LEXUS GS 300 (2019 year). Instruction - part 25

392

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Check the battery as follows.

■

Battery exterior
Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that there are no
loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.

Terminals
Hold-down clamp

■

Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive.

Therefore, observe the following before recharging:

●

If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect the ground

cable.

●

Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and disconnecting

the charger cables to the battery.

■

After recharging/reconnecting the battery
The engine 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 engine.

●

Unlocking the doors using the smart access system with push-button start may not be

possible immediately after reconnecting the battery. If this happens, use the wireless

remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.

●

Start the engine with the engine switch in ACCESSORY mode. The engine may not

start with the engine switch turned off. However, the engine will operate normally from

the second attempt.

●

The engine switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the battery is reconnected, the

vehicle will return the engine switch mode to the status it was in before the battery was

disconnected.  Make  sure  to  turn  off  the  engine  before  disconnect  the  battery.  Take

extra care when connecting the battery if the engine switch mode prior to discharge is

unknown.

If the engine will not start even after multiple attempts at both methods, contact your

Lexus dealer.

Battery

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WARNING

■

Chemicals in the battery
Batteries contain 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 battery:

●

Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.

●

Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.

●

Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.

●

Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.

●

Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.

●

Keep children away from the battery.

■

Where to safely charge the battery
Always charge the battery in an open area. Do not charge the battery in a garage or

closed room where there is insufficient ventilation.

■

How to recharge the battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The 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 fol-

low the procedure above if necessary.

●

If you accidentally swallow electrolyte

Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention immedi-

ately.

NOTICE

■

When recharging the battery
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also, be sure all accessories

are turned off.

394

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

If any washer does not work or the warning message appears on the multi-infor-
mation display, the washer tank may be empty. Add washer fluid.

Washer fluid



GS350/GS300



GS F

WARNING

■

When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the engine is hot or running 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.

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Tires

Check if the treadwear indicators are showing on the tires. Also check the tires
for uneven wear, such as excessive wear on one side of the tread.
Check the spare tire condition and pressure if not rotated.

New tread
Worn tread
Treadwear indicator

The location of treadwear indicators is shown by a “TWI” or “

” mark, etc., molded

into the sidewall of each tire.
Replace the tires if the treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.

Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance schedules and tread-
wear.

Checking tires

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance



Vehicles with front and rear tires of the same size

Rotate the tires in the order shown.

To equalize tire wear and extend tire life,

Lexus recommends that tire rotation is

carried out at the same interval as tire

inspection.
Do not fail to initialize the tire pressure

warning system after tire rotation.



Vehicles with front and rear tires of differing sizes

Tires cannot be rotated.

Your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that uses tire pres-
sure warning valves and transmitters to detect low tire inflation pressure before
serious problems arise. 

●

If the tire pressure drops below a predetermined level, the driver is warned by
the multi-information display and a warning light. (

P. 437, 444)

●

The tire pressure detected by the
tire pressure warning system can be
displayed on the multi-information
display. (

P. 106, 114)

The illustration used is intended as an

example, and may differ from the image

that is actually displayed on the multi-

information display.

◆

Installing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters

When replacing tires or wheels, tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
must also be installed.
When new tire pressure warning valves and transmitters are installed, new ID
codes must be registered in the tire pressure warning computer and the tire
pressure warning system must be initialized. Have tire pressure warning valve
and transmitter ID codes registered by your Lexus dealer. (

P. 398)

Tire rotation

Front

Tire pressure warning system

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◆

Initializing the tire pressure warning system

■

The tire pressure warning system must be initialized in the following circum-
stances:

●

When rotating the tires.

●

When the tire inflation pressure is changed such as when changing travel-
ing speed or load weight.

When the tire pressure warning system is initialized, the current tire inflation
pressure is set as the benchmark pressure.

■

How to initialize the tire pressure warning system

Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn the engine switch off.

Initialization cannot be performed while the vehicle is moving.

Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure
level. (

P. 532)

Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure

level. The tire pressure warning system will operate based on this pressure level.

Turn the engine switch to IGNITION ON mode.

Press 

 or 

 on the meter control switch and select 

.

Press 

 or 

 on the meter control switch and select “Vehicle Settings”.

Then press 

.

Press  

or  

on 

the 

meter

control switch and select “TPMS”.
Then press and hold 

 until a

message is displayed.

The message will be displayed on the

multi-information display and the tire

pressure warning light will blink

slowly 3 times.
When the message disappears, ini-

tialization is complete.

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398

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

◆

Registering ID codes

The tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is equipped with a unique ID
code. When replacing a tire pressure warning valve and transmitter, it is nec-
essary to register the ID code. Have the ID code registered by your Lexus
dealer.

■

When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:

●

The treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.

●

You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to expose the fabric, and

bulges indicating internal damage

●

A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the size or location of

a cut or other damage

If you are not sure, consult with your Lexus dealer.

■

Replacing tires and wheels
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not registered, the tire

pressure warning system will not work properly. After driving for about 20 minutes, the

tire pressure warning light blinks for 1 minute and stays on to indicate a system malfunc-

tion.

