Page 396 of 656

SECTION 3 ± 1
368
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three-way catalytic converters369
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Engine exhaust caution 372
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Before starting the engine 374
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Ignition switch with steering lock 374
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Parking brake 376
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How to start the engine 377
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Automatic transmission 378
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Four-wheel drive system 386
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Rear view monitor system 390
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Cruise control 394
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Rear height control air suspension 397
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Electronic modulated suspension 404
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Active traction control system 405
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Vehicle stability control system 407
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Downhill assist control system 410
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Hill-start assist control system 413
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Brake system 415
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Tire pressure warning system 419
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Brake pad wear limit indicators 428
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Limited-slip differential 429
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Page 397 of 656
STARTING AND DRIVING
369
THREE-W AY CATALYTICCONVERTERSThree-way catalytic converters are emission control
devices installed in the exhaust system.
The 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.
Page 398 of 656
STARTING AND DRIVING
370
NOTICE
A large amount of unburned gases flowing into thethree-way catalytic converter may cause it to overheatand create a fire hazard. To prevent this and otherdamage, observe the following precautions:
Use only unleaded gasoline.
Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level; runningout of fuel could cause the engine to misfire, creatingan excessive load on the three-way catalyticconverter.
Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed for morethan 20 minutes.
Avoid racing the engine.
Do not push-start or pull-start your vehicle.
Do not turn off the ignition while the vehicle ismoving.
Keep your engine in good running order.Malfunctions in the engine electrical system, electricignition system or fuel system could cause anextremely high three-way catalytic convertertemperature.
Page 399 of 656
STARTING AND DRIVING
371
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, take your vehicle in for a check-up assoon as possible. Remember, your Lexus dealerknows your vehicle and its three-way catalyticconverter system best.
To ensure that the three-way catalytic converter andthe entire emission control system operate properly,your vehicle must receive the periodic inspectionsrequired by the Lexus Maintenance Schedule. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to theOwner's Manual Supplement/ScheduledMaintenanceº.
Page 492 of 656

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
464
NOTICE
Do not pull- or push-start the vehicle. It may damagethe vehicle or cause a collision when the engine starts.Also the three-way catalytic converter may overheatand become a fire hazard.
If the engine turns over at its normal speed but will not
start Ð
1. Turn the ignition key to ACCº or LOCKº and try starting the
engine again.
2. The engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking.
See (b) Starting a flooded engineº for further instructions.
3. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair.
Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service
Assistance. (See Forewordº.)(b) Starting a flooded engine
If the engine will not start, your engine may be flooded
because of repeated cranking.
If this happens, turn the ignition key to STARTº with the
accelerator pedal fully depressed, and hold the key at this
position for about 30 seconds. Then the cranking hold function
stops cranking automatically, and you can try starting the
engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If the engine does not start, wait a few minutes and try again.
If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair.
Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service
Assistance. (See Forewordº.)
(c) Jump starting
To avoid serious personal injury and damage to your
vehicle which might result from battery explosion, acid
burns, electrical burns, or damaged electronic
components, these instructions must be followed
precisely.
Page 565 of 656

ENGINE
537
FUEL
Fuel type
Your vehicle must use only unleaded gasoline.
To help prevent gas station mixups, your Lexus has a smaller
fuel tank opening. The special nozzle on pumps with unleaded
fuel will fit it, but the larger standard nozzle on pumps with
leaded gas will not. At a minimum, the gasoline you use should meet the
specifications of ASTM D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB
3.5-M93 in Canada.
NOTICE
Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of leaded gasoline will
cause the three-way catalytic converter to lose itseffectiveness and the emission control system tofunction improperly. Also, this can increasemaintenance costs.
Octane rating
Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or
higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of
premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91
(Research Octane Number 96) or higher is recommended. Use of unleaded fuel with an octane number or rating lower
than stated above will cause persistent heavy knocking. If
severe, this will lead to engine damage.
If your engine knocks...
If you detect heavy knocking even when using the
recommended fuel, or if you hear steady knocking while
holding a steady speed on level roads, consult your Lexus
dealer.
However, occasionally, you may notice light knocking for a
short time while accelerating or driving up hills. This is normal
and there is no need for concern.
Gasoline containing detergent additives