Hybrid battery maintenance : Lexus RX400H RX450H Highlander Hybrid

A Toyota master diagnostic technician shows you how to perform the most important hybrid battery maintenance on your Lexus RX and Highlander hybrid.
In this video I'll show you step by step how to service the high voltage battery mesh filters on a 2006-2008 Lexus RX400h, 2010-2021 Lexus RX450H and 2006-2019 Toyota highlander hybrid.
This is a very simple DIY service that I encourage you to do regularly. Keeping this filter clean and clear will help you get the most out of your toyota and lexus hybrid battery.
==================================
Follow the channel on Social Media :
==================================
/ thecarcarenut
/ thecarcarenut
==================================
Check out the channel Merch store
==================================
/ @thecarcarenut
==================================
Support the channel on Patreon:
==================================
/ thecarcarenut
#thecarcarenut #toyotahybrid #lexushybrid

[@dimitris.p.kepenos]

For every minute of each of your videos someone can literally save the equivalent in real money.

[@batterynerd8779]

I have a 06 lexus rx400h with 200k miles and still loving it! Thanks for the filter cleaning instruction!

[@radheshyama16]

I unscrewed and vacuumed my Lexus RX450h and 2006 Highlander hybrid fan filters. God bless you!

[@kwalitynana]

Thank you!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!! I was never even told about these vents & have owned my 2008 Lexus RX400H since 2015 and lately my Check Hybrid System has been going on.... I did what you showed in this video and OMG it was blocked!!! When I first looked at the vent it was so dirty I thought my vents were shut!! LOL turned out it was Dirt an Dust that has built up since owning it....WOW!!! What a difference and YES my light went off. I am a 62 year old woman and if I could do it myself ~ so can you!!! I'll always be looking you up now when it comes to my vehicle!!!

[@aleksandrl2317]

dealer service department advisor recommended me to do this for $214.Air must be expensive in that area. Thank You for your video.

[@amanuelberhe4149]

They asked me for $350 CA to replace the filters and that is a 10 min work. Very sad and I decided to look for a video that would lead me to do it myself since I am not bad at using my hands.

[@renesmeenk4108]

@@amanuelberhe4149 Are you sure they were talking about the hybrid battery cooling filters? If so, they were ripping you off as these mesh filters are not meant to be replaced, they just need to be checked/cleaned occasionally

[@grizzlyaddams3606]

What would we do without this guy? If he were local I say lets have a giant pizza party in honor of this dude.

[@JGBecknell]

I just bought a 2010 450H. Thank you for this. I love Toyota/Lexus, maintenance is so easy.

[@stanbembridge1751]

This was absolutely superb,as I have a Lexus 450h, the cleaning of that filter was so clear, thank you bro,may the Lord also bless you,and keep you,and cause his face to shine upon you,l and always give you his peace,👍🏽💚🙏🏽🙌🏽😊

[@pmacc3557]

Howdy 🤠. What mileage is yours? I'm around 260k km. Thinking of doing the servicing myself in future as I paid 550eur yesterday for the annual

[@markmurungaru4344]

Wish I’d seen this earlier. Been having the issues you’ve described above for a while. Even replaced my hybrid battery in a 2010 RX450 but that only temporarily solved the issue. Will open the vents first thing in the AM. Thanks!

[@Sodapopper100]

We have 2007 Lexus RX400h that we got in August and I never knew about this. Time to clean it up!

[@chanderchander6999]

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH. NOWHERE ON THE INTERNET THIS INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND. GOD BLESS YOU!!!

[@chat2stephen]

I have owned my 08 rx400h for 13yrs and I never knew this trick. Thank you!.

[@lexko1783]

Thank you for this video, we just purchase an RX450H and was looking for maintenance advices on this vehicle. This video really help.

[@appleman59]

What timing! I have watched several of your videos and wondered recently about cleaning the battery filter(s) on my Highlander Hybrid. You have an amazing KZbin channel. Thank you and God bless!

[@computerweenie]

Thank you so much. Like many others I'm tired of paying the dealer for simple tasks that we would do if we knew how. Once you showed us it was so simple just to follow your video.

