L-SB-0113-12_Rev

L-SB-0113-12
Rev1
November 21, 2012
Flood Damaged Vehicle Inspection and Handling
Service
Category
Power Source/Network
Section
Battery/Charging
Market USA
Applicability
YEAR(S)
MODEL(S)
2000 - 2018
CT200H, ES300, ES300H,
ES330, ES350, GS F,
GS200T, GS300, GS350,
GS400, GS430, GS450H,
GS460, GX460, GX470,
HS250H, IS F, IS200T,
IS250, IS250C, IS300,
IS350, IS350C, LC500,
LC500H, LFA, LS400,
LS430, LS460, LS500,
LS500H, LS600H, LX470,
LX570, NX200T, NX300H,
RC F, RC200T, RC300,
RC350, RX300, RX330,
RX350, RX400H, RX450H,
SC300, SC400, SC430
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
REVISION NOTICE
November 22, 2017 Rev1:
 Applicability has been updated to include 2014 – 2018 model year vehicles.
Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.
© 2017 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Page 1 of 11
L-SB-0113-12
Rev1
November 21, 2012
Page 2 of 11
Flood Damaged Vehicle Inspection and Handling
Introduction
In the event that a Lexus vehicle becomes submerged in water, many components may be
physically damaged. Electrical and electronic components, including wiring harnesses, are
particularly susceptible to corrosion and subsequent malfunction. Although any flooding can be
damaging, salt water flooding elevates the potential for abnormal conditions and may increase
risks due to its highly corrosive and conductive nature. Salt residue also continues to corrode and
remain conductive even after a vehicle dries. This bulletin is intended to assist with safe handling
and inspection of flood damaged vehicles and to provide basic guidance on likely needed repairs.
NOTE
 Damage associated with a vehicle being submerged in water is NOT covered by the Lexus
New Vehicle Warranty policy.
 VIN and inspection results for vehicles currently within the warranty period should be
forwarded to the District Service and Parts Manager (DSPM) for their reference and updates to
the Warranty system.
 This bulletin provides general guidance and inspection areas. Each individual vehicle MUST
be carefully reviewed based on the situation (water level, water type, and duration
of exposure).
Service Bulletin Overview
This bulletin contains three sections:
1. Vehicle Safing – Make sure the vehicle is in a safe condition and the electrical system is
disabled to minimize risks from corrosion, damaged circuits, and attempted operation.
2. Vehicle Inspection – Assess the level of damage and determine necessary parts
replacement, cleaning procedures, and potential long-term effects.
3. Vehicle Repair – Guidance for repair decisions on vehicle systems, sub-systems,
and components.
NOTE
 Due to the potential level of damage after an extended partial or full submersion, some
vehicles may NOT be repairable and should be decommissioned.
 Final decisions on repair costs, vehicle value, and possible salvage or decommissioning
are the responsibility of the customer, dealership, and insurer. Inspection and repair o f
flood damaged vehicles is NOT warrantable.
Warranty Information
OP CODE
DESCRIPTION
TIME
OFP
T1
T2
N/A
Not Applicable to Warranty
–
–
–
–
© 2017 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA
L-SB-0113-12
Rev1
November 21, 2012
Page 3 of 11
Flood Damaged Vehicle Inspection and Handling
Required Tools & Equipment
SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS (SST)
PART NUMBER
QTY
01413-00072 (Medium)
Electrical Insulating Gloves*
01413-00073 (Large)
1
01413-00074 (Extra Large)
*Essential SST.
CAUTION
ALWAYS inspect electrical insulating gloves BEFORE use for cracks, ruptures, tears, pinholes, or
damage. Do NOT wear if damaged.
NOTE
Additional SSTs may be ordered by calling 1-800-933-8335.
REQUIRED TOOLS & MATERIAL
QUANTITY
GoJak ® or Equivalent
4
Particulate Mask (Respirator)
1
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
SUPPLIER
Techstream 2.0*
Techstream Lite
PART NUMBER
QTY
TS2UNIT
ADE
Techstream Lite (Green Cable)
TSLITEPDLR01
TSLP2DLR01
*Essential SST.
NOTE
 Only ONE of the Techstream units listed above is required.
 Software version 12.20.024 or later is required.
 Additional Techstream units may be ordered by calling Approved Dealer Equipment (ADE)
at 1-800-368-6787.
© 2017 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA
1
L-SB-0113-12
Rev1
November 21, 2012
Page 4 of 11
Flood Damaged Vehicle Inspection and Handling
Vehicle Safing
The most important aspect of handling flooded vehicles is to make sure the vehicle is safe.
Water entry and resulting corrosion may cause electrical system anomalies or performance
issues including:

Improper power distribution/system operation/overcurrent conditions.

