Lexus CT (2021 year). Manual in english — page 28

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7-1. Maintenance and care

Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior

●

Working from top to bottom, liberally apply water to the vehicle body, wheel
wells and underside of the vehicle to remove any dirt and dust.

●

Wash the vehicle body using a sponge or soft cloth, such as a chamois.

●

For hard-to-remove marks, use car wash soap and rinse thoroughly with
water.

●

Wipe away any water.

●

Wax the vehicle when the waterproof coating deteriorates.

If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the vehicle body is cool.

■

Self-restoring coat

The vehicle body has a self-restoring coating that is resistant to small surface scratches

caused in a car wash etc.

●

The coating lasts for 5 to 8 years from when the vehicle is delivered from the plant.

●

The restoration time differs depending on the depth of the scratch and outside tem-

perature. The restoration time may become shorter when the coating is warmed by

applying warm water.

●

Deep scratches caused by keys, coins, etc. cannot be restored.

●

Do not use wax that contain abrasives.

■

Automatic car washes

●

Fold the mirrors before washing the vehicle. Start washing from the front of the vehicle.

Make sure to extend the mirrors before driving.

●

Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle surface, parts (wheel,

etc.) and harm your vehicle’s paint.

●

Rear spoiler may not be washable in some automatic car washes. There may also be an

increased risk of damage to vehicle.

■

High pressure car washes

As water may enter the cabin, do not bring the nozzle tip near the gaps around the doors

or perimeter of the windows, or spray these areas continuously.

Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in prime condi-
tion:

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■

Note for a smart entry & start system (if equipped)

If the door handle becomes wet while the electronic key is within the effective range, the

door may lock and unlock repeatedly. Place the key in a position 2 m (6 ft.) or more sep-

arate from the vehicle while the vehicle is being washed. (Take care to ensure that the key

is not stolen.)

■

Wheels and wheel ornaments

●

Remove any dirt immediately by using a neutral detergent. Do not use hard brushes or

abrasive cleaners. Do not use strong or harsh chemical cleaners.

Use the same mild detergent and wax as used on the paint.

●

Do not use detergent on the wheels when they are hot, for example after driving for

long distance in the hot weather.

●

Wash detergent from the wheels immediately after use.

■

Bumpers

Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.

■

Front side windows water-repellent coating

●

The following precautions can extend the effectiveness of the water-repellent coating.
• Remove any dirt, etc. from the front side windows regularly.

• Do not allow dirt and dust to accumulate on the windows for a long period.

Clean the windows with a soft, damp cloth as soon as possible.

• Do not use wax or glass cleaners that contain abrasives when cleaning the windows.

• Do not use any metallic objects to remove condensation build up.

●

When the water-repellent performance has become insufficient, the coating can be

repaired. Contact any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any

reliable repairer.

■

Plated portions

If dirt cannot be removed, clean the parts as follows:

●

Use a soft cloth dampened with an approximately 5% solution of neutral detergent and

water to clean the dirt off.

●

Wipe the surface with a dry, soft cloth to remove any remaining moisture.

●

To remove oily deposits, use alcohol wet wipes or a similar product.

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7-1. Maintenance and care

WARNING

■

When washing the vehicle

Do not apply water to the inside of the engine compartment. Doing so may cause the

electrical components etc. to catch fire.

■

When cleaning the windshield (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield wipers)

●

When the upper part of the windshield where the raindrop sensor is located is

touched by hand

●

When a wet rag or similar is held close to the raindrop sensor

●

If something bumps against the windshield

●

If you directly touch the raindrop sensor body or if something bumps into the raindrop

sensor

■

Precautions regarding the exhaust pipe

Exhaust gasses cause the exhaust pipe to become quite hot.
When washing the vehicle, be careful not to touch the pipe until it has cooled suffi-

ciently, as touching a hot exhaust pipe can cause burns.

Set the wiper switch to off.

If the wiper switch is in “AUTO”, the wipers may

operate unexpectedly in the following situa-

tions, and may result in hands being caught or

other serious injuries and cause damage to the

wiper blades.

Off

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NOTICE

■

To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and components (aluminum

wheels etc.)

