SECTION 3 – 1
11 7
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three-way catalytic converter11 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution
11 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine120 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock120 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake121 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine121 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission123 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control128 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lexus ride control system131 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height control system132 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system134 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system135 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires137 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
STARTING AND DRIVING
11 8
THREE-WAY CATALYTIC
CONVERTER
Three-way
catalytic converter
Vehicles sold in California
Three-way
catalytic converter
Vehicles sold outside California
Three-way catalytic converters are emission control
devices installed in the exhaust system.The three-way catalytic converter located at the confluence of
exhaust pipes looks somewhat like a muffler, but its purpose
is to reduce pollutants in the exhaust gas.
CAUTION:
Keep people and combustible materials away from the
exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The exhaust
gas is very hot.
Do not drive, idle or park your vehicle over anything
that might burn easily such as grass, leaves, paper or
rags.
NOTICE:
A large amount of unburned gas flowing into the
three-way catalytic converter may cause it to overheat
and create a fire hazard. To prevent this and other
damage, observe the following precautions:
Use only unleaded gasoline.
Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level; running
out of gas could cause the engine to misfire, creating
an excessive load on the three-way catalytic
converter.
Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed for more
than 20 minutes.
Avoid racing the engine.
Do not push-start or pull-start your vehicle.
Do not turn off the ignition while the vehicle is
moving.
STARTING AND DRIVING
11 9
Keep your engine in good running order.
Malfunctions in the engine electrical system,
electronic ignition system / distributor ignition
system or fuel system could cause an extremely high
three-way catalytic converter temperature.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, take your vehicle in for a check-up as soon
as possible. Remember, your Lexus dealer knows
your vehicle and its three-way catalytic converter
system best.
To ensure that the three-way catalytic 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.