Gasoline-Electric

Hybrid Synergy Drive

GWS191 Series
Foreword

This guide was developed to educate and assist dismantlers in the safe handling of the Lexus GS450h
gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle. GS450h dismantling procedures are similar to other Lexus vehicles
with the exception of the high voltage electrical system. It is important to recognize and understand the
high voltage electrical system features and specifications of the Lexus GS450h, as they may not be
familiar to dismantlers.
High voltage electricity powers an electric motor, generator, electric inverter compressor (for air
conditioner) and inverter. All other conventional automotive electrical devices such as the headlights,
radio, power steering, and gauges are powered from a separate 12 Volt battery. Numerous safeguards
have been designed into the GS450h to help ensure the high voltage, approximately 288 Volt, Nickel
Metal Hydride (NiMH) Hybrid Vehicle (HV) battery pack is kept safe and secure in an accident.
The NiMH HV battery pack contains sealed batteries that are similar to rechargeable batteries used in
laptop computers, cell phones, and other consumer products. The electrolyte is absorbed in the cell
plates and will not normally leak out even if the battery is cracked. In the unlikely event the electrolyte
does leak, it can be easily neutralized with a dilute boric acid solution or vinegar.
High voltage cables, identifiable by orange insulation and connectors, are isolated from the metal chassis
of the vehicle

Additional topics contained in the guide include:

N Lexus GS450h identification.
N Major hybrid component locations and descriptions.

By following the information in this guide, dismantlers will be able to handle the GS450h
hybrid-electric vehicle as safely as the dismantling of a conventional gasoline engine automobile.

¤ 2006 Toyota Motor Corporation

All rights reserved. This book may not be reproduced or
copied, in whole or in part, without the written permission
of Toyota Motor Corporation

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Table of Contents

About the GS450h ...................................................................................................................................... 1

GS450h Identification ................................................................................................................................ 2

Exterior ......................................................................................................................................................... 3

GS450h Identification (Continued)........................................................................................................... 4

Interior .......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Engine Compartment.................................................................................................................................... 5

Hybrid Component Locations & Descriptions ........................................................................................ 6

Specifications................................................................................................................................................ 7

Hybrid Synergy Drive Operation ............................................................................................................. 8

Hybrid Vehicle (HV) Battery Pack and Auxiliary Battery ..................................................................... 9

HV Battery Pack ........................................................................................................................................... 9
Components to Which High Voltage is Applied ............................................................................................. 9
HV Battery Pack Recycling......................................................................................................................... 10
Auxiliary Battery.......................................................................................................................................... 10

High Voltage Safety .................................................................................................................................. 11

High Voltage Safety System ....................................................................................................................... 11
Service Plug ............................................................................................................................................... 12

Precaution to be observed when dismantling the vehicle...................................................................... 13

Necessary items ......................................................................................................................................... 13

Spillage ...................................................................................................................................................... 14

Dismantling a vehicle ............................................................................................................................... 15

Removal of HV battery ............................................................................................................................ 18

HV battery removal ..................................................................................................................................... 18

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About the GS450h

The GS450h sedan joins the RX400h as a hybrid model for Lexus. Hybrid Synergy
Drive means that the vehicle contains a gasoline engine and an electric motor for
power. The two hybrid power sources are stored on board the vehicle:

1. Gasoline stored in the fuel tank for the gasoline engine.

2. Electricity stored in a high voltage Hybrid Vehicle (HV) battery pack for the
electric motor.

The result of combining these two power sources is improved fuel economy and
reduced emissions. The gasoline engine also powers an electric generator to recharge
the battery pack; unlike a pure all electric vehicle, the GS450h never needs to be
recharged from an external electric power source.

Depending on the driving conditions one or both sources are used to power the vehicle.
The following illustration demonstrates how the GS450h operates in various driving
modes.

During light acceleration at low speeds, the vehicle is powered by the electric
motor. The gasoline engine is shut off.

 During normal driving, the vehicle is powered mainly by the gasoline engine.
The gasoline engine also powers the generator to recharge the battery pack.

During full acceleration, such as climbing a hill, both the gasoline engine and the
electric motor power the vehicle.

 During deceleration, such as braking, the vehicle regenerates the kinetic energy
from the rear wheels to produce electricity that recharges the battery pack.

While the vehicle is stopped, the gasoline engine and electric motor are off,
however, the vehicle remains on and operational.