[@buzzpedrotti5401]

Just checked mine. Very easy. Maybe 3% area occluded with lint. Easy to clean and reinstall.

[@MusicConnoisseurian]

Thank you so much. Didn't see the hidden doors over the bolts before, so was not sure how to go about this.

[@berntlehnert8409]

Danke für den Hinweis. Ich habe gerade einen Rx400h übernommenen. Werde es anwenden. Aber wenn einmal abgebaut und gereinigt, müsste auch von aussen absaugen reichen. Der starke Staubsauger zum Sand aufsaugen. Aber Ausbau anhand der Anleitung ist super einfach. Dank dafür.

[@StevenLAdams]

Bless you! Never knew the "secret" to removing the vents. Now, no excuse for not keeping them clean. Thank you.

[@gtranquilla]

Wow! The manuals and dealership never advised me about this…….❤

[@icallhax8304]

Tried this and was able to follow your directions in under 10 min! First time in 17 years on my 07 highlander hybrid! Thanks very much for the easy to digest and informational videos! I live in a hilly area and the battery seems to overheat a lot (sluggish response and low mpg) so fingers crossed this will help!

[@professionalgago]

how was it? any update?

[@tigerlilyshouseoffish4589]

Thank you for your outstanding lessons, words of wisdom, and positive encouragement for this shade tree mechanic (in training).

[@johnwaldeck6904]

Thanks ! I have this exact car, same year and model and it's going strong with 235K miles. Thanks so much and I'm cleaning my filters this weekend.

[@boilednuts]

Thanks AMD, another golden gem...can't wait to get it done!

[@imranksb]

Thanks, that was really helpful. I didnt knew if these batteries have filters until i watched this video.

[@bobbronder1989]

Watching your video on making a decision on to buy or not to buy a hybrid. You discussed cleaning the battery filter. Didn't even know there were battery filters on my 2018 450h. After searching, found this video. Will clean them tomorrow, thanks for showing how to do it.

[@fereidoondelfanian9102]

Excellent! Thank you for your advice and showing how to clean the hybrid batteries filters. Keep up the good work!👍

[@stanglincoln1659]

thank you so much for showing how this is done and how often it should be serviced I'm visually impaired but I will have my mechanic take care of this on her 450h

[@teddypark9832]

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Great advice!

[@markkrispin6944]

Thanks for showing us just how important it is to make sure the vents stay clean. Too bad you live in Chicago instead of Arizona. I would be honored to have you servicd my 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE.!!

[@vinces8974]

Beautiful video, first chance I get I will take my filters off and clean them on my 2019 Highlander hybrid thank you so much

[@pit9820]

Thanks! More videos about 450h please, its so popular in USA!!!)))))

[@forrunner06]

I've been wondering how to this. Thank you for doing a video that answers my question.

[@GarrickHe]

OMG, I finally found instructions on how to do this for my 2017 Highlander! Thank you so much, @The Car Care Nut.

[@tamirerdene]

Thank you for the video, I could not open the vents, now I know the hidden doors on filters ))

[@juniorcampbell8012]

Very simple, thank you you saved me some time and money

[@anthonyharvey5250]

CCN, I didn’t like the video I loved it. Such a simple thing as a poorly maintained filter for the battery can cause cost fortune. Thanks dude much blessings much love

[@MeatyMcBaconBeacon]

I’ve been waiting for this one thanks

[@downeastoutdoors8713]

Great video brother! Keep them coming. Good morning as well ☕️🥶

[@yehabashaw7374]

Thanks very much for sharing such a valuable information!

[@markaruski]

Thanks for this great info! I forsee a weekend project very soon!

[@startrekkindelta]

Looking to purchase a 2011 Lexus RX 450h. Wanting to take the best care of it I can. Thank you for your tips! 🙏

[@gregeconomeier1476]

Thanks. I previously sent an email regarding a 2010 LexRX450h. I was apparently not seeing that mesh when I stuck my head down there. Probably best that I didn't ….I would have trashed the plastic latches trying to figure them out. Thanks again.