●

Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast

• After driving on salted roads

• If coal tar or tree sap is present on the paint surface

• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the paint surface

• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust, iron pow-

der or chemical substances

• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud

• If liquids such as benzene and gasoline are spilled on the paint surface

●

If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.

●

To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a place with low

humidity when storing the wheels.

■

Cleaning the exterior lights

●

Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub with a hard brush.

This may damage the surfaces of the lights.

●

Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.

Wax may cause damage to the lenses.

■

To prevent damage to the windshield wiper arms

When lifting the wiper arms away from the windshield, pull the driver side wiper arm

upward first, and repeat for the passenger side. When returning the wipers to their

original position, do so from the passenger side first.

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7-1. Maintenance and care

NOTICE

■

When using an automatic car wash (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield wipers)

Set the wiper switch to the off position.

If the wiper switch is in “AUTO”, the wipers may operate and the wiper blades may be

damaged.

■

When using a high pressure car wash

●

When washing the vehicle, do not let water from the high-pressure washer directly hit

the camera or the area around the camera. Due to the shock from high-pressure

water, it is possible that the device may not operate normally.

●

Do not bring the nozzle tip close to boots (rubber or resin manufactured cover), con-

nectors or the following parts. The parts may be damaged if they come into contact

with high-pressure water.
• Traction related parts

• Steering parts

• Suspension parts

• Brake parts

●

Keep the cleaning nozzle at least 30 cm (11.9 in.) away from the vehicle body. Other-

wise resin section, such as moldings and bumpers, may be deformed and damaged.

Also, do not continuously hold the nozzle in the same place.

●

Do not spray the lower part of the windshield continuously. If water enters the air con-

ditioning system intake located near the lower part of the windshield, the air condi-

tioning system may not operate correctly.

●

Do not wash the underside of the vehicle using a high pressure car washer.

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Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior

●

Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner. Wipe dirty surfaces with a cloth
dampened with lukewarm water.

●

If dirt cannot be removed, wipe it off with a soft cloth dampened with neutral
detergent diluted to approximately 1%.
Wring out any excess water from the cloth and thoroughly wipe off remaining
traces of detergent and water.

●

Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner.

●

Wipe off any excess dirt and dust with a soft cloth dampened with diluted
detergent.

Use a diluted water solution of approximately 5% neutral wool detergent.

●

Wring out any excess water from the cloth and thoroughly wipe off all remain-
ing traces of detergent.

●

Wipe the surface with a dry, soft cloth to remove any remaining moisture.
Allow the leather to dry in a shaded and ventilated area.

●

Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner.

●

Wipe it off with a soft cloth dampened with neutral detergent diluted to
approximately 1%.

●

Wring out any excess water from the cloth and thoroughly wipe off remaining
traces of detergent and water.

The following procedures will help protect your vehicle’s interior and keep it
in top condition:

Protecting the vehicle interior

Cleaning the leather areas

Cleaning the synthetic leather areas

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7-1. Maintenance and care

To prevent the air intake vent and filter from becoming clogged, clean them peri-
odically.

■

Cleaning the air intake vent

Remove any dust and clogs from the
air intake vent using a vacuum
cleaner etc.

The air intake vent has a filter.

If “MAINTENANCE REQUIRED FOR TRACTION BATTERY COOLING
PARTS SEE OWNER’S MANUAL” or “Maintenance required for Traction
battery cooling parts See owner’s manual” is displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display, the filter may be clogged. Remove the air intake vent cover and
clean the filter.

■

Cleaning the air intake vent filter

The air intake vent filter is located
side of the rear right seatback.

Detach the 5 claws and remove
the air intake vent cover.

Cleaning the hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent and filter

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Remove the filter from the air
intake vent cover.

Remove any dust and clogs from
the filter using a vacuum cleaner
etc.

Make sure to also remove dust and

clogs from the inner side of the air

intake vent cover.
If the filter is damaged, have it

replaced by any authorized Lexus

retailer or Lexus authorized repairer,

or any reliable repairer.

Install the air intake vent cover in
a reverse procedure of removing.

Make sure that the rubber part of the

filter is fitted around the sponge over

the whole circumference of the

cover.

Start the hybrid system and check that “MAINTENANCE REQUIRED
FOR TRACTION BATTERY COOLING PARTS SEE OWNER’S MAN-
UAL” or “Maintenance required for Traction battery cooling parts See
owner’s manual” is no longer displayed on the multi-information display.

