LEXUS RX 350 L (2019 year). Instruction - part 37

589

7-2. Maintenance

7

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tenance an

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RX350/RX350L_U

The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in the emission
control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test and may need to be
repaired. Contact your Lexus dealer to service the vehicle.

●

When the battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are set during ordinary driving are erased.
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes may not be com-
pletely set.

●

When the fuel tank cap is loose
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on indicating a temporary malfunction
and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.

The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the vehicle is driven
40 or more times.

Contact your Lexus dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-testing.

Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) 
programs

Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which include OBD
(On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system monitors the operation of
the emission control system.

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on

Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test in the following situations:

When the malfunction indicator lamp still remains on after several driv-
ing trips

If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test

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RX350/RX350L_U

7-3. 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

Parts and tools

Battery condition 

(

P. 601)

• Warm  water

• Baking soda

• Grease

• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)

Brake fluid level 

(

P. 600)

• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid

• Rag or paper towel

• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)

Engine coolant level 

(

P. 598)

• “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 engine coolant)

Engine oil level 

(

P. 595)

• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent

• Rag or paper towel

• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)

Fuses (

P. 625)

• Fuse with same amperage rating as original

Headlight aim

*

(

P. 628)

• Phillips-head screwdriver

Light bulbs 

(

P. 630)

• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as original

• Flathead screwdriver

• Wrench

Radiator and con-

denser (

P. 599)



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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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RX350/RX350L_U

*

: Vehicles with single-beam headlights

Tire inflation pres-

sure (

P. 613)

• Tire pressure gauge

• Compressed air source

Washer fluid 

(

P. 603)

• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)

• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)

WARNING

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

●

Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.

●

Be careful not to touch the engine, 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 or the battery. Fuel and

battery fumes are flammable.

●

Be extremely cautions when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and corro-

sive sulfuric acid.

■

When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the engine switch is off.

With the engine switch in IGNITION ON mode, the electric cooling fans may auto-

matically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high.

(

P. 599)

■

Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling 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

Parts and tools

592

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

RX350/RX350L_U

Pull the hood lock release lever.

The hood will pop up slightly.

Pull up the auxiliary catch lever and
lift the hood.

Hood

Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.

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2

WARNING

■

Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked. 

If the hood is not locked properly, it may open while the vehicle is in motion and cause

an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.

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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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◆

Front

◆

Rear

Positioning a floor jack

When using a floor jack, follow the instructions in the manual provided with
the jack and perform the operation safely.
When raising your vehicle with a floor jack, position the jack correctly.
Improper placement may damage your vehicle or cause injury.

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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

RX350/RX350L_U

Engine compartment

Washer fluid tank

 (

P. 603)

Engine oil filler cap  (

P. 596)

Engine oil level dipstick 

(

P. 595)

Engine coolant reservoir 

(

P. 598)

Battery

(

P. 601)

Brake fluid reservoir (

P. 600)

Fuse box

(

P. 625)

Radiator

 (

P. 599)

Condenser (

P. 599)

Electric cooling fans

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8
9

10

595

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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RX350/RX350L_U

With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil level on
the dipstick.

■

Checking the engine oil

Park the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine and turning
off the engine, wait more than 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into the
bottom of the engine.
Holding a rag under the end, pull
the dipstick out.

Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull
the dipstick out and check the oil
level.

Low
Normal
Excessive

The shape of the dipstick may dif-
fer depending on the type of vehi-
cle or engine.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.

Engine oil

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3
4

5

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6

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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

RX350/RX350L_U

■

Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near the
low level mark, add engine oil of the
same type as that already in the
engine.

Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before adding
oil.

Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.

■

Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following situations,

oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be refilled in between oil

maintenance intervals.

●

When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle or after

replacing the engine

●

If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used

●

When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, when towing, or when driving

while accelerating or decelerating frequently

●

When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently through

heavy traffic

Engine oil selection

P. 701

Oil quantity (Low 

 Full)

1.9 qt. (1.8 L, 1.6 Imp. qt.)

Items

Clean funnel

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3

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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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RX350/RX350L_U

■

After changing the engine oil
The engine oil maintenance data should be reset. Perform the following procedures:

Select 

 on the multi-information display. (

P. 97)

Press 

 or 

 of the meter control switch, select the “Vehicle Settings” then “Oil

Maintenance”. (To confirm setting, press 

.)

Select the “Yes” and push 

.

A message is displayed on the multi-information display.

WARNING

■

Used engine oil

●

Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin dis-

orders such as inflammation and skin cancer, so care should be taken to avoid pro-

longed and repeated contact. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash

thoroughly with soap and water.

●

Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do not dispose of

used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the ground. Call your Lexus

dealer, service station or auto parts store for information concerning recycling or dis-

posal.

●

Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.

NOTICE

■

To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.

■

When replacing the engine oil

●

Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.

●

Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.

●

Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.

●

Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

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598

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

RX350/RX350L_U

The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on
the reservoir when the engine is cold.

Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line

If the level is on or below the “LOW”

line, add coolant up to the “FULL” line.

(

P. 692)

■

Coolant selection
Only use “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.
U.S.A.:

“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water.

(Minimum temperature: -31

F [-35C])

Canada:

“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” 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 coolant reservoir cap, 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

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3

WARNING

■

When the engine is hot
Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap 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.

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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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RX350/RX350L_U

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.

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 engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause serious injuries,

such as burns.

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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

RX350/RX350L_U

■

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 eyes, flush the affected area with clean water

immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, 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 refilling, there may be a serious problem.

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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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RX350/RX350L_U

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 precautions 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 power before disconnect the battery. Take

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

unknown.

If the system will not start even after multiple attempts at all methods above, contact your

Lexus dealer.

Battery

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602

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

RX350/RX350L_U

WARNING

■

Chemicals in the battery
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 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.

■

When there is insufficient battery fluid
Do not use if there is insufficient fluid in the battery. There is a possible danger that the

battery may explode.

NOTICE

■

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

are turned off.

■

When adding distilled water
Avoid overfilling. Water spilled during battery recharging may cause corrosion.

603

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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RX350/RX350L_U

If none of the washer does 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 engine 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.

604

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

RX350/RX350L_U

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.

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.

Tires

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

Checking tires

Tire rotation

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Front