[@amanuelberhe4149]

Thanks so much and God bless brother. I have been looking for this video and finally I found it. Cheers.

[@OrientalExotics]

Thank you . Your video helped guide me each step of the rightway on how to remove the lexus battery vent, without it i would have yank the vent out... lol

[@danielcreedon3110]

Great video for us that a particular about maintenance!

[@dyuan3298]

Thank you for sharing info on Lexus cars.

[@Andek74]

I always clean them with a vacuum cleaner just from the outside. Technically, it should suck all the dirt back from the filter, but will take them off now to see if there is anything I should clean more thoroughly

[@midnitesnack3683]

Thank you very much for your video and help I just bought a RX400H will check mine Tomorrow thanks again

[@Mmagic888]

Another very informative video as when I searched for ‘replacement filter’ for my hybrid it returned no results so I didn’t think there were filters that needed cleaning. Thanks!

[@carlosbayardo6082]

THANKS SO MUCH very informative i love your channel definitive excellent expatiation

[@troyableboo7289]

Thank you for showing this video and sharing your gifted talents. May the Almighty continuously bless you with abundance blessings. God bless.

[@ImranTTi]

Similar for CT200h/Prius but the mesh is washable (CT200h) and easy to miss. If you hear the fan kicking on during the summer it's a great reminder to check it.

[@howardtran5904]

Thank you very much for your helpful video!

[@donrseymour]

Thank you for all of your videos, which I have watched multiple times. 2006 Lexus RX400h AWD 150K miles. Followed instructions to clean vents for HV Battery. Check Engine Light (CEL) came on later for Emissions/Evaporative/Canister. Tried reseating Fuel Cap, but CEL stayed on. Was told only local Lexus Dealership can diagnose cause Hybrid. Lexus Service Center said Engine Oil/Filter change needed, charged over $200, and provided long list of repairs needed (flush transmission, flush coolant, flush brake fluid, tires, brakes, shocks, timing belt) ... almost $8K. But did not resolve or diagnose CEL cause they had "computer" issues. On way home, all warning lights came on, and Lexus shutdown on highway. Only solution was to disconnect 12V battery to reset ECU/ECM, and could drive till Lexus shutdown again. Next day, Lexus Service Center said all HV battery fans shorted out and/or stopped working. When HV battery gets too hot, Lexus shuts down. This made no sense cause there was no electrical or mechanical problem before. Lexus Service Center disconnected HV battery, making Lexus unable to drive. Now Lexus Service Center wants almost $2K to remove HV battery and replace fans. Feels like extortion.

[@MattPark-vp2ud]

what did you ended up doing with your rx400?

[@donrseymour]

@@MattPark-vp2ud I had so many problems with that 2006 Lexus RX400h AWD. It would have cost twice what it was worth to repair everything, and I would still have an old vehicle. The vehicle shutdown while driving on the freeway multiple times. The Lexus dealership overcharged me for repairs every time. Then the vehicle would shutdown again. I did finally figure out that I could get going again if I disconnected the 12V battery for a few minutes, but sometimes that would not get me very far. I finally sold it to someone who really wanted it, and I guess they did not mind if the HV battery and entire moonroof mechanism needed to be replaced.

[@MattPark-vp2ud]

I test drove a few 2006 rx400 before and didnt like it. the 2007 was more updated I believe. I dont like them though because theyre not efficient on gas. my 400rx awd had air suspension it was a beast off road though!@@donrseymour now i have a 2008 camry hybrid with 278000 miles. I just serviced the cvt transmission with toyota ws transmission takes 2 bolts to and just a simple drain and fill with a 12 dollar pump - that will last another 100,000 miles. But I think im going to service it again at 50,000. Im driving it to the ground. heheheh it gets 39mpg

[@billgulich4200]

You are super-helpful. Thanks!

[@p6102zrfxe]

Hi AMD, I did yesterday filter and fan check after six months. There are still like brand new. I think that's really related to weakly cleaning car because back seats are daily used by kids. Thank you for another wonderful video.

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi Marjan! I’ve had a Prius a while back from a viewer that doesn’t have a filter and I pulled the fan and it had very light dust on it after 11 years. Keeping the back cleaned up really helps.

[@p6102zrfxe]

@@TheCarCareNut By watching many videos about Toyota hybrids journalists are always complain about sound of engine that are getting when accelerating. Mostly they explain it like slipping clutch. They also say changing gears is so smooth(there are no gears :D). I totally understand why is that happening but it seams some people (as car journalists) don't. And make other people confused. Would be maybe good to make one video to explain how planetary gear set works in combination of ICE, MG1, MG2. Why and when people hear that engine sound. What to expect when battery is below real 40% (on dash is 1 or 2 lines of battery). I think Toyota hybrid transaxle is amassing pace of engineering. It is really simple (one planetary gear set) but really complicated (all elements of gear set are rotating freely) that people should understand. What do you think to make one video to explain Toyota hybrid transaxle ?

[@TheCarCareNut]

That’s actually a planned video with a real hybrid transmission sitting in my garage. I just gotta get one more thing settled before I record that video.

[@user-wu1lb6lz8k]

Thank you ! Very nice tip. It would be fantastic to have more tips and vids like this one for the HYBRID models, 300H, 450H and 600H : Thanks in advance and god bless you !

[@cjnorton]

That's it?! Omg thank you so much!! So so glad you did this video because I couldn't find any DIY instructions on this!! You rock! 👍👍🙌 Now to make sure I have a 10mm socket around lol

[@TheCarCareNut]

The 10mm socket..... always not there when you need it

[@cjnorton]

@@TheCarCareNut TRUE!! 😂

[@boilednuts]

@@TheCarCareNut So true. That's why I have at least a dozen of them in my tool chest

[@TheCarCareNut]

Lol and even with a dozen there’s still gonna be a day where you can’t find one

[@boilerman61]

Love you information, very helpfull

[@juldesbruslais]

Thanks again for a very informative video. More RX Lexus tips to come please 😄

[@TheCarCareNut]

Working on it 😉

[@SubscriptionToLife]

@@TheCarCareNut yes can’t wait for more 400h/450h videos

[@markkujantunen8298]

Money in the bank again. Thanks.

[@tsetendorjee9040]

Thanks for sharing your video!

[@ronnathaniel8630]

Excellent videos! Keep it up. Would like to see some on Land Cruisers.

[@michaelpalacio103]

May the Lord Bless you too! 🙏🏻 Thank you for your videos. Very much appreciated!

[@mavis967]

Perfect explanation thx!

[@brianday13]

YESSSSS Lexus related video!!!! 👌👍😅

[@ponnaiyangovindasamy4837]

Can you please do a video on choosing add-on accessories & some suggestions on them. Most importantly if there's an accessory that we MUST avoid.

[@gucci4871]

Excellent video THANK YOU should be in owners manual

[@AlexBAlixir98]

Invaluable information.

[@yoganandramen9873]

You just earned another subscriber 😉

[@BraveHelios]

Hello, great video and right up the ally of what has been happening with my wife's 2010 Rx450h with around 173K miles. Issue has happened twice so far, one year apart and in between the car runs fine! Hybrid issue warning come up. Power is diminished. Display shows that Traction Batteries is nearly depleted and running / driving car is not charging the Traction Batteries. First time this occurred was on a hot day driving on the freeway at around 80-85 mph (happened to my son). Let car sit over night. Next day, checked all fluids and took it for a drive and it was fine. One year later, cool, sunny day, up in the mountains, not driving fast, but spirited and the same thing occurred. In each case, never saw the dummy light go from yellow to red. Had the car towed home, waited until the next day, checked fluids and took it for a drive and all is fine (that was 2 weeks ago). Had codes of P2601 and P3000. Unfortunately, I cleared those codes but not sure if any other data about the issues exist in the computer. As per this video, I removed the grilles below the back seat and cleaned out the filters just behind the grilles (they were mostly clean). Also made sure there were no obstructions by the grilles during this last drive. So... any recommendations or top tips at this point? I did just purchase the xTool D7 scanner hoping to gain more knowledge about these hybrids and computer controlled cars in general. Thank you!