It may take approximately 20 minutes for the warning message to disappear
after the hybrid system is started. If the warning message does not disappear
even though the filter has been cleaned, have the vehicle inspected by any
authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer.

2

3

Rubber
part

Sponge

Filter

4

5

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7-1. Maintenance and care

■

Caring for leather areas

Lexus recommends cleaning the interior of the vehicle at least twice a year to maintain

the quality of the vehicle’s interior.

■

Shampooing the carpets

There are several commercial foaming-type cleaners available. Use a sponge or brush to

apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not use water. Wipe dirty surfaces and let

them dry. Excellent results are obtained by keeping the carpet as dry as possible.

■

Air intake vent maintenance

●

If the vehicle is driven with the air intake vent clogged, the hybrid battery (traction bat-

tery) may overheat and the fuel consumption may increase.

●

Depending on the conditions under which the vehicle is used, the air intake vent may

need to be cleaned more regularly.

■

Seat belts

Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water using a cloth or sponge. Also check the belts

periodically for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.

■

Cleaning the air intake vent filter

●

Improper handling of the air intake vent cover and filter may result in damage to them. If

you have any concerns about cleaning the filter, contact any authorized Lexus retailer

or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.

●

If the vehicle is driven with the air intake vent filter clogged, the hybrid battery (traction

battery) may overheat and the fuel consumption may increase.

●

Depending on the conditions under which the vehicle is used, the air intake vent filter

may need to be cleaned more regularly.

■

If “MAINTENANCE REQUIRED FOR TRACTION BATTERY COOLING PARTS

SEE OWNER’S MANUAL or “Maintenance required for Traction battery cooling

parts See owner’s manual” is displayed on the multi-information display

●

It is possible the air intake vent is clogged due to accumulated dust. Clean the air intake

vent and filter, referring to the cleaning method.

●

When continuously driven in this state, the hybrid battery (traction battery) may over-

heat, which may lead to the electric motor powered driving distance decreasing, the

fuel economy worsening, and causing damage.
Clean the air intake vent periodically to prevent dust, etc., from collecting in the air

intake vent or filter.

●

If the message does not turn off even if the air intake vent is cleaned, have the vehicle

inspected at any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable

repairer.

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WARNING

■

Water in the vehicle

●

Do not splash or spill liquid in the vehicle, such as on the floor, in the hybrid battery

(traction battery) air intake vent, and in the luggage compartment.

Doing so may cause the hybrid battery, electrical components, etc. to malfunction or

catch fire.

●

Do not get any of the SRS components or wiring in the vehicle interior wet. (



P. 37)

An electrical malfunction may cause the airbags to deploy or not function properly,

resulting in death or serious injury.

■

Cleaning the interior (especially instrument panel)

Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel may reflect off the wind-

shield, obstructing the driver’s view and leading to an accident, resulting in death or

serious injury.

■

When cleaning the hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent/filter

●

Do not use water or other liquids to clean the air intake vent/filter. If water is applied

to the hybrid battery (traction battery) or other components, a malfunction or fire

may occur.

●

When the air intake vent cover, located on the side of the rear right seatback is to be

removed, make sure to turn the power switch off to stop the hybrid system.

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7-1. Maintenance and care

NOTICE

■

Cleaning detergents

●

Do not use the following types of detergent, as they may discolor the vehicle interior

or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces:
• Non-seat portions: Organic substances such as benzene or gasoline, alkaline or

acidic solutions, dye, and bleach

• Seats: Alkaline or acidic solutions, such as thinner, benzene, and alcohol

●

Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel’s or other interior part’s

painted surface may be damaged.

■

Preventing damage to leather surfaces

Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration of leather

surfaces:

●

Remove any dust or dirt from leather surfaces immediately.

●

Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Park the

vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.

●

Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or containing wax on the upholstery, as they

may stick to the leather surface if the vehicle interior heats up significantly.

■

Water on the floor

Do not wash the vehicle floor with water.

Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes into contact

with electrical components such as the audio system above or under the floor of the

vehicle. Water may also cause the body to rust.

■

When cleaning the inside of the windshield (vehicles with Lexus Safety System+)

Do not allow glass cleaner to contact the lens. Also, do not touch the lens. (



P. 298)

■

Cleaning the inside of the rear window

●

Do not use glass cleaner to clean the rear window, as this may cause damage to the

rear window defogger heater wires or antenna. Use a cloth dampened with luke-

warm water to gently wipe the window clean. Wipe the window in strokes running

parallel to the heater wires or antenna.

●

Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires or antenna.

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7-2. Maintenance

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Maintenance requirements

Scheduled maintenance should be performed at specified intervals according to
the maintenance schedule.

For full details of your maintenance schedule, refer to the “Lexus Service Booklet” or

“Lexus Warranty Booklet”.

What about do-it-yourself maintenance?

Many maintenance items are easy to do yourself if you have a little mechanical ability

and a few basic automotive tools.
Note, however, that some maintenance tasks require special tools and skills. These

are best performed by qualified technicians. Even if you’re an experienced do-it-your-

self mechanic, we recommend that repairs and maintenance be conducted by any

authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer. Any

authorized Lexus retailer or repairer will keep a record of maintenance, which could

be useful should you ever require Warranty Service. Should you choose to select a

qualified and equipped professional other than an authorized Lexus repairer to ser-

vice or maintain your vehicle, we recommend that you request that a record of main-

tenance be kept.

■

Where to go for maintenance service?

In order to maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition, Lexus recommends that

maintenance service operations as well as other inspections and repairs be carried out

by authorized Lexus retailers or Lexus authorized repairers, or any reliable repairers. For

repairs and services covered by your warranty, please visit an authorized Lexus retailer

or repairer, who will use genuine Lexus parts in repairing any difficulties you may

encounter. There can also be advantages in utilizing authorized Lexus retailers or repair-

ers for non-warranty repairs and services, as members of the Lexus network will be able

to expertly assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer will perform all

of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle reliably and economically due to their

experience with Lexus vehicles.

To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and regular mainte-
nance are essential. Lexus recommends the following maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance

Do-it-yourself maintenance

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7-2. Maintenance

■

Does your vehicle need repairs?

Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs that indicate

service is needed. Some important clues are:

●

Engine missing, stumbling or pinging

●

Appreciable loss of power

●

Strange engine noises

●

A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air conditioning sys-

tem after use is normal.)

●

Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Drive

with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked immediately.)

●

Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear

●

Vehicle pulls to one side when driven straight on a level road

●

Strange noises related to suspension movement

●

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost touches the floor,

vehicle pulls to one side when braking

●

Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal (



P. 667, 682)

If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Lexus retailer or

Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer as soon as possible. Your vehicle may

need adjustment or repair.

WARNING

■

If your vehicle is not properly maintained

Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and possible seri-

ous injury or death.

■

Handling of the 12-volt battery

12-volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead com-

pounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after handling.

(



P. 606)

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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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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

12-volt battery con-

dition (



P. 606)

• Grease

• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)

Engine/power con-

trol unit coolant level

(



P. 603)

• “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

“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with 50%

coolant and 50% deionized water.

• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)

Engine oil level

(



P. 599)

• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent

• Rag or paper towel

• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)

Fuses (



P. 640)

• Fuse with same amperage rating as original

Light bulbs

(



P. 643)

• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as original

• Phillips-head screwdriver

• Flathead screwdriver

• Wrench

Radiator and con-

denser (



P. 604)



Tire inflation pres-

sure (



P. 630)

• Tire pressure gauge

• Compressed air source

Washer fluid

(



P. 605)

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

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

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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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

●

Make sure that the indicator on the power switch and the “READY” indicator are

both off.

●

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

●

Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, 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. Fuel fumes are flamma-

ble.

●

Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted sur-

faces. If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean

water immediately. If you still experience discomfort, consult a doctor.

■

When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille

Be sure the power switch is off.

With the power switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fans may automatically start to

run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. (



P. 604)

■

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.

■

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 or when

the fluid level in the accumulator is high.

If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.

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Hood

Pull the hood lock release lever.

The hood will pop up slightly.

Pull up the auxiliary catch lever and
lift the hood.

Hold the hood open by inserting the
supporting rod into the slot.

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

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