■

Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if it has seldom

or never been used or damage is not obvious.

■

Routine tire inflation pressure checks
The tire pressure warning system does not replace routine tire inflation pressure checks.

Make sure to check tire inflation pressure as part of your routine of daily vehicle checks.

■

When rotating the tires
Make sure that the engine switch is off. If the tires are rotated while the engine switch is in

IGNITION ON mode, the tire position information will not be updated.

If this accidentally occurs, either turn the engine switch to off and then to IGNITION ON

mode, or initialize the system after checking that the tire pressure is properly adjusted.

■

Low profile tires (except 225/50R17 tires)
Generally, low profile tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip performance will be

reduced on snowy and/or icy roads when compared to standard tires. Be sure to use

snow tires or tire chains on snowy and/or icy roads and drive carefully at a speed appro-

priate for road and weather conditions. (

P. 306)

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■

Maximum load of tire
Check that the maximum load of the replacement tire is greater than 1/2 of the Gross

Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) of either the front axle or the rear axle, whichever is

greater.

■

Tire types

●

Summer tires
Summer tires are high-speed performance tires best suited to highway driving under

dry conditions. Since summer tires do not have the same traction performance as

snow tires, summer tires are inadequate for driving on snow-covered or icy roads. For

driving on snow-covered roads or icy roads, the use of snow tires is recommended.

When installing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires.

●

All season tires
All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and to be adequate for

driving in most winter conditions as well as for use year-round. All season tires, how-

ever, do not have adequate traction performance compared with snow tires in heavy

or loose snow. Also, all season tires fall short in acceleration and handling perfor-

mance compared with summer tires in highway driving.

●

Snow tires
For driving on snow-covered roads or icy roads, we recommend using snow tires. If

you need snow tires, select tires of the same size, construction and load capacity as the

originally installed tires. Since your vehicle has radial tires as original equipment, make

sure your snow tires also have radial construction. Do not install studded tires without

first checking local regulations for possible restrictions. Snow tires should be installed

on all wheels. (

P. 304)

■

If the tread on snow tires wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm)
The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is lost.

For the GAWR, see the Certification Label. For

the maximum load of the tire, see the load limit

at maximum cold tire inflation pressure men-

tioned on the sidewall of the tire. (

P. 539)

400

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

■

Situations in which the tire pressure warning system may not operate properly

●

In the following cases, the tire pressure warning system may not operate properly.
• If non-genuine Lexus wheels are used. 

• A tire has been replaced with a tire that is not an OE (Original Equipment) tire.

• A tire has been replaced with a tire that is not of the specified size.

• Tire chains etc. are equipped.

• An auxiliary-supported run-flat tire is equipped.

• If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.

• If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, particularly around the wheels or wheel

housings.

• If the tire inflation pressure is extremely higher than the specified level.

• If wheel without the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter are used.

• If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is not registered

in the tire pressure warning computer.

●

Performance may be affected in the following situations.
• Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large display, air-

port or other facility that generates strong radio waves or electrical noise

• When carrying a portable radio, cellular phone, cordless phone or other wireless

communication device

If tire position information is not correctly displayed due to the radio wave conditions,

the display may be corrected by driving and changing the radio wave conditions.

●

When the vehicle is parked, the time taken for the warning to start or go off could be

extended.

●

When tire inflation pressure declines rapidly for example when a tire has burst, the

warning may not function.

■

The initialization operation

●

Make sure to carry out initialization after adjusting the tire inflation pressure.

Also, make sure the tires are cold before carrying out initialization or tire inflation pres-

sure adjustment.

●

If you have accidentally turned the engine switch off during initialization, it is not neces-

sary to manually restart the initialization again, as initialization will restart automatically

the next time the engine switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode.

●

If you accidentally perform initialization when initialization is not necessary, adjust the

tire inflation pressure to the specified level when the tires are cold, and conduct initial-

ization again.

■

When initialization of the tire pressure warning system has failed
Initialization can be completed in a few minutes. However, in the following cases, the set-

tings have not been recorded and the system will not operate properly. If repeated

attempts to record tire inflation pressure settings are unsuccessful, have the vehicle

inspected by your Lexus dealer.

●

The initialization message is not displayed on the multi-information display when per-

forming initialization.

●

After carrying out the initialization procedure, the tire pressure warning light blinks for 1

minute then stays on after driving for 20 minutes.

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■

Tire pressure warning system certification



For vehicles sold in the U.S.A., Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico

●

Transmitter

●

Initiator

402

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance



For vehicles sold in Canada

●

Transmitter

●

Initiator

403

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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WARNING

■

When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents.

Failure to do so may cause damage to parts of the drive train as well as dangerous han-

dling characteristics, which may lead to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

●

Do not mix tires of different makes, models or tread patterns.

Also, do not mix tires of remarkably different treadwear.

●

Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Lexus.

●

Do not mix differently constructed tires (radial, bias-belted or bias-ply tires).

●

Do not mix summer, all season and snow tires.

●

Do not use tires that have been used on another vehicle.

