LEXUS SC300 1999 Owners Manual

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
383
Checking battery fluid
There are 2 types of batteries: maintenance type and
non±maintenance type.
A non±maintenance battery has ºMAINTENANCE FREE
BATTERYº on its top. A maintenance type battery does not
have such indication.
Maintenance type battery
Check the fluid condition by the fluid level lines on the side
of the battery. Or if the battery has a hydrometer on its top,
you can also check the hydrometer.
Non±maintenance battery
Check the battery condition by the hydrometer on the top of
the battery.(a) Checking by the fluid level lines (Maintenance type
battery only)

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
384The fluid (electrolyte) level must be between the upper
and lower lines.
When checking
the fluid level, look at all six cells, not just one
or two.
If the level is lower than the lower line, add distilled water.
(See ºAdding distilled waterº on page 386.) (b) Checking by the hydrometer

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385
Check the battery condition by the hydrometer color.
Maintenance type battery
BLUE ± Good condition.
WHITE ± Charging necessary. Have the battery checked by
your Lexus dealer.
RED ± Add distilled water. (See ºAdding distilled waterº on
page 386.)
Non±maintenance type battery
BLUE ± Good condition.
WHITE ± Charging necessary. Have the battery checked by
your Lexus dealer.
RED ± Have the battery checked by your Lexus dealer.NOTICE
For non±maintenance battery:
Do not refill the battery with water.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
386
Adding distilled water
(Maintenance type battery only)
1. Remove the vent plugs.
2. Add distilled water to cells needing fluid.
If the side of your battery is covered, check the water level by
looking down directly above the cell as illustrated above.
3. Retighten the vent plugs securely.
NOTICE

Do not overfill the cells. Excess electrolyte could
squirt out of the battery during heavy charging,
causing corrosion or damage.

Use a cover on the battery for longer life.
BATTERY RECHARGING
PRECAUTIONS
During recharging, the battery is producing hydrogen
gas.
Therefore, before recharging:
1. Maintenance type batteries ± Remove the vent plugs.
2. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be
sure to disconnect the ground cable.
3. Make sure the power switch on the recharger is off when
connecting the charger cables to the battery and when
disconnecting them.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
387
CAUTION

Always charge the battery in an unconfined area. Do not
charge the battery in a garage or closed room where there
is not sufficient ventilation.

Non±maintenance batteries: Only do a slow charge (5 A or
less). Charging at a quicker rate is dangerous. The battery
may explode causing personal injuries.
Maintenance type batteries: Be sure to remove the vent
plugs before recharging.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
388
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running.
Also, make sure all accessories are turned off.
CHECKING AND REPLACINGTHE BLADE TYPE FUSES

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
389
1. Turn the ignition switch off and open the fuse box lid.
Determine which fuse may be causing the problem. The lid
of the fuse box shows the name of the circuit for each fuse.

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390
2. Make sure the inoperative component is turned off.
Pull the suspected fuse straight out with the pull±out tool
and check it. If it has blown, push a new fuse into the clips.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
391
a. Look carefully at the fuse. If the thin wire is broken, the
fuse has blown. If you are not sure or if it is too dark to see,
try replacing the suspected fuse with one of the same value
that you know is good.
b. Only install a fuse with the amperage rating designated on
the fuse box lid.
If you do not have a spare fuse, in an emergency you can pull
out the ºCIGº, ºRADIO NO.1º, ºDOMEº or ºHTRº fuse,\
which may be dispensable for normal driving, and use it if its
amperage rating is the same.
If you cannot use one of the same amperage, use one lower
than, but as close as possible to, the amperage. If the
amperage is lower than that specified, the fuse might blow out
again but this does not indicate anything wrong. Be sure to
get the correct fuse as soon as possible and return the
substitute to its original clips. It is a good idea to purchase a set of spare fuses and keep them
in your vehicle for emergencies.
If the new fuse immediately blows out, there is a problem with
the electrical system. Have your Lexus dealer correct it as
soon as possible.

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392
CAUTION
Never use a fuse with a higher amperage rating, or any other
object, in place of a fuse. This may cause extensive damage
and possibly a fire.