Lexus LS 600 Hybrid Battery Nuances
The first models of the Lexus LS 600 Hybrid rolled off the assembly line from 2006 to 2009. A facelift appeared on the market from 2009 to 2012. The last generation of the Lexus LS 600 was produced from 2013 to 2016. After that, the car was discontinued. This vehicle featured a hybrid system as early as 2006, making it one of the first hybrid models globally.
The Lexus LS 600 Hybrid is powered by a five-liter gasoline engine producing 400 horsepower. This power is achieved through a combination of electric and gasoline engines.
In this article, we will discuss the hybrid battery of the Lexus LS 600 Hybrid: its type, composition, voltage, and reasons for failure.
STS is the first specialized service center for electric and hybrid vehicles in Europe. With branches in Kharkiv and Kyiv, they also offer remote repair services: you send the battery or motor by mail, and they handle the reception and repairs.
Technical Specifications of the Lexus LS 600 Hybrid Battery
The high-voltage battery for the hybrid system of the Lexus LS 600 Hybrid is located in the trunk. The battery is constructed using nickel-metal hydride chemistry and consists of 20 elements. The maximum capacity of each element is 6.5 Ah, and the overall voltage is 288 V.
The elements of this model differ from those in other hybrids presented by Toyota. They have 12 cells connected in series, with each cell having a voltage of 1.4 V. Despite its compact appearance, removing the battery requires special qualifications.
Features of Lexus LS 600 Hybrid Battery Diagnostics
To diagnose the Lexus LS 600 Hybrid battery, specialized diagnostic equipment is required to:
- Measure the capacity of each element.
- Create a voltage graph.
- Calculate a capacity graph.
- Identify faulty elements and determine the need for replacement.
After diagnostics, it is advisable to install the battery on a special stand, get through several charge and discharge cycles, and only then determine the status of the high-voltage battery.
Why the Lexus LS 600 Hybrid Battery Fails
Due to its compact design, the battery's elements are closely positioned. While the hybrid battery has air cooling, it can accumulate dust and dirt during operation. This buildup can lead to an increase in temperature inside the casing, potentially causing serious malfunctions.
In one case, the battery completely failed, with the residual capacity of one element slightly less than 2 Ah. This is a significantly low value for the operation of a hybrid system.
In previous articles on hybrid cars, we have emphasized the importance of preventive work on high-voltage batteries. It is recommended to perform maintenance every 30,000-40,000 km, especially cleaning the battery from dust and dirt entering the casing through air channels.
Nuances of the Lexus LS 600 Hybrid Battery
Frequently, hybrid vehicles display a persistent error indicating a hybrid battery malfunction. Not always does the error disappear after repair on the first attempt.
The reason is that the car needs to go through several charge and discharge cycles of the battery and determine if the battery's capacity meets the specified parameters. Only after several hybrid restarts does the error automatically transition to an inactive state. This way, the car "understands" that a new or repaired battery has been installed.
Nuances of the Brake System in the Lexus LS 600 Hybrid
A non-hybrid-related nuance is the brake system's peculiarities. The vehicle weighs almost 2.5 tons, and the brake system is designed so that the brake discs have a specific direction: left and right.
It is crucial not to swap the brake discs, such as replacing the left one with the right one. The ventilation grille inside the disc captures air, passes it through the brake disc, and cools it. If the discs are swapped, the air will not pass through properly. This can lead to overheating of the brake disc during braking, resulting in brake system failure.
Buying a Lexus LS 600 Hybrid Battery
The Lexus LS 600 Hybrid is not a frequent visitor to service centers. On the one hand, it is a powerful car, and on the other hand, it is a complex mechanism that requires service.
It is essential to remember that the Lexus LS 600 has a brake system that requires maintenance and brake fluid replacement, as well as air conditioning and engine cooling systems for both internal combustion and hybrid engines.
Specialists at STS Electro are ready to assist in the repair of your hybrid car. High-voltage batteries and elements for the Lexus LS 600 Hybrid are always available or can be ordered. Come in, and they will check the hybrid battery's capacity and identify any faults.