Do not use tires if you do not know how they were used previously. 

●

Vehicles with spare tire: Do not tow if your vehicle has a spare tire installed.

●

Vehicles with emergency tire puncture repair kit: Do not tow anything if a tire that has

been repaired using the emergency tire puncture repair kit is installed. The load on

the tire may cause unexpected damage to the tire.

■

When initializing the tire pressure warning system
Do not initialize tire inflation pressure without first adjusting the tire inflation pressure to

the specified level. Otherwise, the tire pressure warning light may not come on even if

the tire inflation pressure is low, or it may come on when the tire inflation pressure is

actually normal.

■

Caution regarding interference with electronic devices

●

Users of any electrical medical device other than implantable cardiac pacemakers,

cardiac resynchronization therapy-pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibril-

lators should consult the manufacturer of the device for information about its opera-

tion under the influence of radio waves.

Radio waves could have unexpected effects on the operation of such medical

devices.

●

People with implantable cardiac pacemakers,

cardiac resynchronization therapy-pacemak-

ers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators

should not come within 17.7 in. (450 mm) of

the tire pressure warning system initiators.

The radio waves may affect the operation of

such devices.

404

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

NOTICE

■

Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves, transmitters and

tire valve caps

●

When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning valves and

transmitters, contact your Lexus dealer as the tire pressure warning valves and trans-

mitters may be damaged if not handled correctly.

●

Make sure to install the tire valve caps. If the tire valve caps are not installed, water

could enter the tire pressure warning valves and the tire pressure warning valves

could be bound.

●

When replacing tire valve caps, do not use tire valve caps other than those specified.

The cap may become stuck.

■

To avoid damage to the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When a tire is repaired with liquid sealants, the tire pressure warning valve and trans-

mitter may not operate properly. If a liquid sealant is used, contact your Lexus dealer or

other qualified service shop as soon as possible. Make sure to replace the tire pressure

warning valve and transmitter when replacing the tire. (

P. 396)

■

Driving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving on roads with loose surfaces or potholes.

These conditions may cause losses in tire inflation pressure, reducing the cushioning

ability of the tires. In addition, driving on rough roads may cause damage to the tires

themselves, as well as the vehicle’s wheels and body.

■

Low profile tires (except 225/50R17 tires)
Low profile tires may cause greater damage than usual to the tire wheel when sustain-

ing impact from the road surface. Therefore, pay attention to the following:

●

Be sure to use proper tire inflation pressure. If tires are under-inflated, they may be

damaged more severely.

●

Avoid potholes, uneven pavement, curbs and other road hazards. Failure to do so

may lead to severe tire and wheel damage.

■

If tire inflation pressure of each tire becomes low while driving
Do not continue driving, or your tires and/or wheels may be ruined.

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Tire inflation pressure

The recommended cold tire inflation
pressure and tire size are displayed on
the tire and loading information label.
(

P. 532)

Tire inflation pressure

406

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Tire valve
Tire pressure gauge

Remove the tire valve cap.
Press the tip of the tire pressure gauge onto the tire valve.
Read the pressure using the gauge gradations.
If the tire inflation pressure is not at the recommended level, adjust the pres-
sure.
If you add too much air, press the center of the valve to deflate.
After completing the tire inflation pressure measurement and adjustment,
apply soapy water to the valve and check for leakage.
Put the tire valve cap back on.

■

Tire inflation pressure check interval
You should check tire inflation pressure every two weeks, or at least once a month.

Do not forget to check the spare.

■

Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrect tire inflation pressure may result in the following:

●

Reduced fuel economy

●

Reduced driving comfort and poor handling

●

Reduced tire life due to wear

●

Reduced safety

●

Damage to the drive train

If a tire needs frequent inflating, have it checked by your Lexus dealer.

Inspection and adjustment procedure

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■

Instructions for checking tire inflation pressure
When checking tire inflation pressure, observe the following:

●

Check only when the tires are cold.

If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or has not been driven for more than

1 mile or 1.5 km, you will get an accurate cold tire inflation pressure reading.

●

Always use a tire pressure gauge.

It is difficult to judge if a tire is properly inflated based only on its appearance.

●

It is normal for the tire inflation pressure to be higher after driving as heat is generated

in the tire. Do not reduce tire inflation pressure after driving.

●

Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight.

Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehicle is balanced.

WARNING

■

Proper inflation is critical to save tire performance
Keep your tires properly inflated.

If the tires are not properly inflated, the following conditions may occur which could

lead to an accident resulting in death or serious injury:

●

Excessive wear

●

Uneven wear

●

Poor handling

●

Possibility of blowouts resulting from overheated tires

●

Air leaking from between tire and wheel

●

Wheel deformation and/or tire damage

●

Greater possibility of tire damage while driving (due to road hazards, expansion

joints, sharp edges in the road, etc.)

NOTICE

■

When inspecting and adjusting tire inflation pressure
Be sure to put the tire valve caps back on.

If a valve cap is not installed, dirt or moisture may get into the valve and cause an air

leak, resulting in decreased tire inflation pressure.