VCheriyan

I have to store my Lexus ES 300 for 6 months. Any suggestions what I should do? Also if I unhook the battery cables does the alarm system also turn off? When I put the cables back on after 6 months any adjustments to be made?

Thanks

PFB

A) Wash the car, and clean the inside
B) Fll up the fuel tank - Minimises moisture accumulation in the fuel tank
C) Add a fuel stabilizer - Prevents then fuel from deteriorating
D) Overfill the tires by 10 PSI - Minimises flat spots in the tires
E) Drive it fo at least 30 Min (preferably at highway speeds) - Evaporates any condensation in the engine and exhaust system
F) Park it.

NOTE: Do not disconnect the battery.


That's it

Phil

LeX2K

Curious why you say not to disconnect the battery? It will go dead and stay that way for months, could end up killing the battery. Unless you are suggesting using a battery maintainer. I personally don't think you should let the car sit that long without being started, but if you do, on restart remove the EFI fuse/relay and crank the engine until you have oil pressure. Even better is to turn the engine with a ratchet a few revolutions before you hit the starter.

PFB

A fully charged battery that is in good condition should be able to start the car easily after 6 months, even considering the small current draw during that period. If it doesn't start the car on return than he was probably due for a new battery anyways. So disconnecting the battery is nt required, and could cause problems with the engine computer when he re connects it. Also, battery trickle charges have been known to go bad and destroy perfectly good batteries.

I also would not disconnect the EFI fuse and turn the engine over. If the engine is not at idle speed than oil pressure is almost non existent, so basically by turning the engine with the EFI fuse removed, causes the engine to turn dry. Not good.

Phil

JSM

One thing that is important that I didn't see is where you're storing? Garage, street, driveway? Do you have electricity close to the car? I would get a battery tender and plug that up too.

hypervish

Change the oil before storing.

dewso1

yes the alarm system turns off.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

+1 on the battery tender (the one that automatically cycles on and off). I don't have any experience with them though.

BradTank

If it's truly going to sit idle for 6 months, I'd disconnect the battery and/or maybe hook something up like a Battery Tender. I can almost guarantee you a modern car sitting idle for 6 months will kill the battery and you'll probably have to buy a new one. It's also an extra theft deterrent.

Also, I'd recommend actually NOT having a full tank and just filling it up when you get home with fresh gas. 6 months sitting with a full tank of gas is likely going to develop a lot of varnish that could clog some things up. But whatever you decide, definitely put some fuel stabilizer in.

pauloil

if your 300 series has the chip in the key, that is all the security you need if you have all the keys.

jbl-1985

Put it on a Battery Tender. 6 months is a long time. I often store my RX300 from 3-6 months and I wouldn't think of not putting a BT on it. My RX300 is stored in AZ, and so I have a Battery Tender PLUS on it, which adjusts the voltage per the atmospheric temperature to avoid over charging in extreme heat.

Also do put fuel stabilizer in with a FULL tank. An empty tank sitting for that long could develop rust spots. Full tanks are not susceptible to this. STA-BIL is good for up to a year, so there is no worry of the gas going stale.