AIR CONDITIONING
171
(e) Checking and replacing the airconditioning filter
The air conditioning filter is behind the glove box.
The air conditioning filter may clog after long use. The filter
may need to be replaced if the air flow of the air conditioner and
heater experiences extreme reductions in operating ef ficiency,
or if the windows become to fog up easily.
To maintain the air conditioning ef ficiency, inspect and replace
the air conditioning filter according to the maintenance
schedule. (For scheduled maintenance information, please
refer to the “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenance”.)
1. Open the glove box. Remove the screw with a
Phillips head screwdriver.
2. Remove the 2 pins installed on the upper part of the
glove box and lower the glove box.
AUDIO
179
(c) Automatic sound levelizer
When the audio sound becomes difficult to be heard due to
road noise, wind noise, etc. during driving, the system adjusts
to the optimum volume and tone quality according to the noise
level. While the automatic sound levelizer is on, “ASL” appears
on the display.
(d) Your radio antennas
The wire antenna is mounted inside the rear window.
NOTICE
When cleaning the inside of the rear window, be
careful not to scratch or damage the wire antenna.
Putting a window tint (especially, conductive or
metallic type) on the rear window may affect the
reception of radio or mobile telephone. For the
installation of the window tint, consult with your
Lexus dealer.
(e) Your cassette player
When you insert a cassette, the exposed tape should face to
the right.
NOTICE
Do not oil any part of the cassette player, and do not
insert anything except a cassette tape into the slot.
(f) Your compact disc player
When you insert a disc, gently push it in with the label face up.
(The player will automatically eject a disc if the label face is
down.) The compact disc player will play from track 1 through
the end of the disc. Then it will play from track 1 again. On
models with the compact disc auto changer, next disc will be
played from track 1.
NOTICE
Never try to disassemble or oil any part of the
compact disc player. Do not insert anything other
than compact discs into the slot.
Do not insert a disc upon another one.
The player is intended for use with 12 cm (4.7 in.) discs only.
AUDIO
200
Each time you push the “AUDIO CONTROL” knob, the
display changes as in the following. To adjust the tone
and balance or turn on or off the automatic sound
levelizer, turn the knob.
BAS: Adjusts low−pitched tones.
MID: Adjusts mid− pitched tones.
TRE: Adjusts high− pitched tones.
FAD: Adjusts the sound balance between the front and rear
speakers.
BAL: Adjusts the sound balance between the right and left
speakers.
ASL: Turns on or off the automatic sound levelizer.
Automatic sound levelizer: When the audio sound becomes
difficult to be heard due to road noise, wind noise, etc. during
driving, the system adjusts to the optimum volume and tone
quality according to the noise level. While the automatic sound
levelizer is on, “ASL” appears on the display. (c) Your radio antennas
The wire antenna is mounted inside the rear window.
NOTICE
When cleaning the inside of the rear window, be
careful not to scratch or damage the wire antenna.
Putting a window tint (especially, conductive or
metallic type) on the rear window may affect the
reception of radio or mobile telephone. For the
installation of the window tint, consult with your
Lexus dealer.
(d) Your cassette player
When you insert a cassette, the exposed tape should face to
the right.
NOTICE
Do not oil any part of the cassette player, and do not
insert anything except a cassette tape into the slot.
STARTING AND DRIVING
224
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, seat cushion angle,
seat cushion height, head restraint height and steering wheel
angle.
3. Vehicles with power adjustable pedals—Adjust the position
of the accelerator and brake pedals.
4. Adjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors.
5. Lock all doors.
6. Fasten seat belts.
Remember to check that the service reminder indicators
function when turning the key to “ON”, and check the fuel
gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.
DRIVING TIPS
253
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
See page 314 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy
summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Lexus dealer
− they will be pleased to help.
Check the electronic ignition system for loose
connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de −icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto
parts stores. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute
because it may damage your vehicle’s paint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility
it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into “P” and block the rear
wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water
accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism may
freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release. Keep ice
and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering
difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you
carry some emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains,
window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
285
3Push down the shift lock override button. You can shift out
of “P” position only while pushing the button.
4 Shift into “N” position.
Insert the cover . Start the engine. For your safety, keep
the brake pedal depressed.
Be sure to have the system checked by your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible.
IF YOU LOSE YOUR KEYS OR LOCK YOURSELF OUT
You can purchase a new key at your Lexus dealer if you
can give them the key number and master key, because
your vehicle is equipped with the engine immobiliser
system.
Even if you lose only one key, contact your Lexus dealer to
make a new key. However, if you lose all your master keys, the
dealer cannot duplicate key but only replace the whole system.
See the suggestion given in “Keys” on page 10.
You can use the wireless remote control system with the new
key. Contact your Lexus dealer for detailed information.
If your keys are locked in the vehicle and you cannot get a
duplicate, many Lexus dealers can still open the door for you,
using their special tools. If you must break a window to get in,
we suggest breaking the smallest side window because it is the
least expensive to replace. Be extremely cautious to avoid
cuts from the glass.
MAINTENANCE
292Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in
the “HOT” or “COLD” range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 323 for additional information.
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell
exhaust fumes, have the cause located and corrected
immediately. (See “Engine exhaust caution” on page 223.)
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEED
REPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and
visual tip −offs that indicate service is needed. Some important
clues are:
Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from
the air conditioning after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous
carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
Flat−looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering,
uneven tire wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level
road
Strange noises related to suspension movement
Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal,
pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to one side when
braking
Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal