Lexus CT200h Routine Maintenance

To keep your reliable daily reliable...and able to be driven daily, routine maintenance is the no surprises here key. The Lexus CT200h is a massively amazing daily driver offering comfort, good looks, and wonderful fuel economy. Lucky for us, maintenance is very approachable on this vehicle and inexpensive. Let's take a look at some of the most important routine maintenance items necessary to keep your CT200h running optimally. #lexusct200h #maintenance #lexusct

[@fib4923]

Just did the spark plugs at 120k, changed the air filter and cabin filter. I have the 2014 model year, these run for a long time plus with 5-6 dollar a gallon of gas these days, CT200H is a win!

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Heck yes and spot on.

[@Actionable_wisdom]

super helpful thanks

[@gordonchard6243]

This weekend I've got the air filter and cabin filter, spark plugs, oil and filter change. Was thinking about doing the brakes aswell but going to wait until pads are ready for a change so will have the wheels off anyway.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Some much needed love for a great car. Good stuff.

[@NewShockerGuy]

The new superseded part for spark plugs is the Denso: SK16HR11. They are one step colder. Also, at that milage you should change the trans fluid up front. Should take 4 quarts of Toyota WS fluid. Super easy to do. Drain, then refill and stop when it starts dripping out the fill plug hole.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Thanks for the updated part number. I changed the trans fluid at 100k. I’m over zealous on fluid changes. Check out any of my vids on manual trans cars…trans, transfer case, rear diff, etc. Basic maintenance is my jam.

[@jena.mw48]

Why do u say the trans fluid should be changed? Doesn't Toyota recommend to *not* change trans fluid? Its design to be a closed system.

[@NewShockerGuy]

@@jena.mw48 Toyota has been saying their transmission fluid is lifetime but if you plan on keeping the car for a long time it's silly to think that fluid will last a lifetime... It doesn't. For how cheap and easy it is to change the fluid in this car It's crazy to not do it. I just did it and the fluid that I pulled out was not cherry red it was dark. Could it have been kept in there and continue to run years and years and years sure. But for an hour's worth of time and about 60 bucks why not change it.

[@VincentScales]

Good video, I stay up on my routine maintenance, I just don't do it myself. I use Top Tier gas instead on fuel treatments/cleaners. I like to do a monthly maintenance: Check the oil level Check the coolant level Check the brake fluid level Check and clean wiper blades Check the windshield washer fluid Check the headlights on bright and dim Check the tire pressure, tread, and condition

[@autoobsessivegarage]

This is the recipe for a long lasting and reliable automobile.

[@dddddw9590]

As a girl who’s ct is hitting 107k miles I’m planning to get maintenance done. What do you recommend to be sure that the maintenance guy actually does the job? Take pictures?

[@TheHaagendazs0]

I just changed me spark plugs @ 107k. I switched to iridium and use Castrol edge synthetic oil. Car running strong 💪 Air and cabin filter on its way.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Basic maintenance goes a long way. Should be a happy car after all that.

[@ristomovie]

Thanks! Great video, just had the engine swapped 4 weeks ago at 357.000km (220.000 miles). Learned a good lesson to get the oil replaced every 5000 miles or 6 months. This car is just awesome and worth it. Next step is the transmission oil.🙃

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Routine maintenance really is the not so secret weapon to make great cars last. Sounds like you got a lot of life out of the car!

[@Endo240]

any problems with the battery hybrid system needing to be changed at all?

[@ristomovie]

@@Endo240 Yes, within two months after replacing the engine the first hybrid error came up. After reset it would show up every one to three weeks. I used the car like this for four months and had the battery replaced. Now the car is at 380.000 km. Almost one way to the moon. (384.400) ;-)

[@ristomovie]

@@Endo240 Nope, was only the hybrid battery (refurbished), so the cooler also has been replaced. These can get quite dirty which is unhealthy for the battery.

[@sensisio]

220k!!

[@eugienemoodley7573]

You're the right guy for the job. Chad Atkinson working on an Atkinson cycle engine. 😃

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Hahaha it was my destiny!

[@sensisio]

thanks this was great! where do you typically find your OEM's and esp the indoor cabin filter? I can try that for now. Just figured out the headlight bulbs, which is a big saver. Thanks!

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Glad I could help. I have a lot of luck finding OEM parts on eBay actually.

[@urntwrthyZ]

If you're going to run the fuel system cleaner, do it BEFORE you change the oil. On the cabin air filter you should have shown/explained the air flow arrow points DOWN.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

For additives that go into the engine, you are correct. Fuel tank additives have no impact on engine oil. Good point on the air filter…most only fit one way.

[@ivantheagent]

What kind of ramps are you using?

[@mikekearsley2407]

Thanks, great vid!!! My CT200H has about 115,000 miles and it needs new shocks. Any suggestions? Thanks from Seattle.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Thank you! My shocks are still hanging in there as we have some pretty smooth roads in these parts. I'd go for a quality unit for sure, don't want to cheap out here. I'd look at KYB as they are probably the OEM manufacturer and can be had at a good price point. I've had good luck with them in the past.

[@josetinajero4605]

Do you have video on battery fan filter maintenance ? Thank you!!

[@autoobsessivegarage]

I have already performed this and filmed it…I’m going to include it in a future video as it’s a really quick job.

