
Open the hoods of both cars, connect the negative terminal of the jumper cables to the negative terminal, start the other car, rev the engine, and then try to start your own car. First, turn the key to the ignition position, press the clutch, release the handbrake, put the gear in 1st or 2nd, keep the clutch pressed, and start pushing the car. First, you need a sturdy tow rope to securely tie the front and rear of both cars together. Then you can begin towing to start the car.

Two days ago, my Lexus NX was completely dead after being parked at the airport for a week. I had to use the traditional method of connecting an external battery to revive it. For models with mechanical keys, simply connect the rescue battery to the positive and negative terminals in the engine compartment. The key point for keyless start models: first place the smart key against the start button while pressing the brake pedal and the start button simultaneously. Hybrid vehicles require extra attention as the 12V battery is located on the left side of the trunk—lift the cover to jump-start. Remember to connect the jumper cables to the positive terminal (red) first, then the negative (black). After starting, maintain charging for 15 minutes before turning off the engine. For safety, it’s best to contact brand rescue services, as they are familiar with Lexus’s power management system.

Last winter, my ES300h's battery died due to the cold, and I learned that jump-starting a hybrid requires special attention. There's a 12V auxiliary battery hidden on the left side of the trunk—be absolutely careful not to reverse the polarity when connecting jumper cables. After jump-starting, the infotainment screen might display error codes, which required a trip to the dealership for a reset. It’s wise to keep a portable jump starter in the glovebox, as Lexus vehicles are prone to having the electronic parking brake lock up after a battery drain. If multiple jump-start attempts fail, the battery is likely completely dead, especially in cars over five years old—replacement is the only solution then.

Tips for owners of older IS models: Don't panic when the alarm goes off after using the mechanical key to open the driver's door. Pop the hood and locate the fuse box - remember to connect positive to positive and negative to negative when jump-starting from another vehicle. After starting, check the battery warning light on the dashboard - a red light indicates the alternator isn't working, so immediately turn off the engine and call for a tow truck. To conserve battery, always turn off air recirculation and reading lights before locking the car, as Lexus' anti-theft system is particularly power-hungry.

As a frequent visitor to 4S dealerships sharing experience: After a Lexus experiences battery drain, the window anti-pinch function may fail. To reinitialize, hold down the driver's side switch for an extended period after restoring power. For hybrid models, if the READY green light doesn't illuminate after jump-starting, try disconnecting the negative terminal for five minutes to reset the computer. Prevention is key—for parking durations exceeding two weeks, it's advisable to disconnect the negative terminal or connect a solar charging panel. Extra caution is needed for off-road vehicles like the LX—avoid unauthorized tapping into the battery for aftermarket electrical modifications.


