2004 Lexus ES330 ECU

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM
175
3. Fix the child restraint system with the seat belt.
4. Latch the hook onto the anchor bracket and tighten the
top strap.
For instructions to install the child restraint system, see Child
restraint systemº on page 158.
CAUTION
Make sure the top strap is securely latched, and check
that the child restraint system is securely by pushing
and pulling it in different directions. Follow all the
installation instructions provided by its manufacturer.
Installation with child restraint lower
anchorages
Lower anchorages for the child restraint systems
complying with the FMVSS225 or CMVSS210.2
specifications are installed in the rear seat.
The anchorages are installed in the clearance between the
seat cushion and seatback of both outside rear seats.
Child restraint systems complying with the FMVSS225 or
CMVSS210.2 specification can be fixed to these anchorages.
In this case, it is not necessary to fix the child restraint system
with a seat belt on the vehicle.

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM
177 For owners in Canada
The symbol on a child restraint system indicates the presence
of a lower connector system.
CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM INSTALLATION
Type A Ð
1. Widen the clearance between the seat cushion and
seatback a little and confirm the position of the lower
anchorages below the tag in the seatback.
2. Latch the hooks of lower straps onto the anchorages
and tighten the lower straps.
Type B Ð
1. Widen the clearance between the seat cushion and
seatback a little and confirm the position of the lower
anchorages below the tag in the seatback.
2. Latch the buckles onto the anchorages.
If your child restraint system has a top strap, it should be
anchored. (For the installation of the top strap, see Using a top
strapº on page 173.)
For the installation details, refer to the instruction manual
equipped with each product.
CAUTION
When using the lower anchorages for the child
restraint system, be sure that there are no irregular
objects around the anchorages or that the seat belt is
not caught.
Push and pull the child restraint system in different
directions to be sure it is secure. Follow all the
installation instructions provided by its
manufacturer.
Do not install a child restraint system on the rear seat
if it interferes with the lock mechanism of the front
seats. This can cause death or serious injury to the
child and front passenger in case of sudden braking
or a collision.

STEERING WHEEL AND MIRRORS
190Perform circling calibration just after you have purchased
your Lexus. And then always perform circling calibration
after the battery has been removed, replaced or
disconnected.
Do not perform circling calibration of the compass in a place
where the earth's magnetic field is subject to interference by
artificial magnetic fields (underground parking, under a steel
tower, between buildings, roof parking, near a crossing,
near a large vehicle, etc.).
During calibration, do not operate electric systems (moon
roof, power windows, etc.) as they may interfere with the
calibration.
CAUTION
When doing the circling calibration, be sure to secure
a wide space, and watch out for people and vehicles
in the neighborhood. Do not violate any local traffic
rules while performing circling calibration.
Do not adjust the display while the vehicle is moving.
Be sure to adjust the display only when the vehicle is
stopped.

STARTING AND DRIVING
278
(e) Parking

1Brake pedal2Parking brake pedal
3Pº (Park) position
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Depress the parking brake fully to securely apply the
parking brake.
3. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the
selector lever to the Pº position.
CAUTION
Never attempt to move the selector lever into Pº under
any circumstances while the vehicle is moving. Serious
mechanical damage and loss of vehicle control may
result.
(f) Good driving practice
If the transmission repeatedly shifts up and down between
fourth and overdrive gears when climbing a gentle slope,
shift the selector lever to the 4º position. Be sure to shift the
selector lever to the Dº position after climbing the slope.
When towing a trailer, in order to maintain efficient engine
braking and electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
CAUTION
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped
with the engine running. This prevents the vehicle from
creeping.

DRIVING TIPS
296
Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are
wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer
stopping distance, and it may pull to one side when
the brakes are applied. Also, the parking brake will
not hold the vehicle securely.

DRIVING TIPS
304
Brakes and safety chains
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to
any applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.
A safety chain must always be used between the towing
vehicle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the
chain for turns. The chain should cross under the
trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to
the ground in case it becomes damaged or separated.
For correct safety chain procedures, follow the hitch or
trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
CAUTION
If the total trailer weight exceeds 500 kg (1102 lb.),
trailer brakes are required.
Never tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system as it
will lower its braking effectiveness.
Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain
securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle.
If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball,
there is possible danger of the trailer wandering over
into another lane.
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle's tires are properly inflated. Adjust
the tire inflation pressure to the recommended cold tire
inflation pressure indicated below:
Tire inflation pressure, kPa (kgf/cm
2 or bar, psi)
Front 200 (2.0, 29)
Rear 200 (2.0, 29)
The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure
recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the
total trailer weight.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights must comply with federal, state/provincial and
local regulations. See your local recreational vehicle dealer
or rental agency for the correct type of wiring and relays for
your trailer. Check for correct operation of the turn signals
and stop lights each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may
damage your vehicle's electrical system and cause a
malfunction of your lights.
Break-in schedule
Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new
vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train component
(engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearing, etc.) for
the first 800 km (500 miles) of driving.

DRIVING TIPS
305
Maintenance
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent
maintenance due to the additional load. For this
information, please refer to the scheduled maintenance
information in the Owner's Manual Supplement/
Scheduled Maintenanceº.
Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after
approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.
Pre-towing safety check
Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or
unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has an
abnormal nose-up or nose-down condition, and check for
improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other
possible causes.
Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that it
cannot shift.
Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal,
state/provincial or local regulations. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently
than when not towing. The three main causes of
vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed
and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when
towing:
Before starting out, check the operation of the lights and all
vehicle-trailer connections. After driving a short distance,
stop and recheck the lights and connections. Practice
turning, stopping and backing with a trailer in an area away
from traffic until you learn the feel.
Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice. Grip
the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the
left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right
to move the trailer to the right. (This procedure is generally
opposite to that when backing without a trailer.) Also, just
turn the steering wheel a little at a time, avoiding sharp or
prolonged turning. Have someone guide you when backing
to reduce the risk of an accident.
Because stopping distance may be increased,
vehicle-to-vehicle distance should be increased when
towing a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow
at least one vehicle and trailer length between you and the
vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as you may skid,
resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This is especially
true on wet or slippery surfaces.

DRIVING TIPS
310
CARGO AND LUGGAGE
Stowage precautions
When stowing cargo or luggage in the vehicle,
observe the following:
Put cargo or luggage in the trunk when at all
possible. Be sure all items are secured in place.
Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the
weight as far forward as possible helps maintain
vehicle balance.
For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary
weight.
CAUTION
Do not place anything on the package tray
behind the rear seatback. Such items may
be thrown about and possibly injure people
in the vehicle during sudden braking or an
accident.
Do not drive with objects left on top of the
instrument panel. They may interfere with the
driver's field of view. Or they may move
during sharp vehicle acceleration or turning,
and impair the driver's control of the vehicle.
In an accident they may injure the vehicle
occupants.
Capacity and distribution
Cargo capacity depends on the total weight of the
occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) ± (Total weight
of occupants)
Steps for determining correct load limit
1. Locate the statement The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX
poundsº on your vehicle's placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the
XXXº amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400 ± 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and
cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may
not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.