[@fijiansuckers]

Yes!!! I was waiting for this Yesss

[@PFW1999PKT]

Thanks, I had no idea and we have a dog now that sheds pretty bad. Mine were definitely in need!

[@RobertBeedle]

I watched one of these for my Prius. I never knew it had a filter and I had a dog. So I opened the vent up to check and there wasn’t a filter… This scared me so I took the back end apart and removed the cooling fan. There was about a pound of dog hair in there! I ordered a cheap mesh filter to go over the vent. Now I just vacuum it when I clean my car

[@joegabin6777]

I keep watching this channel all the time, I don't even own a Toyota or Lexus ...

[@ed1pk]

Thanks for all your informative videos! I have a 2011 Hybrid Highlander and have never done this. I’m guessing my filters are pretty nasty at this point and battery life reduced significantly. 😆😭

[@tonycastro6154]

thank you for your video very helpful and informative,,,thing we tend to forget,,,,you reminded me of the morrie character from the movie good fellas,,,lol

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank you!

[@oliverabb]

Hey, very nice car ! 👍 I have exactly the same from 2007 and same color..... what I did not know and do is checking my filters.... Even if I never had problems beside one starter-battery which I replaced DIY, I had no issues but I will check filters because I hope to remain with my Lexy for another 15 years and your channel makes it even more intersting to do so. Thank you. PS: Do you have tips in regards to rear brakes ? I will search in your videos but it seems to me the only weak point of this car.They can becoem rusty and get stuck because used rarely. In B mode you do not need to brake a lot.

[@pstkemp]

Love all your great tips. Any chance of doing that for a 2020 NX300H? Just picked one up and have a dog that will be in the back seat and want to keep an eye out. Thanks so much.

[@rolandnz3686]

Thank you 🙏

[@kimdavis5631]

Glad to learn about the life blood of hybrid cars! Thank you! Do Lexus customers also come to Toyota dealership for servicing? I thought Lexuses have their own dealerships.

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi! Lexus owners do bring their cars to Toyota dealerships. Some dealership won’t service them, others do. They’re really exactly the same

[@the_gold_canopy]

Great video. You just gained a new subscriber! 2008 Lexus RX400H, 203,425 miles.

[@Official-zf2up]

Hi, do you still have the car? Just got one 2008 with 164000 miles on it. If you don't mind. What should I expect?

[@the_gold_canopy]

@@Official-zf2up Is it the hybrid? Make sure the ABS actuator was replaced per factory recall, and if it wasn't, just make sure it's working properly, meaning that your brakes work well, and you dont hear the "burping" sound. Other than that, typical wear and tear is the headlights, for the seal sometimes leaks causing condensation inside the headlight, the sunroof belt can snap if you try to open the sunroof and its frozen shut, driver's side armrest is known to wear fast, and rear hatch door gasket is known to rip and tear if its frozen and you open the hatch. Other than those normal issues, thats pretty much it. Change the oil regularly, make sure there aren't any obstructions blocking hybrid battery vents under rear passenger seats. If your headlight assistance light is constantly on then the level arm on rear control arm broke. That arm goes to a little sensor box that tells the computer the angle of the ride. That happened to me once, so I thought I would share. Oh yea, and if you air up tires but light is still on, then check the spare. And don't try to hack your headlight HID bulb by replacing it through wheel well, just bite the bullet and do it right by dropping front bumper, if you purchase quality bulbs, you will only have to do it once. Still have my 08' 400h, still solid as a tank. Good luck with your new ride! Take care if it and it will last. I think I just hit 260k!

[@Official-zf2up]

Thank you so much for your response, I just checked, I didn't find any active recall. except a bearing that I replaced I think everything works as it should. do you advice AFS to stay off? @@the_gold_canopy

[@the_gold_canopy]

@@Official-zf2up I drive with it on, the headlights will turn in the same direction as the steering when its on. It definitely helps on dark country backroads. One thing that is a great upgrade is swapping out all the bulbs for LED bulbs. License plate bulbs, markers, driving, although for fog lights I prefer HID bulbs.

