This is an amateur video showing how I replaced the front brake pads and inspected the rotors in a 2008 Lexus RX400h hybrid. Special attention is given to some unique precautions necessary whenever working on a hybrid system. One of the key advantages of the drive by wire hybrid system is that momentum energy is converted back into chemical battery energy when braking. So, the brake system is controlled electronically, which presents special problems when it comes to repairs.
With modern computer controlled vehicles, even simple repairs can have added risks that may not be solved without a trip to the dealership for reprogramming. Do not attempt anything shown in this video unless you are prepared to accept those risks. Education in auto repair can be punctuated by dangerous and expensive mistakes, so never rely on one source for information. Any misadventure you encounter if you decide to attempt repair in your vehicle is your responsibility.
Whenever the accessory battery discharges below 7 volts or when it is removed, Lexus recommend doing an ISC learning procedure for the 2006-8 Rx400h, to reinitialize the idle speed control for optimum fuel consumption (TSB2509). I think relearning may happen automatically, but this is how the TSB recommends doing it for optimal fuel economy. To do this without Techstream software, drive the car to fully warm it up to operating temperature. Then turn off all accessories (heater, AC, radio, etc). Then park the vehicle and turn the ignition off. Then turn the ignition key back to “Ready on”. Wait for the engine to start and run through it’s initial startup cycle and shut off. Then apply the parking brake, depress the brake pedal, and move the shift lever to the D position. Depress the accelerator pedal while firmly holding the brake pedal down, watching to see the engine load achieve a value of 45% or more, for 30 sec but not more than 40 sec. Then shift into ‘P’ and turn the ignition off. After at least 5 seconds, turn the key back to ‘ready on’. Then lightly depress the accelerator pedal and release it when the engine starts. The engine will usually stop when ISC learning is completed.
Thunderclap sound used under Creative Commons 3.0 license, done by RHumphries at https://freesound.org/people/RHumphries/
Post time: Jun-05-2017