenance.
Please reset the message after the mainte-
nance is performed. ( P.362)
*: Refer to the separate “Scheduled Main-
tenance” or “Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment” for the main tenance interval
applicable to your vehicle.
■If “Maintenance Required Visit Your
Dealer” is displayed (U.S.A. only)
Indicates that all mainte nance is required to
correspond to the driven distance on the