Lexus RX 450h Owner's Manual page 478

476 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
WARNING
Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
■
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid and may pro-
duce hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. To reduce the risk of death
or serious injury, take the following pre-
cautions while working on or near the
12-volt battery:
Do not cause sparks by touching the
●
12-volt battery terminals with tools.
Do not smoke or light a match near the
●
12-volt battery.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin and
●
clothes.
Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
●
Wear protective safety glasses when
●
working near the 12-volt battery.
Keep children away from the 12-volt
●
battery.
Where to safely charge the 12-volt
■
battery
Always charge the 12-volt battery in an
open area. Do not charge the 12-volt bat-
tery in a garage or closed room where
there is insufficient ventilation.
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.
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If electrolyte gets on your clothes
●
It can soak through clothing on to your
skin. Immediately take off the clothing
and follow the procedure above if nec-
essary.
If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
●
Drink a large quantity of water or milk.
Get emergency medical attention
immediately.
When replacing the 12-volt battery
■
Use a 12-volt battery designed for this
vehicle. Failure to do so may cause gas
(hydrogen) to enter the passenger com-
partment, causing a fire or explosion.
For replacement of the 12-volt battery,
contact your Lexus dealer.
When handling the 12-volt battery
■
P.555
When disconnecting the 12-volt bat-
■
tery (RX450h)
Do not disconnect the negative (-) termi-
nal on the body side as shown. The dis-
connected negative (-) terminal may
touch the positive (+) terminal, which
may cause a short and result in death or
serious injury.
NOTICE
When recharging the 12-volt battery
■
Never recharge the 12-volt battery while
the hybrid system is operating. Also, be
sure all accessories are turned off.