STARTING AND DRIVING
97
To ensure that the converter and the entire emission
control system operate properly, your vehicle must
receive the periodic inspections required by the
Lexus Maintenance Schedule.
ENGINE EXHAUST CAUTION
CAUTION:
Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust. It contains carbon
monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless gas. It can
cause unconsciousness or even death.
Make sure the exhaust system has no holes or loose
connections. The system should be checked from time
to time. If you hit something, or notice a change in the
sound of the exhaust, have the system checked
immediately.
Do not run the engine in a garage or enclosed area
except for the time needed to drive the vehicle in or out.
The exhaust gases cannot escape, making this a
particularly dangerous situation.
Do not remain for a long time in a parked vehicle with
the engine running. If it is unavoidable, however, do so
only in an unconfined area and adjust the heating or
cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle.Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. An open or
unsealed trunk lid may cause exhaust gases to be
drawn into the vehicle. If you must drive with the trunk
lid open to accommodate a large object, close the
windows, open all the dashboard vents and have the
heating or cooling system deliver fresh air into the
vehicle by turning the fan to high speed with the air
intake control button in the OUTSIDE AIR mode.
To allow proper operation of your vehicle’s ventilation
system, keep the inlet grilles in front of the windshield
clear of snow, leaves, or other obstructions.
If you smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle, drive with the
windows open and the trunk lid closed. Have the cause
immediately located and corrected.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle and headrest height.
3. Adjust inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts
STARTING AND DRIVING
104
(b) Using engine braking
Selector lever
Overdrive switch
: Shifting
“D” (Drive) range
“2” (Second) range
“L” (Low) range
To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the
transmission in the way described below:
Turn off the overdrive switch. (This is effective only when
you are driving in the “D” range.) The “O/D OFF” indicator
light in the instrument cluster will come on and the
transmission will downshift to the third gear.
Shift into the “2” range. The transmission will downshift to
the second gear when the vehicle speed is 117 km/h (73
mph) or lower and more powerful engine braking will be
obtained.
Shift into the “L” range. The transmission will downshift to
the first gear when the vehicle speed is 55 km/h (34 mph)
or lower and maximum engine braking will be applied.CAUTION:
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed could cause the vehicle to
spin or skid.
(c) Using the “2” and “L” ranges
The “2” and “L” ranges are used for strong engine braking as
described previously.
With the selector lever in “2” or “L”, you can start the vehicle in
motion as with the lever in “D”.
With the selector lever in “2”, the vehicle will start in the first
gear and automatically shift to the second gear.
With the selector lever in “L”, the transmission is engaged in
the first gear.
NOTICE:
Be careful not to overrev the engine. Watch the
tachometer to keep engine rpm from going into the
red zone. The approximate maximum allowable
speed for each range is given below for your
reference:
“2” ... 117 km/h (73 mph)
“L” ... 55 km/h (34 mph)
Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long
time in the “2” or “L” range. This may cause severe
automatic transmission damage from overheating. To
prevent such damage, “D” range should be used in
hill climbing or hard towing.
