Vehicle - Long Term Storage Guideline
L-SB-0018-09Rev2
February 23, 2009
Long Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
Service Category
General
Section
Maintenance
Market
USA
Applicability
TSIB REVISION NOTICE
December 3, 2009 Rev2:
^ Applicability has been updated to include 2010 HS 250h, GX 460, RX 450h, IS 250C, and IS 350C model years.
Any previous printed versions of this service bulletin should be discarded.
TSIB REVISION NOTICE
March 10, 2009 Rev1:
^ The Parking and Paint Protection, and Battery Procedure has been updated.
^ The Reference and Training Materials section has been updated.
Any previous printed versions of this service bulletin should be discarded.
Introduction
Long-term or off-site storage requires special care to keep vehicles factory fresh and ready for delivery. The following guidelines should be performed to minimize vehicle component/part degradation due to extended vehicle storage conditions. Long-term storage can affect a vehicle's systems and components. Any problems that are found should be corrected immediately.
Required Tools & Equipment
Warranty Information
Procedure
Parking and Paint Protection
^ Storage areas should be paved well lit and secure. If your off-site storage lot is not paved spread gravel down to minimize mud and dust. Be sure vehicles are driven carefully when moving them to or from a long-term lot. This will help minimize damage to the paint finish from road grit or gravel.
^ Park vehicles from right to left at least three feet apart. Leave enough space front and rear to easily walk between rows.
^ HVAC vent controls should be set to "Recirc" to minimize dust and odor intrusion.
^ Make sure the plastic door edge protectors are in place and fold in the side view mirror (if applicable).
^ Anti-rust covers or anti-rust film should remain on vehicle during storage.
1. Anti-Rust Covers (behind wheel) should be removed at PDS.
2. Anti-Rust Film (applied to wheel) should be removed just prior to customer delivery.
^ Wash vehicles frequently.
Battery
^ Turn off all electrical accessories, make sure windows and sunroof are closed and check that the transmission is in "park" (first or reverse for manual transmission vehicles). Do not apply the parking brake.
^ Test batteries monthly (more often in high heat or cold areas), using the Digital Battery System Analyzer (P/N 00002-V8150-KIT). Refer to TSIB PG001-06, "Battery Maintenance for In Stock Vehicles and Pre-Delivery" for complete battery maintenance procedures.
^ To reduce battery drain during long-term storage, remove the battery ground (-) cable of each vehicle and reinstall just before delivery to the customer. Locate the current PDS TSIB on TIS for complete details.
^ For hybrid vehicle storage, the state of charge (SOC) of it's HV battery and auxiliary battery will gradually decrease. To prevent the auxiliary battery from becoming discharged during storage, proper maintenance is required. Refer to "Maintenance for HV & Auxiliary Batteries" TSIB's for procedure and additional information.
Tire Inflation Pressure
If the vehicle is parked for long periods without being moved, a flat spot may develop on each tire surface in contact with the ground, even if the tires are inflated to specification. Tire inflation pressure should be checked once a month.
Tire inflation pressure for storage only: 45 psi.
Parts Rust
If the vehicles in your storage area are exposed to a sea breeze and/or a significant precipitation, corrosion with rust in some parts may occur.
If rust is found, remove it, and treat it by applying rust inhibitor to prevent recurrence.
Engine Starting and Vehicle Movement
If the vehicle is stored over an extended period of time, starting and running the engine periodically will ensure smooth running operation.
1. Start and operate the engine at an engine speed under 1,500 RPM for 15 minutes or longer. This also eliminates moisture in the exhaust system.
NOTE
Be sure to allow sufficient clearance at the rear of the vehicle to prevent other vehicles stored behind from getting damaged by exhaust gas.
2. Move the vehicle at least 30 feet to lubricate the transmission and differential and prevent tire flat-spot damage.
3. Raise engine speed above 3,000 RPM 10 times to eliminate moisture from the exhaust.
A/C Compressor Lubrication
To minimize the possibility of damage to the A/C compressor while storing a vehicle, perform the following recommended maintenance procedures at least once a month to lubricate the compressor.
1. Turn off A/C and blower switches prior to starting engine.
2. Start and warm up the engine until engine idle drops below 1,000 rpm.
3. Turn on the A/C system (including the rear A/C) using the following settings:
A. A/C Switch: On
B. Blower Speed: High
C. Engine Speed: Below 1,000 RPM
4. Keep A/C on with engine idling for at least one minute (in dual A/C vehicles leave on for two minutes).
5. Turn off A/C system and stop engine.
Disk Brake Rotor Surface Rust Removal
The brake rotors are made of cast iron so they may show gradual build-up of surface rust during long term storage. At least once every two months drive the vehicle and use the brakes normally stopping from about 30 mph at least 20 times. This regular usage will help prevent severe rust build up and the possibility of unwanted brake vibration concerns due to rust.
Below are items that should be checked periodically and their frequency.
Summary Chart for Long-Term Storage
A combination of proper Vehicle Receipt Pre-Delivery Service and Vehicle Storage is the only way to maintain factory fresh vehicles. Lexus's goal is to deliver 100% problem-free cars and trucks. With your commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we can reach that goal. Review this TSIB often and be sure new employees are aware of the policies and procedures out-lined herein, as individual training in proper inspection, pre-delivery service, and storage and handling techniques are essential to ensure high delivery quality.
Here is a list of additional resources, which will help you with vehicle receipt, inspection and storage procedures.
Reference and Training Materials