Actions to Be Taken For Vehicle Damaged By Impact
ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN FOR VEHICLE DAMAGED BY IMPACTNOTE: The RX400h hybrid system contains a 288V high-voltage system with a strong alkali solution of potassium hydroxide. Be sure to follow the instructions to handle the system correctly. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or electrocution.
a. Items to be prepared or operation at the accident site
- Protective clothing (insulated gloves, rubber gloves, goggles, and safety shoes)
- Saturated boric acid solution 20 L (obtain 800 g of boric acid powder, put it into a container, and dissolve it in water)
- Red litmus paper
- ABC fire extinguisher (effective against both oil flames and electrical flames)
- A shop rag or piece of cloth (for wiping off the electrolyte)
- Insulation tape (for insulating cable)
- Electrical tester
b. Actions to be taken at the accident site
NOTE: Do not touch a bare cable that may have high-voltage. If the cable must be touched or if accidental contract is unavoidable, wear insulated gloves and insulate the cable using insulation tape.
- If the vehicle catches on fire, use an ABC fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire. Trying to extinguish a fire using only a small amount of water can be more dangerous than effective. Use a substantial amount of water or wait for fire-fighters.
- Visually check the HV battery and the immediate area for any electrolyte leakage. Do not touch any leaked liquid because it could be highly alkaline electrolyte.
- Work on the vehicle only after the vehicle has been pulled out of the water.
1. Check the vicinity of the hybrid vehicle battery for any leakage of the electrolyte.
NOTE: Do not touch any leaked liquid because it could be highly alkaline electrolyte. Wear rubber gloves and goggles, neutralize the liquid with saturated boric acid solution, and then apply red litmus paper to the leak. Check that the paper does not turn blue. Wipe the neutralized liquid with a shop rag or piece of cloth.
2. If damage to any of the high-voltage components and cable is suspected, cut the high-voltage circuit using the procedure.
3. Turn the ignition switch off.
HINT: If the ignition switch cannot be turned off, remove the IGCT No.1 fuse from the HV relay block or disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the auxiliary battery.
4. Wear insulated gloves, and then remove the service plug.
NOTE: Be sure to install the service plug before turning on the ignition switch. Starting the hybrid system with the service plug removed may damage the ECU.
c. Moving the damaged vehicle
If any of the following conditions are met, tow the vehicle away using a tow truck.
- One or more of the high-voltage components and cables are damaged.
- The driving, traction, or fuel system is damaged.
- The master warning light is on.
- The READY light does not come on when the vehicle is in the READY-on state.
CAUTION: Before towing the vehicle away using a tow truck, disconnect the cable from the negative (-) terminal of the auxiliary battery and remove the service plug.
NOTE: Perform the procedure below if the READY light turns off , or there are abnormal noises, unusual smells, or strong vibrations while driving:
1. Park the vehicle in a safe place.
2. Shift the shift lever to the "P" position, and apply the parking brake.
3. Turn the ignition switch off, and disconnect the power cable from the negative (-) terminal of the auxiliary battery.
4. Remove the service plug while wearing insulated gloves.
d. Actions required after moving the damaged vehicle
1. Procedure
If you see any liquid on the road surface, it could be highly alkaline electrolyte leakage.
Wear rubber gloves and goggles, neutralize the liquid with saturated boric acid solution, and then apply red litmus paper to the leak. Check that the paper does not turn blue. Wipe the neutralized liquid with a shop rag or piece of cloth.
e. Items to be prepared (when repairing damaged vehicles)
- Protective clothing (Insulated gloves, rubber gloves, goggles, and safety shoes)
- Saturated boric acid solution 20 L (obtain 800 g of boric acid powder, put it into a container, and dissolve it in water)
- Red litmus paper
- Shop rags (for wiping off the electrolyte)
- Vinyl tape (for insulating cable)
- Electrical tester
f. Precautions to be observed when servicing the damaged vehicle
NOTE: Always follow instructions to ensure safety.
1. Wear insulated or rubber gloves, goggles, and safety shoes.
2. Check the HV battery and immediate area for any electrolyte leakage.
Do not touch any leaked liquid because it could be highly alkaline electrolyte. Wear rubber gloves and goggles, neutralize the liquid with saturated boric acid solution, and then apply red litmus paper to the leak. Check that the paper does not turn blue. Wipe the neutralized liquid with a shop rag or piece of cloth.
NOTE:
- If the electrolyte comes in contact with your skin, use a saturated boric acid solution or a large amount of water to wash it off. If the electrolyte comes in contact with an article of clothing, take it off immediately.
- If the electrolyte comes in contact with your eyes , call out loudly for help. Do not rub your eyes. Wash them immediately with a large amount of water and seek medical care.
3. Do not touch a bare cable that could be a high voltage cable. If the cable must be touched or if accidental contact is unavailable, follow the following instructions: 1) wear insulated or rubber gloves and goggles, 2) measure the voltage between the cable and the body ground using an electrical tester, and 3) insulate the cable using insulation tape.
4. If damage to any of the high-voltage components and cables is suspected, cut the high-voltage circuit using the procedure.
NOTE: Do not touch a bare cable that may have high-voltage. If the cable must be touched or if accidental contract is unavoidable, wear insulated gloves and insulate the cable using insulation tape.
5. Turn the ignition switch off.
HINT: If the ignition switch cannot be turned off, remove the IGCT No.1 fuse from the HV relay block or disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the auxiliary battery.
6. Wear insulated gloves, and then remove the service plug.
g. Precautions to be taken when disposing of the vehicle
1. Disposing of HV battery
When scrapping the vehicle, remove the HV battery from the vehicle and return it to the location specified by the manufacturer. Any damaged HV battery should also be returned to the specified location.
CAUTION:
- After removing the battery, keep it away from water. Water may heat the battery, which results in fire.
- Accidents such as electric shocks could result if the vehicle and its hybrid vehicle battery are disposed of improperly or abandoned. Therefore, make sure to return any hybrid battery to the prescribed recovery route through a LEXUS dealer.
h. Precautions to be observed when towing
1. Tow the damaged vehicle with its front and rear wheels lifted off the ground.
CAUTION: Towing the damaged vehicle with its front wheels on the ground may cause the motor to generate electricity. This electricity could, depending on the nature of the damage, leak and cause a fire.
i. Towing with the 4 wheels on the ground
CAUTION:
- If the damaged vehicle needs to be towed using a rope, do not exceed 30 km/h (19 mph) and tow a limit distance and then have the vehicle towed by a truck.
- Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and shift the selector lever to the N position.
- If any abnormality is present in the damaged vehicle during towing, stop towing immediately.