L-SB-0012-19

Rev1

March 15, 2019

Maintenance for HV and Auxiliary Batteries
Service
Category

General

Section

Pre-Delivery Service

Market USA

Applicability
YEAR(S)

MODEL(S)

2020

ES300H, LC500H, LS500H,
NX300H, RX450H, UX250H

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

REVISION NOTICE
January 15, 2020 Rev1:
 The entire bulletin has been updated.
Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.

Introduction

Hybrid vehicles are equipped with two types of batteries:


Hybrid Vehicle (HV) battery



Auxiliary (12V) battery

If the vehicle is put into storage, the State-Of-Charge (SOC) of its HV battery and auxiliary
battery will gradually decrease. To prevent the auxiliary battery from becoming discharged
during storage, proper maintenance is necessary.
Perform the following maintenance service for the HV battery and auxiliary battery.
NOTE
 Before disconnecting the auxiliary battery, confirm the shift lever is in the “P” position and
apply the parking brake completely. The shift lever cannot be shifted from the “P” position with the
auxiliary battery disconnected.
 If the negative (–) terminal of the auxiliary battery is reconnected, even if the power switch is selected
to the Start mode, the hybrid system may not start. In this case, push the Power switch to select Start
again to start the hybrid system (the Ready light is ON). If the hybrid system still does not start (the
Ready light is OFF), refer to the Repair Manual.
 If the vehicle is equipped with VGRS, the system must be initialized after the auxiliary battery
has been reconnected. Refer to the applicable Service Bulletin for instructions.

© 2020 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

Page 1 of 6

L-SB-0012-19

Rev1

March 15, 2019

Page 2 of 6

Maintenance for HV and Auxiliary Batteries
Maintenance Items
CONDITION*

MAINTENANCE OPERATION

Fully charge the auxiliary battery. Fast charge is NOT
recommended on the 12V battery in order to prevent battery
damage. (Deliver the vehicle to the customer AFTER it is fully
charged to 12.6V.)

Before Delivery

To Store for 30 Days or More

Disconnect the negative (–) terminal of the auxiliary battery to
prevent the SOC of the auxiliary battery from decreasing during
storage due to parasitic current.

Periodical Battery Charging:




Within 45 days AFTER loading
on ship and then every
2 months.**

Keep the Hybrid System ON for 30 minutes with the transmission
in the “P” position (in order to charge the HV battery and the
auxiliary battery).

On arrival at the dealership and
then every 2 months.***

*The condition also corresponds with the section titles in this Service Bulletin.
**BEFORE arrival at the dealership.
***AFTER arrival at the dealership.

Warranty Information
OP CODE

DESCRIPTION

TIME

OFP

T1

T2

N/A

Not Applicable to Warranty

–

–

–

–

Required Tools & Equipment
SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS (SST)

PART NUMBER

QTY

Battery Diagnostic Tool*

DCA-8000P T

1

*Essential SST.

NOTE
 The DCA-8000 battery diagnostic tool (P/N DCA-8000P T) supersedes the GR8 battery diagnostic station
(P/N 00002-MCGR8).
 Additional SSTs may be ordered by calling 1-800-933-8335.

Before Delivery

1. BEFORE charging the auxiliary battery, turn OFF ALL lights, accessories, and the hybrid system.

© 2020 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

L-SB-0012-19

Rev1

March 15, 2019

Page 3 of 6

Maintenance for HV and Auxiliary Batteries
Before Delivery (continued)

2. Check the battery SOC.


If the battery voltage is LESS THAN 12.6V, continue to step 3.



If the battery voltage is 12.6V or MORE, replace the positive (+) terminal cover, install the
battery cover, and close the luggage compartment.
NOTE
 If measuring the voltage with the negative (–) terminal connected, turn OFF the Power button
and turn ON the high beams for 20 – 30 seconds. This will remove the surface charge from
the battery.
 If the engine has been running before measuring the voltage, wait 20 minutes or more AFTER
the engine stops. This removes the surface charge.

3. Test the auxiliary battery using the DCA8000 battery diagnostic tool Advanced
Battery Test mode.

Figure 2. DCA-8000 Battery Diagnostic Tool

If charging is required, the DCA-8000 will
automatically start to charge.
A. Connect the red charger clamp to the

positive (+) battery terminal and the
black charger clamp to the negative (–)
battery terminal.
B. Plug the charger into a grounded

110V outlet and press the power button.

© 2020 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

L-SB-0012-19

Rev1

March 15, 2019

Page 4 of 6

Maintenance for HV and Auxiliary Batteries
Before Delivery (continued)

C. Once the DCA-8000 is properly turned ON, perform an Advanced Battery Test (make sure
to select the appropriate vehicle model). The DCA-8000 battery diagnostic tool will indicate
results when complete. If the battery tests bad (“Replace Battery”), replace the
auxiliary battery.
CAUTION
 Charge in a well-ventilated area.
 Do NOT allow sparks or fire near the auxiliary battery.

NOTE
 If the auxiliary battery was stored at 32°F (0°C) or below, charge the auxiliary battery in a room
above 32°F (0°C).

4. If the DCA-8000 battery diagnostic tool is NOT available, you may charge the 12V battery by
turning the vehicle to Ready ON.
 Run time will vary depending on the SOC.
 If this method is used, you MUST confirm that the battery is charged to 12.8V using
a DVOM.

© 2020 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

L-SB-0012-19

Rev1

March 15, 2019

Page 5 of 6

Maintenance for HV and Auxiliary Batteries
To Store for 30 Days or More
Disconnect the Negative (–) Terminal

1. Turn OFF ALL lights, accessories, and the
hybrid system.

Figure 3.

2. Disconnect the negative (–) terminal.

1

NOTE
When it is necessary to move the vehicle,
reconnect the negative (–) terminal.

3. When removing the vehicle from storage,
connect the negative (–) terminal.
Torque: 6.5 N*m (66 kgf*cm, 58 in*lbf)
NOTE
AFTER recharging the auxiliary battery, the
hybrid system may NOT start. Follow the
procedure below to initialize the system.

1

Negative (–) Terminal Cover

1. Put the shift lever in the “P” position.
2. Open and close ANY of the doors.
3. Restart the hybrid system.

Periodical Battery Charging
Cycle Vehicle to Ready ON
NOTE
 When the remaining capacity of the HV battery is low, the gasoline engine automatically starts and the
HV battery is charged. The auxiliary battery is also charged by the HV battery regardless of the gasoline
engine operation.
 Make sure to reconnect the negative (–) terminal of the auxiliary battery BEFORE performing
this procedure.

1. Park the vehicle in open air or connect the exhaust extraction hose to the exhaust pipe.
2. Apply the parking brake.

© 2020 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

L-SB-0012-19

Rev1

March 15, 2019

Page 6 of 6

Maintenance for HV and Auxiliary Batteries
Periodical Battery Charging (continued)
Cycle Vehicle to Ready ON (continued)

3. With the brake pedal depressed, push the
Power button and check that the Ready light
in the meter illuminates when the hybrid
system starts (the Ready light is ON).

Figure 4.

4. Turn OFF ALL lights and accessories.
5. Check that the shift lever is in the “P” position.
6. Keep the Ready light ON and charge the HV battery for 30 minutes.
NOTE
 If the amount of charging energy is small, the display may NOT indicate the energy flow.
 Ensure there is a sufficient amount of fuel for the vehicle to run for 30 minutes.

© 2020 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA