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

To prevent the fuel economy from being affected, visually inspect the hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent periodically for dust and clogs. If it is dusty or clogged or if "Maintenance Required for Traction Battery Cooling Parts See Owner's Manual" is displayed on the multi-information display, clean the air intake vent using the following procedures:

Cleaning the air intake vent

Remove the dust from the air intake vent with a vacuum cleaner, etc.

Make sure to only use a vacuum to suck out dust and clogs. Attempting to blow out dust and clogs using an airgun, etc. may push it into the air intake vent.

If dust and clogs cannot be completely removed

If dust and clogs cannot be completely removed with the air intake vent cover installed, remove the cover and clean the filter.

1. Turn the power switch off.

2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the clip.

3. Remove the air intake vent cover.

1. Pull the cover as shown in the illustration to disengage the 7 claws, starting from the claw in the upper right corner.
2. Pull the cover toward the front of the vehicle to remove it.

4. Remove the air intake vent filter.

1. Disengage the 3 claws as shown in the illustration.
2. Remove the filter from the cover.

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

Make sure to also remove the dust and clogs from the inside of the air intake vent cover.

6. Reinstall the filter to the cover.

1. Engage the filter to the 2 claws as shown in the illustration.
2. Engage the 3 claws to install the filter.

Make sure that the filter is not crooked or deformed when installing it.

7. Install the air intake vent cover.

1. Insert the tab of the cover as shown in the illustration.
2. Push the cover to engage the 7 claws.

8. Using a Phillips screwdriver, install the clip.

■Scheduled maintenance of the air intake vent is necessary when In some situations such as when the vehicle is used frequently or in heavy traffic or dusty areas, the air intake vent may need to be cleaned more regularly.

For details, refer to "Owner's Manual Supplement" or "Scheduled Maintenance".

■Cleaning the air intake vent

• Dust in the air intake vent may interfere with the cooling of the hybrid battery (traction battery). If charging/discharging of the hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes limited, the distance that the vehicle can be driven using the electric motor (traction motor) may be reduced and the fuel economy may be reduced.

  Inspect and clean the air intake vent periodically.

• 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 your Lexus dealer.

■If "Maintenance required for Traction battery cooling parts See owner's manual" is displayed on the multi-information display

• If this warning message is displayed on the multi-information display, remove the air intake vent cover and clean the filter.
• After cleaning the air intake vent, start the hybrid system and check that the warning message is no longer displayed.

  After the hybrid system is started, it may be necessary to drive the vehicle up to approximately 20 minutes before the warning message disappears. If the warning message does not disappear after driving for appropriately 20 minutes, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

WARNING

■When cleaning the air intake vent

• Do not use water or other liquids to clean the air intake vent. If water is applied to the hybrid battery (traction battery) or other components, a malfunction or fire may occur.
• Before cleaning the air intake vent, make sure to turn the power switch off to stop the hybrid system.

■When removing the air intake vent cover Do not touch the service plug located near the air intake vent

NOTICE

■When cleaning the air intake vent When cleaning the air intake vent, make sure to only use a vacuum to suck out dust and clogs. If a compressed air blow gun, etc. is used to blow out dust and clogs, the dust or clogs may be pushed into the air intake vent, which may affect the performance of the hybrid battery (traction battery) and cause a malfunction.

NOTICE

■To prevent damage to the vehicle

• Do not allow water or foreign matter to enter the air intake vent when the cover is removed.
• Carefully handle the removed filter so that it will not be damage.

  If the filter is damaged, have it replaced with a new filter by your Lexus dealer.

• Make sure to reinstall the filter and cover to their original positions after cleaning.
• Do not install anything to the air intake vent other than the exclusive filter for this vehicle or use the vehicle without the filter installed.

■If "Maintenance Required for Traction Battery Cooling Parts See Owner's Manual" is displayed on the multi-information display If the vehicle is continuously driven with the warning message (indicating that charging/discharging of the hybrid battery (traction battery) may become limited) displayed, the hybrid battery (traction battery) may malfunction.

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