[@Official-zf2up]

I'll try it , need to get good brand for that. Have you ever change or clean the hybrid battery fan blower underneath the rear seat? also I need an aftermarket radio for Bluetooth the actual one is very outdated. @@the_gold_canopy

[@huskylvr4evr]

Awesome video.... I'm going to look at a different vehicle tomorrow. Is there any such maintenance on say a 2013 Lexus ES300h ?

[@tazyboy28]

Thank you

[@antediluv]

Hello! I really appreciate these videos. You have encouraged me to do some DIY maintenance. On my 2018 Highlander Hybrid, the latches that reveal the bolts are in a different place than what you show in the video. I finally found the latches, but I poked a tiny hole in the mesh part of the filter. They are tiny holes. Do I need to replace them?

[@crs290]

No.

[@davidwarner6669]

So how come Lexus/Toyota dealers do not require this check during dealer service schedules or requirements. When do they check the condition of the hybrid battery system? Is there a trouble code for battery monitoring conditon for these vehicles? It seems they only get involved when there is driving problem or issues. How can you check the conditon of the hybrid battery via the engine computer data system? Thanks

[@tigerlilyshouseoffish4589]

Thanks!

[@dinonaccarato2989]

what kind of maintainence should I be doing on my 06 lexus rx400h? it has 230,000 km... thanks and great channel

[@foodieman359]

Love your channel.I have 2019 Toyota Highlander hybrid with V6 engine.When engine is running it noisy. I’m not sure it’s a normal or something wrong. Oil level is perfect.

[@TheCarCareNut]

The engine in your highlander is loud I agree with you. However that noise level is normal and not a problem.

[@foodieman359]

@@TheCarCareNut Thank you so much.

[@mayalife3513]

Can you please talk about Lexus 2019 ES 350 what type of engine . I’m looking forward to buying lexus 2019 350 or RAV 4 2020

[@Motiahmed330]

I immediately did this and the ones on the highlander i just got were pretty dirty

[@allanlee1244]

I love your channel. Would RX400H runs when battery dies? I am going to buy a 2008 R400H with only 90,000KM and I am a bit worry about the battery life. If it dies, what is battery replacement cost?

[@fishingguy8911]

Thanks

[@AfricanFlightStar]

Good info that I needed to know thank you! But now I want to know how to remove and clean the P310 Hybrid Battery Blower in a 2008 RX400H. Any ideas? thank you!

[@ericgosselin1947]

Thank you AMD for this video really interesting. It is the same filter on the highlander 2020 ? Also, there is a way to know to the health of the battery in %, like in your typical phone or laptop ?

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi! The 2020 and up highlander hybrid is different. Will get a video for it eventually. There’s no real way to know an accurate health of the hv battery.

[@ericgosselin1947]

@@TheCarCareNut Hi AMD, thank you for your answer, always appreciated. I will keep looking for you new video on 2020 hybrid highlander.

[@juantamayo99]

Hey thanks for the awesome videos. I recently cleaned out the blower motor in my 2014 prius V and while doing so i knocked the little metal weight balancer off and now i hear a slight noise sometimes when i run the ac. Any suggestions? Couldnt find anything online on how to balance it yourself. Really minor thing but id like to fix it if its not too complicated. Thanks!

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi! Honestly I don’t have much experience with balancing blower motors. If you can see where the weight went perhaps try to reinstall it in the same location?

[@juantamayo99]

When i dropped it i didnt find it until the next day and dont know where it was located previously. Its not a huge deal so oh well. Thanks anyways for responding i really appreciate it so much !

[@kornshadow097]

Nice. Any way to get to the air blowers to clean?

[@kimdavis5631]

Hi brother! I have a video suggestion. To walk us through the certificates you have hanging on the wall. There are a lot of them and it would be nice to know!

[@TheCarCareNut]

Thanks for the suggestion brother! I’ll add it to the list!