[@AdrianoBoller]

Your video is excellent, I did exactly that, but the warning triangle and the hybrid check message appear and I go to the fuse panel and remove the white cable for 5 minutes and it goes back to normal after a few days and the hybrid goes back to alert , I already disassembled and reassembled the entire battery, removed it and detected zinabre on the contacts and cleaned it. But even so the warning message appeared, I remember that when you remove the cable from the fuse panel everything is 100% and when using the air conditioning it goes out. Does it have something to do with the car dashboard or the air conditioning compressor?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Thank you. Well that’s interesting. What mileage are you at? I’d hate to jump to a hybrid battery conclusion as it seems to be another electrical fault in play here. I would recommend a trusted shop that works on hybrids to do a quality diagnostic inspection. Best of luck.

[@donegal_nomad]

How often do the spark plugs need to be changed? My car is currently at 62,500 miles with it's last full service from the Lexus dealership just before I bought it last May 2021 at 49905 miles. I assume that they changed the spark plugs with the full service before | bought the car, what do you think? I am in the process of booking the next service which is classified as intermediary and I am not sure if it is worth paying an extra 200 euro to get spark plugs changed?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Spark plugs are one of those items that if changed earlier only benefits the car. That being said, the CT200h runs iridium plugs, and I believe the interval on those is 120k miles.

[@Endo240]

Is there any problem with the hybrid battery system at all yet? I’m buying a 2012 with 103k miles

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Zero issues with mine. Still averaging over 43mpg mixed.

[@dddddw9590]

As a girl who’s ct is hitting 107k miles I’m planning to get maintenance done. What do you recommend to make sure that the maintenance guy actually does the job and not half ass it? Take pictures?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

That’s a fantastic question. I’d recommend asking for the old spark plugs so you can both see their condition and that they were actually replaced. Same with old filters. First, always use a reputable shop…reviews help immensely on selecting one. Best of luck.

[@aaronr7565]

My 2011 CT is using oil , not leaking and I don’t think burning. Ideas on what to check? I was going to pull a spark plug just to make sure it’s not burning but the tailpipe is clean. What else should I check?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Sorry to hear this. Spark plugs are a great place to check and easy to access. Oil loss is either leaking or burning. It potentially can be lost into coolant, but that’s much more rare and costly (head gasket failure). I’d check coolant and plugs to narrow it down. Good luck.

[@gonzaash011]

I’d check for coolant these symptoms lead to me blowing my head gasket

[@Dahle87]

How much gas does it say when you fill it up the way up? 433?ish. I’m just curious because that’s on mine it said I was getting over 500 miles but now I’m about 430miles

[@autoobsessivegarage]

That sounds about right. These things have a very conservative zero range setting…I’ve found that when it reads zero…there are still two gallons remaining.

[@rnresponder3006]

I have 130000 miles already. Lexus dealer did not advised to change my transmission fluid. .I’m thinking to bring to independent lexus mechanic ,my place . Should I replace ?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Replacing fluids never hurts. Always use OEM or equivalent of course. Are you having any transmission issues?

[@savjottoor7910]

I just got a 2012 ct200h, Would you recommend cleaning egr system at 1,70,000 kms?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Wouldn’t hurt. Are you having any emissions issues with the car?

[@jaksonjack251]

I got mine cleaned at 200,000. Definitely smoother rev

[@leonardmorales746]

SO ON THIS CT 200... JUST SPARK PLUGS ARE REPLACED .. NOT CABLES/COILS?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

I personally do not replace OEM coils unless I’m having an issue with them.

[@tommyho6437]

I just bought used ct. is your cabin loud when u drive in city and highway ?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

For the price point, I find the cabin noise to be decent. Tires play a huge role in this as some tread patterns and overall tire condition can produce greater noise. They are not the most insulated cabins, but I’ve certainly been in much worse.

[@tommyho6437]

@@autoobsessivegarage it came with some used snow and ice tires I wonder if they r the cause of the noise

[@alleyezontheline8349]

Anything with the suspensions or the tv dashboard

[@autoobsessivegarage]

At over 130k miles, I’m not seeing any issues with either of those items.

[@alleyezontheline8349]

@@autoobsessivegarage do you have any videos on suspensions or tv dashboard is what i meant where your fixing it. Or upgrading it

[@i_am_gohan9232]

Why does that music you’re using sound and remind me of super Mario 3 water world 3 💦 haha 😂?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Ok I’ll admit it does kinda sound like that haha.

[@i_am_gohan9232]

@@autoobsessivegarage lol it’s very relaxing.

[@Valnak]

What is the name of those ramps you are using?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Rhino ramps and they’re super handy.

[@Valnak]

@@autoobsessivegarage thank you!

[@keau7108]

How often do you do maintenance?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Oil change every 5k miles and spark plugs every 120k miles.

[@niceguygameryt7768]

Hey man, much appreciated! Do you have any AC recommendations? I've replaced my Ac Blower Motor, Cabin Filter, AC recharged & not leaking anything with good pressure and still getting meh coldish air.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

I also noticed that the AC is pretty weak on these. I never addressed it as I always thought it was a system designed for the hybrid system and pulled less power potentially.

[@simyinhing7616]

Japanese car 🚙 engine 👍🏼 more easy to take care for the vw car 🚘 engine is the bad 👎🏽 in the world 😂