1
GS450h Identification

In appearance, the 2007 GS450h is nearly identical to the conventional, non-hybrid

Lexus GS430 / 300. The GS450h is a 4-door sedan. Exterior, interior, and engine
compartment illustrations are provided to assist in identification.

The alphanumeric 17 character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is provided in the front
windshield cowl, driver door pillar, and engine compartment.

Example VIN: JTHBC96S840020208

A GS450h is identified by the first 6 alphanumeric characters;

JTHBC9.

Driver Side Windshield Engine Compartment Cowl

Base of Driver Side B Pillar

2
Exterior

GS450h logo on the trunk.
 HYBRID logos on the rear door moulding.
Gasoline fuel filler door located on left side quarter panel.
Lexus logo on the radiator grille.

GS450h
Exterior Rear and Passenger Side View

Exterior Driver Side View

Exterior Front View

3
GS450h Identification (Continued)

Interior
r Instrument cluster (speedometer, fuel gauge, warning lights) located in the dash behind the
steering wheel, is different than the one on the conventional, non-hybrid GS430/300.
s In place of a tachometer, a power meter showing KW output is used.

Interior View

Instrument Cluster View

4
Engine Compartment
 3.5liter aluminum alloy gasoline engine.
 Engine assembly with logo on the cover.
 Orange colored high voltage power cables.

HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE Logo on

Engine cover




Engine Compartment Power Cables

5
 Hybrid Component Locations & Descriptions

Component Location Description

12 Volt Trunk A lead-acid battery that supplies power to the low voltage devices.
Auxiliary
Battery

Hybrid Trunk Area, 288 Volt Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery pack consisting of 40 low
Vehicle (HV) Mounted to Cross voltage (7.2 Volt) modules connected in series.
Battery Pack Member and behind
 Rear Seat
Power Cables Under Carriage and Orange colored power supply cables carry high-voltage Direct Current
 Engine Compartment (DC) between the HV battery pack, inverter/converter, and A/C
compressor. These cables also carry 3-phase Alternating Current (AC)
between the inverter/converter, electrical motor, and generator.
Inverter/ Engine Compartment Boosts and inverts the high voltage electricity from the HV battery pack
Converter  to 3-phase AC electricity that drives the electric motor. The
inverter/converter also converts AC electricity from the electric generator
and electric motor (regenerative braking) to DC that recharges the HV
battery pack.
Gasoline Engine Compartment Provides two functions: 1) powers vehicle: 2) powers generator to
Engine  recharge the HV battery pack. The engine is started and stopped under
control of the vehicle computer.
Electric Transmission 3-phase high-voltage AC generator that is contained in the transmission
Generator  and recharges the HV battery pack.
Electric Transmission 3-phase high-voltage AC permanent magnet electric motor contained in
Motor  the transmission and drives the rear wheels through the propeller shaft.
A/C Engine Compartment 3-phase high voltage AC electrically driven motor compressor.
Compressor
DC-DC Trunk under HV Converts 288 Volts from the HV battery pack to 12 Volts for low voltage
Converter Battery Pack vehicle power.
Fuel Tank and Undercarriage, Driver The fuel tank provides gasoline via fuel lines to the engine. The fuel
Fuel Lines
Side and Center lines are routed along the driver side and center tunnel under the floor
pan.

6
Specifications
Gasoline Engine: 292 hp (218 KW), 3.5 liter Aluminum Alloy Engine
Electric Motor: 197 hp (147 KW), Permanent magnet Motor.
Transmission: Automatic Only
HV Battery: 288 Volt Sealed NiMH Battery
Curb Weight: North America: 4,134 lbs / 1,875 kg
Europe: 4112 – 4,225 lbs / 1,865 – 1,930 kg
Fuel Tank: 17.2 gals / 65 liters
Body Material: Steel Panels

This illustration is for LHD.

 





Power Cable

7
Hybrid Synergy Drive Operation

Once the READY indicator is illuminated in the instrument cluster, the vehicle may be driven.
However, the gasoline engine does not idle like a typical automobile and will start and stop
automatically. It is important to recognize and understand the READY indicator provided in the
instrument cluster. When lit, it informs the driver that the vehicle is on and operational even though the
gasoline engine may be off and the engine compartment is silent.

Vehicle Operation
 With the GS450h, the gasoline engine may stop and start at any time while the READY indicator is
on.
 Never assume that the vehicle is shut off just because the engine is off. Always look for the
READY indicator status. The vehicle is shut off when the READY indicator is off.
 The vehicle may be powered by:
1. The electric motor only.
2. The gasoline engine only.
3. A combination of both the electric motor and the gasoline engine.
 The vehicle computer determines the mode in which the vehicle operates to improve fuel economy
and reduce emissions. The driver cannot manually select the mode.

Instrument Cluster READY Indicator

8
Hybrid Vehicle (HV) Battery Pack and Auxiliary Battery

The GS450h contains a high voltage; Hybrid Vehicle (HV) battery pack that contains sealed
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery modules.

HV Battery Pack
N The HV battery pack is enclosed in a metal case and is securely mounted in the trunk area
behind the rear seat. The metal case is isolated from high voltage and concealed by fabric
covers.

N The HV battery pack consists of 40 low voltage (7.2 Volt) NiMH battery modules
connected in series to produce approximately 288 Volts. Each NiMH battery module is
non-spillable and sealed in a plastic case.

N The electrolyte used in the NiMH battery module is an alkaline mixture of potassium and
sodium hydroxide. The electrolyte is absorbed into the battery cell plates and forms a gel
that will not normally leak, even in a collision.

N In the unlikely event that the battery pack is overcharged, the modules vent gases
directly outside the vehicle through a vent hose.

HV Battery Pack
Battery pack voltage 288 V
Number of NiMH battery modules in the pack 40
NiMH battery module voltage 7.2 V
NiMH battery module dimensions 5 x 1 x 11 in.
(118 x 20 x 276 mm)
NiMH module weight 2.3 lbs (1.0 kg)
NiMH battery Pack dimensions 13 x 37 x 19 in.
(340 x 955 x 485 mm)
NiMH battery Pack weight 145.5 lbs
(66 kg)

Components to Which High Voltage is Applied

N Electric Motor N Power Cables
N Inverter/Converter N DC-DC Converter
N A/C Compressor N Electric Generator

9
HV Battery Pack Recycling
N The HV battery pack is recyclable. Contact your Lexus Distributor as mentioned on HV
battery Caution Label (see the page 29) or the nearest Lexus dealer.

Auxiliary Battery
N The GS450h also contains a lead-acid 12 Volt battery. This 12 Volt auxiliary battery
powers the vehicle electrical system similar to a conventional vehicle. As with other
conventional vehicles, the auxiliary battery is grounded to the metal chassis of the
vehicle.
N The auxiliary battery is located in trunk area.

288 Volt HV Battery Pack 12 Volt Auxiliary Battery in Trunk

HV Battery Pack Mounted in Trunk

10
High Voltage Safety

The HV battery pack powers the high-voltage electrical system with DC electricity. Positive
and negative orange colored high voltage power cables are routed from the battery pack, under
the vehicle floor pan, routed along the passenger side propeller shaft and transmission tunnel to
the inverter/converter. The inverter/converter contains a circuit that boosts the HV battery
voltage from 288 to 650 Volts DC. The inverter creates 3-phase AC to power the motor and
generator located in the transmission. Power cables are routed from the inverter to each
high-voltage motor (electrical motor, electric generator, and A/C compressor). The following
systems keep occupants in the vehicle and emergency responders safe from high voltage
electricity:

High Voltage Safety System

N A high voltage fuse
provides short circuit protection in the HV battery pack.

N Positive and negative high voltage power cables  connected to the HV battery pack are
controlled by 12 Volt normally open relays . When the vehicle is shut off, the relays stop
electricity flow from leaving the HV battery pack.

WARNING:
The high voltage system may remain powered for up to 10 minutes after the vehicle is
shut off or disabled. To prevent serious injury or death from severe burns or electric
shock, avoid touching, cutting, or opening any orange high voltage power cable or
high voltage component.

N Both positive and negative power cables  are insulated from the metal chassis, so there is
no possibility of electric shock when touching the metal chassis.

N A ground-fault monitor  continuously monitors for high voltage leakage to the metal
chassis while the vehicle is running. If a malfunction is detected, the hybrid vehicle
computer  will illuminate the master warning light in the instrument cluster and
indicate “CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM” on the multi-information display.

N The HV battery pack relays will automatically open to stop electricity flow in a collision
sufficient to activate the SRS.

11
Service Plug
N The high-voltage circuit is cut by removing service plug (See page 15).

p
o o
n

High Voltage Safety System – Vehicle Shut Off (READY off)

High Voltage Safety System – Vehicle On and Operational (READY on)

12
Precaution to be observed when dismantling the vehicle

WARNING:
・ The high voltage system may remain powered for up to 10 minutes after the
vehicle is shut off or disabled. To prevent serious injury or death from
severe burns or electric shock, avoid touching, cutting, or opening any orange
high voltage power cable or high voltage component.

Necessary items
N Protective clothing (insulated gloves, rubber gloves, safety goggles, and safety
shoes).
N Vinyl tape for insulation.
N Before wearing insulated the vehicle gloves, make sure that they are not cracked,
ruptured, torn, or damaged in any other way. Do not wear wet insulated gloves.

13
Spillage
The GS450h contains the same common automotive fluids used in other non-hybrid Lexus
vehicles, with the exception of NiMH electrolyte used in the HV battery pack. The NiMH
battery electrolyte is a caustic alkaline (pH 13.5) that is damaging to human tissues. The
electrolyte, however, is absorbed in the cell plates and will not normally spill or leak out even
if a battery module is cracked. A catastrophic crash that would breach both the metal battery
pack case and the plastic battery module would be a rare occurrence.

Similar to the use of baking soda to neutralize a lead-acid battery electrolyte spill, a dilute
boric acid solution or vinegar can be used to neutralize a NiMH battery electrolyte spill.

In an emergency, Lexus Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available by contacting:

N Handle NiMH electrolyte Spills Using The following Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE):
N Splash shield or safety goggles. Folding down helmet shields is not acceptable for
alkaline spillage.
N Rubber, latex or Nitrile gloves.
N Apron suitable for alkaline.
N Rubber boots.

N Neutralize NiMH Electrolyte

N Use a boric acid solution or vinegar.
N Boric acid solution - 800 grams boric acid to 20 liters water or 5.5 ounces boric
acid to 1 gallon of water.

14
Dismantling a vehicle

WARNING:
・ The high voltage system may remain powered for up to 10 minutes after the
vehicle is shut off or disabled. To prevent serious injury or death from severe
burns or electric shock, avoid touching, cutting, or opening any orange high
voltage power cable or any high voltage component.

1. Shut off ignition. Then disconnect the

negative (-) terminal of the auxiliary
battery.

2. Remove the service plug grip.

a) Wear insulated gloves and raise the service plug grip as shown in the
illustration. Then, remove the service plug grip.
b) Apply electrical tape to the socket of the service plug grip to insulate it.

Battery service hole cover

15
3. Carry the removed service plug in your pocket to prevent other staff from
reinstalling it while you are dismantling the vehicle.
4. Make other staff aware that a
high-voltage system is being
dismantled by using the following
sign: CAUTION: HIGH VOLTAGE.
DO NOT TOUCH DURING
OPERATION (see page 17).
5. If the service plug cannot be removed Fuse Box

due to damage to the rear portion of

the vehicle, remove the IGCT No. 1
fuse (20A: Yellow colored).
Caution:
This operation shuts off the HV system.
Be sure to wear insulated gloves IGCT No. 1

because high voltage is not shut off

inside the HV battery. When it is possible to remove the service plug, remove it
and continue the procedure.
6. After disconnecting or exposing a high-voltage connector or terminal, insulate it
immediately using insulation tape. Before touching a bare high-voltage terminal,
wear insulated gloves.
7. Check the HV battery and nearby area for leakage. If you find any liquid, it may
be strong alkaline electrolyte. Wear
rubber gloves and goggles and
neutralize the liquid using a saturated
boric acid solution or vinegar. Then
wipe up the liquid using waste rags
etc.
a) If the electrolyte adheres to your
skin, wash the skin immediately
using a saturated boric acid
solution or a large amount of water. If the electrolyte adheres to any article
of clothing, take the clothing off immediately.
b) If the electrolyte comes into contact with your eye(s), call out loudly for help.
Do not rub your eye(s). Instead, wash the eye(s) with a dilute boric acid
solution or a large amount of water and seek medical care.
8. Remove the parts by following the procedures which are similar to the Toyota
vehicles with exception of HV battery. As for the removal of HV battery, refer to
the following pages.