High resistance from corrosion and abnormal heat generation that could lead to a fire.

SRS airbag, pretensioner, and/or side curtain airbag false activation/deployment.
CAUTION
Read ALL instructions and Cautions BEFORE approaching a suspected flooded vehicle.
 If the flooded vehicle is equipped with a hybrid drivetrain, be sure to use electrical
insulating gloves (high voltage safety gloves).
 If ANY water is found in the vehicle or if the carpet is found wet, DO NOT attempt to start the
vehicle until AFTER the inspection and potentially needed repairs can be completed.
 Flood waters can be contaminated. Take precautions to minimize exposure including use
of a respirator, face shield, safety glasses, and gloves. Wash e xposed skin thoroughly AFTER
ANY contact with flood damaged components.
 If fire, smoke, or abnormal sounds are detected, DO NOT approach or open the vehicle.
 Keep ignition sources away from the vehicle due to potential battery outgassing.
 If the auxiliary (12V) battery is found disconnected in a potential flood vehicle, DO NOT connect
the battery until a complete inspection is performed and a course of action is determined.
1. Determine if the vehicle has been flooded with water above the rocker panels into the floor of
the vehicle.
HINT
If no standing water is detected on the vehicle floor and the carpet is wet, assume that internal
flooding has occurred.
Has the vehicle flooded with water above the rocker panels into the floor of the vehicle?
 YES — Continue to step 2.

NO — Go to the Vehicle Inspection section.
2. Open the doors and trunk/hatch to release trapped water, ventilate the cabin, and allow the
interior to air dry.
3. Locate and remove the body drain plugs at the rear corners of the cabin floor and/or in the
spare tire well (if available) to assist with draining the vehicle.
4. Disconnect the auxiliary battery and make sure the cable is folded down and away from
the terminal.
© 2017 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA
L-SB-0113-12
Rev1
November 21, 2012
Page 5 of 11
Flood Damaged Vehicle Inspection and Handling
Vehicle Safing (Continued)
5. On hybrid vehicles, disconnect the HV battery service plug connector (ONLY AFTER the
auxiliary battery is disconnected).
CAUTION
If the battery area contains standing water, drain BEFORE removing the HV battery service
plug connector.
6. Using a floor jack or GoJak®, move and store the vehicle away from structures and vehicles.
Vehicle Inspection
Determining the level of water intrusion and whether the vehicle was contaminated with fresh or
salt water will help assess the extent of damage that has occurred and may continue to occur.
As salt water is more damaging, this bulletin focuses primarily on salt water flooding. If the vehicle
was driven in flood waters, additional inspections may be necessary.
© 2017 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA
L-SB-0113-12
Rev1
November 21, 2012
Page 6 of 11
Flood Damaged Vehicle Inspection and Handling
Vehicle Inspection (Continued)
Use the following illustration to identify the inspection level based on depth and angle of
vehicle submersion.
HINT
If the vehicle was parked at an angle during flooding, establish the highest point of the water line
and the corresponding inspection level as shown for the appropriate key inspection areas
identified on the following pages.
Figure 1.
2
2
1
1
2
Water Line
Inspection Level
NOTE
 Key inspection areas are cumulative from Levels 1 – 5 as water level increases. For example,
Level 4 includes ALL inspection areas from Levels 1 – 4.
 ANY vehicle that was driven through flood waters will require BOTH the Parked Vehicle
Inspection and the Driven Vehicle Inspection.
Table 1. Parked Vehicle Inspection – Salt Water
TYPE
Level 1
WATER LEVEL
KEY INSPECTION AREAS

Up to Lower

Edge of
Rim/Wheel 
Steel or Alloy Wheel Surfaces
Schrader Valve/TPMS Sensor
Check for Splashing on
Undercarriage Surfaces
REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES


Clean or Replace (As Needed)
Rinse With Fresh Water and/or
Salt Water Neutralizer*

Clean, Lube, or Replace
(As Needed)

Rinse With Fresh Water and/or
Salt Water Neutralizer*
Brake Components:
Level 2
Up to Axle
Centerline


Brake Rotors or Drums
Caliper Pistons, Slides, Pads, and
Mounting Hardware

Drum Cylinders, Shoes, Parking
Brake Components
Wheel Speed Sensors
Sensor Connectors


*Salt water neutralizer products are available at marine or industrial supply companies. Be sure to check ingredients and conf irm application is
appropriate for motor vehicles. Also review the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and instructions carefully for safe handling and application.
© 2017 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA
L-SB-0113-12
Rev1
November 21, 2012
Page 7 of 11
Flood Damaged Vehicle Inspection and Handling
Vehicle Inspection (Continued)
Table 1. Parked Vehicle Inspection – Salt Water (Continued)
TYPE
WATER LEVEL
KEY INSPECTION AREAS
REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES
Suspension:







Links and Arms
Tie Rods
Ball Joints
Unpainted Surfaces
Lug Nuts/Studs
Power Steering Rack and Connectors
Wheel Hubs and Bearings

Axle Shafts and Boots

Clean, Lube, or Replace
(As Needed)

Rinse With Fresh Water
and/or Salt Water Neutralizer*
Electrical:
Level 2
Up to Axle
Centerline




Wheel Speed Sensors
Sensor Connectors
Starter and Solenoid
ATM Neutral Start Switch

ATM Solenoid Connector
Exhaust:



Pipe(s)
Muffler(s)
Catalyst(s)

O2 / A/F Sensor(s) Connector
and Harness
Replace ANY Electrical
Components That Have Been
Submerged in Salt Water
Driveline:




Level 3
(Continued
on Next
Page)
Up to Lower
Edge of
Door/Top of
Rocker Panel
Driveshaft/Axle Shaft
ATM Fluid Level/Contamination
Differential Oil Level/Contamination
Transfer Oil Level/Contamination
Drain and Refill (As Needed)
Electrical (Continued on Next Page):

Electronic Control Unit (ECU),
Sensors, Airbags, Pretensioners,
Related Harnesses


Replace ANY Electrical
Components That Have Been
Submerged in Salt Water
Seat Motor, Switches, Harness,
Seat Heater/Cooler


Door Locks, Window Switches
and Harness
ONLY a Hybrid Certified
Technician Should Inspect
and/or Replace Components

ALL Electrical Components That
Come in Contact With Salt Water
*Salt water neutralizer products are available at marine or industrial supply companies. Be sure to check ingredients and conf irm application is
appropriate for motor vehicles. Also review the MSDS and instructions carefully for safe handling and application.
© 2017 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA
L-SB-0113-12
Rev1
November 21, 2012
Page 8 of 11
Flood Damaged Vehicle Inspection and Handling
Vehicle Inspection (Continued)
Table 1. Parked Vehicle Inspection – Salt Water (Continued)
TYPE
WATER LEVEL
KEY INSPECTION AREAS
Electrical (Continued):
Level 3
(Continued)

ALL Electrical Components Indirectly
Affected (Inspect ALL Interior Systems
for Proper Operation)

HV Battery, Harnesses, Battery ECU,
A/C Compressor With Inverter

Evaporative Evaporative Emissions
Control System Components/Harness
Up to Lower Body and Chassis:
Edge of
 Frames Channels
Door/Top of
 Body Panel Lower Edges
Rocker Panel
Interior Components:


Level 4
Up to Lower
Edge of
Dash Panel

Seats/Material/Seat Frame/
Seat Electrical

Door and Interior Trim Panels

ALL Electrical Harnesses, Junction and
Relay Blocks, Junction Connectors

ALL Exposed and Wet
Interior Components

ALL Under Hood Electrical and
Electronic Components
Engine Oil Level/Contamination



Level 5
Up to Top
Edge of
Dash Panel
Full Disassembly of Interior and Body
Components for Physical Inspection
and Cleaning
Carpet/Padding/Jute/Mats
Transmission or Transaxle Fluid
Level/Contamination
Fuel System Contamination
Interior Components:
Full Disassembly of Interior and Body
Components for Physical Inspection
and Cleaning
© 2017 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA
REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES

Replace ANY Electrical
Components That Have Been
Submerged in Salt Water

ONLY a Hybrid Certified
Technician Should Inspect
and/or Replace Components
Remove Salt Residue With
Cleaning Agent

Replace ALL Electrical
Components That Have Been
Submerged in Salt Water

Replace Interior Components
(As Needed) and Consider
Mold Inspection and Possible
Remediation

Replace ALL Electrical
Components That Have Been
Submerged in Salt Water

Replace Interior
Components (As Needed)
and Consider Mold Inspection
and Possible Remediation
Replace ALL Components
Submerged in or Damaged by
Salt Water
L-SB-0113-12
Rev1
November 21, 2012
Page 9 of 11
Flood Damaged Vehicle Inspection and Handling
Vehicle Inspection (Continued)
NOTE
If the vehicle was driven in flood waters, continue with the following checks AFTER performing
static inspection items.
Additional inspections MUST be made when the vehicle has been driven through or in flood
waters. AFTER a full inspection, repair of electrical systems, replacement of fluids, and other
potential repairs, the vehicle should be driven while monitoring live Techstream data for each
vehicle system. A full Health Check should be performed to complete confirmation of
vehicle operation.
Table 2. Driven Vehicle Inspection – Salt Water
TYPE
WATER LEVEL
KEY INSPECTION AREAS
REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES
Engine Abnormal Knock/Rattle
Engine Live Data Health Check:
Driven
Dynamic







Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Misfire and Fuel Trim Status
AFRS B1 and B2
Sub O2 Signal and Impedance
Spark Advance
VG (AFM)
HV Battery/Charging

Engine Oil Level/Contamination

Engine Intake Air Filter, Box, Piping


Exhaust Sensor Connections
ALL Under Hood
Electrical Components

Transmission/Transaxle NSW
Harness/Terminals

Transmission/Transaxle Abnormal
Noises/Shift Quality

Transmission/Transaxle/Differential/
Transfer Case Oil Level/Contamination

Transmission/Transaxle Lockup
ON/OFF Shudder


Fender Wells Above Plastic Liners
Speed Sensor Harness Connectors

Engine Mechanical Repair
(As Needed)

Replace Electrical
Components That Have
Been Submerged in
Salt Water


Drain and Refill (As Needed)
Clean Out Water
and Residue
Replace Electrical Components
That Have Been Submerged in
Salt Water
Drain and Refill (As Needed)
Rinse With Fresh Water and/or
Salt Neutralizer*
*Salt water neutralizer products are available at marine or industrial supply companies. Be sure to check ingredients and conf irm application is
appropriate for motor vehicles. Also review the MSDS and instructions carefully for safe handling and ap plication.
© 2017 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA
L-SB-0113-12
Rev1
November 21, 2012
Page 10 of 11
Flood Damaged Vehicle Inspection and Handling
Vehicle Inspection (Continued)
NOTE
For Fresh Water Flooding:
 The dynamic inspection tables serve as a general inspection guide.
 Residual corrosion and conductivity, once vehicle is dried, is not as great a concern as with
salt water. ALL flooding situations should be inspected and judged individually.
Vehicle Repair
AFTER identifying affected components and when making repair decisions, consider
the following:
Electrical
ANY electrical components that have been submerged in salt water (examples: harnesses,
connectors, terminals, ECUs, hybrid and PHV batteries, switches, buttons, sensors) need to be
replaced BEFORE operating the vehicle and should NOT be reused.
NOTE
 Even AFTER salt water has dried, salt residue may remain on nearby surfaces.
 Cleaning and/or replacement of surrounding components may also be necessary to ensure
proper operation of electrical systems.
Chassis
Brakes and suspension components not only need to move and slide freely for proper operation,
but additional consideration needs to be given for subsequent corrosion that could impact future
system performance. Disassemble, clean, reassemble, and lubricate ALL chassis components
that have been submerged or subjected to extensive salt water exposure.
Powertrain
As in-depth performance analysis can be conducted using Techstream, repair MUST include
testing and confirmation of proper live data performance, general Health Check (full Health Check
for possible DTCs), inspection for oil and fuel contamination, consideration of ALL electrical
components (as previously described in this bulletin), inspection and replacement of ANY rubber,
plastic, and metal components that are deteriorating or damaged, and removal of salt water
residue using appropriate cleaning agents.
© 2017 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA
L-SB-0113-12
Rev1
November 21, 2012
Page 11 of 11
Flood Damaged Vehicle Inspection and Handling
Vehicle Repair (Continued)
Body and Interior
Vehicle body designs generally incorporate pressure relief vents (to minimize door closing
pressure). These can allow water entry into the passenger cabin during a flood situation and also
have inherent low points or pockets that can retain flood water. Be sure to inspect, drain, and
clean these locations.
ANY component that became wet or saturated that has fabric, cloth, padding, or soft trim such as
those listed below may need to be replaced and/or require follow-up mold remediation.

Carpet and padding

Seats

Door trim panels

Console

Package tray

Seals
Remaining salt water residue in ANY part of the vehicle may accelerate corrosion and affect
vehicle operation. Be sure to clean ALL affected internal and external surfaces thoroughly to
prevent long-term damage.
© 2017 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA