Lexus ES: Hybrid system precautions

Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it is a high voltage system (about 650 V at maximum) as well as contains parts that become extremely hot when the hybrid system is operating. Obey the warning labels attached to the vehicle.

System components

The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual item.

1. Warning label
2. Service plug
3. Hybrid battery (traction battery)
4. High voltage cables (orange)
5. Electric motor (traction motor)
6. Power control unit
7. Air conditioning compressor

■Running out of fuel When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cannot be started, refuel the vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the low fuel level warning light go off. If there is only a small amount of fuel, the hybrid system may not be able to start. (The standard amount of fuel is about 2.4gal. [9.0 L, 2.0 Imp.gal.], when the vehicle is on a level surface. This value may vary when the vehicle is on a slope. Add extra fuel when the vehicle is inclined.)

■Electromagnetic waves

• High voltage parts and cables on hybrid vehicles incorporate electromagnetic shielding, and therefore emit approximately the same amount of electromagnetic waves as conventional gasoline powered vehicles or home electronic appliances.
• Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third party-produced radio parts.

■Hybrid battery (traction battery) The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a limited service life. The lifespan of the hybrid battery (traction battery) can change in accordance with driving style and driving conditions.

WARNING

■High voltage precautions This vehicle has high voltage DC and AC systems as well as a 12-volt system. DC and AC high voltage is very dangerous and can cause severe burns and electric shock that may result in death or serious injury.

• Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts, cables or their connectors.
• The hybrid system will become hot after starting as the system uses high voltage. Be careful of both the high voltage and the high temperature, and always obey the warning labels attached to the vehicle.
• Never try to open the service plug access hole located under the rear seat (right side). The service plug is used only when the vehicle is serviced and is subject to high voltage.

■Road accident cautions Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death or serious injury:

• Stop the vehicle in a safe place to prevent subsequent accidents. While depressing the brake pedal, apply the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P to stop the hybrid system. Then, slowly release the brake pedal.
• Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
• If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
• If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch the fluid as it may be strong alkaline electrolyte from the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact with your skin or eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water or, if possible, boric acid solution.

  Seek immediate medical attention.

• If electrolyte is leaking from the hybrid battery (traction battery), do not approach the vehicle.

  Even in the unlikely event that the hybrid battery (traction battery) is damaged, the internal construction of the battery will prevent a large amount of electrolyte from leaking out. However, any electrolyte that does leak out will give off a vapor. This vapor is an irritant to skin and eyes and could cause acute poisoning if inhaled.

• Do not bring burning or high-temperature items close to the electrolyte.

  The electrolyte may ignite and cause a fire.

• If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible.

  Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even a small amount of water may be dangerous.

• If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with front wheels raised. If the wheels connected to the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground when towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. This may cause a fire.
• Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has leaked onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave the vehicle as soon as possible.

■Hybrid battery (traction battery)

• Never resell, hand over or modify the hybrid battery. To prevent accidents, hybrid batteries that have been removed from a disposed vehicle are collected through Lexus dealer. Do not dispose of the battery yourself.

  Unless the battery is properly collected, the following may occur, resulting in death or serious injury:

  • The hybrid battery may be illegally disposed of or dumped, and it is hazardous to the environment or someone may touch a high voltage part, resulting in an electric shock.
  • The hybrid battery is intended to be used exclusively with your hybrid vehicle.

    If the hybrid battery is used outside of your vehicle or modified in any way, accidents such as electric shock, heat generation, smoke generation, an explosion and electrolyte leakage may occur.

When reselling or handing over your vehicle, the possibility of an accident is extremely high because the person receiving the vehicle may not be aware of these dangers.

• If your vehicle is disposed of without the hybrid battery having been removed, there is a danger of serious electric shock if high voltage parts, cables and their connectors are touched. In the event that your vehicle must be disposed of, the hybrid battery must be disposed of by your Lexus dealer or a qualified service shop. If the hybrid battery is not disposed of properly, it may cause electric shock that can result in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

■Hybrid battery (traction battery) Do not carry large amounts of water such as water cooler bottles in the vehicle.

If water spills onto the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery may be damaged. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

Hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent

There is an air intake vent under the rear seat (right side) for the purpose of cooling the hybrid battery (traction battery). If the vent becomes blocked, the hybrid battery (traction battery) may overheat, leading to a reduction in the hybrid battery (traction battery) output.

NOTICE

■Hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent

• Make sure not to block the air intake vent with anything, such as a seat cover, plastic cover, or luggage. If the vents become blocked, the hybrid battery (traction battery) input and output may be restricted, leading to a reduction in hybrid battery (traction battery) output and a malfunction.
• When dust etc. has accumulated in the air intake vent, periodically clean it with a vacuum cleaner to prevent the vent from clogging.
• A filter is installed to the air intake vent.

  When the filter remains noticeably dirty even after cleaning the air intake vent, filter cleaning or replacement is recommended. When cleaning or replacing the filter, contact your Lexus dealer.

• Do not get water or foreign materials in the air intake vent as this may cause a short circuit and damage the hybrid battery (traction battery).
• Do not carry large amounts of water such as water cooler bottles in the vehicle. If water spills onto the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery may be damaged. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

Emergency shut off system

When a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sensor, the emergency shut off system blocks the high voltage current and stops the fuel pump to minimize the risk of electrocution and fuel leakage. If the emergency shut off system activates, your vehicle will not restart. To restart the hybrid system, contact your Lexus dealer.

Hybrid warning message

A message is automatically displayed when a malfunction occurs in the hybrid system or an improper operation is attempted.

If a warning message is shown on the multi-information display, read the message and follow the instructions.

■If a warning light comes on, a warning message is displayed, or the 12-volt battery is disconnected The hybrid system may not start. In this case, try to start the system again. If the "READY" indicator does not come on, contact your Lexus dealer.

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