16
17
Removal of HV battery
HV battery removal

WARNING:
・ Be sure to wear insulated gloves when handling high-voltage parts.
・ Even if the vehicle is shut off and the relay is off, be sure to remove the service
plug grip before performing any steps.
・ Power remains in the high voltage electrical system for 10 minutes even after
the HV battery pack is shut off because the circuit has a condenser.
・ Make sure that the tester reading is 0 V before touching any high-voltage
terminals which are not insulated.

1. Disconnect the cable from the auxiliary battery negative terminal.

2. Remove the service plug grip.

a) Remove the battery service hole cover.
b) Wear insulated gloves and raise the
service plug grip as shown in the
illustration. Then, remove the service
plug grip.
c) Apply electrical tape to the socket of the Service Plug Grip HV battery
service plug grip to insulate it.

Battery service hole cover

18
3. Remove the luggage floor mat, tool box, luggage compartment front trim cover, and
luggage compartment inner cover RH.
① Remove the floor mat, tool box and service hole cover.
② Detach the hook.
③ Remove the rope hook, bolts and hooks.
④ Remove the luggage compartment front trim cover.
⑤ Remove the bolt and hook.
⑥ Remove the 3 clips and inner cover RH.

A
A @
B

4. Remove the 2 clips and No. 3 HV

battery exhaust duct.

19
5. Disconnect the frame wire.
a) Remove the nuts and 2 clamps, and
disconnect the frame wire (battery
positive cable).

d) Remove the nut and clamp, and

disconnect the frame wire (AMD
cable).

e) Using the service plug grip, release

the interlock button.
f) Remove the 3 nuts and battery
cover.

Interlock
Button

Service
Plug Grip

g) Remove the 2 nuts and clamp, and

disconnect the frame wire (High
Voltage cable).

h) Remove the battery shield contact.

Caution:
Insulate the terminals that the high
voltage cable was connected to using
something such as insulating tape.

20
6. Remove the auxiliary battery.
a) Remove the nut, bolt, and battery
clamp.
b) Remove the auxiliary battery.

7. Remove the 3 bolts and battery

carrier.

8. Remove the 2 clips and No. 2 HV

battery exhaust duct.

9. Remove the clips, connector clamp,

and No. 1 HV battery exhaust duct.

Clamp

21
10. Remove the 2 clips and No. 2 HV
battery intake duct.

11. Remove the battery cooling blower

assembly.
a) Remove the 2 nuts and battery
connector.

b) Separate the No. 3 HV battery

intake duct from the No. 4 HV
battery intake duct.

c) Remove the battery cooling blower

assembly with the No. 3 HV battery
intake duct from the HV battery.

22
12. Remove the 6 bolts, 4 nuts, and 2
LH Side:
battery carrier bracket.

RH Side:

13. Remove the seat back assembly.

① Remove the seat cushion assembly.
② Remove the headrest assemblies LH, center, and RH.
③ Remove the 4 bolts.
④ Remove the seat back assembly.

B
?

23
14. Remove the No. 1 room partition pad
as shown in the illustration.

15. Remove the upper back panel corner ?

plate RH and upper roof side inner
cover. @
① Release the 6 claws and remove
the upper back panel corner
plate RH.
② Remove the 2 upper roof side
inner covers.

16. Install the tool box and luggage compartment floor mat.

17. Remove the HV battery.

a) Remove the 3 bolts from the HV
battery.

b) Remove the clamp grommet and

battery room ventilation hose.

24
c) Disconnect the battery pack wire.

d) Prepare a piece of cardboard of 780

mm (30.71 in.) x 700 mm (27.56
in.) or larger.
e) Using an extension bar (1000 mm)
to hold up the HV battery, insert the
cardboard until it cannot be inserted Insert
and farther.
Hold Up

Cardboard

780 mm (30.71 in.)

700 mm (25.56 in.)

or Larger

f) Pull the HV battery together with

the cardboard toward the rear of the
vehicle.

Pull

25
 g) Using an engine sling device,
remove the HV battery while tilting
the HV battery 45º at the rear end.

Caution:
Make sure that the HV battery is not
tilted more than 80º.

Cardboard

18. The HV battery pack is recyclable. Contact your Lexus distributor which is found
on the HV Battery Caution Label or contact the nearest Lexus Dealer. (See the next
page).

Caution:
After removing the HV battery, do not connect the service plug to the HV battery.

26
 HV Battery Caution Label

1. For U.S.A.

2. For CANADA

27
3. For EUROPE and others

28