STARTING AND DRIVING
278
Drum in disc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drum−in−disc type parking brake system.
This type of brake system needs bedding−down of the brake
shoes periodically or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drums are replaced.
Have your Lexus dealer perform the bedding −down.
Brake assist system (vehicles with vehicle
stability control system)
When you slam the brakes on, the brake assist system
judges as an emergency stop and provides more powerful
braking for a driver who cannot hold down the brake pedal
firmly.
When you slam the brakes on, more powerful braking will be
applied. At this time, you may hear a sound in the engine
compartment and feel the vibrations of the brake pedal. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
The brake assist system becomes operative after the vehicle
has accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately 10 km/h
(6 mph). It stops operating when the vehicle decelerates to a
speed below approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
For an explanation of this system’s warning light, see “ABS
warning light” on page 64.
BRAKE PAD WEAR LIMIT INDICATORS
The brake pad wear limit indicators on your disc brakes
give a warning noise when the brake pads are worn to the
extent that replacement is required.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise while driving, have the
brake pads checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible. Expensive rotor damage can result if the
pads are not replaced when needed.
DRIVING TIPS
289
Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit
your vehicle in a tight turn. Slow down before making a turn
to avoid the need of sudden braking.
Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will
be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn.
Therefore, compensate for this by making a larger than
normal turning radius with your vehicle.
Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling
of your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention to
the rear from time to time to prepare yourself for being
passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your
vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying happens, firmly grip
the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately but
gradually. Never increase speed. If it is necessary to
reduce speed, brake slowly. Steer straight ahead. If you
make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes,
your vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires
considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget
the length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty of room
before changing lanes.
In order to maintain efficient engine braking and electrical
charging performance, do not use overdrive.
Because of the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s
engine may overheat on hot days (at temperatures over
30C [85 F]) when going up a long or steep grade with a
trailer. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in
use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
See “If your vehicle overheats” on page 303.
Always pl ace wheel blocks under both the vehicle and trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. Put
the transmission in “P”. Avoid parking on a slope with a
trailer, but if it cannot be avoided, do so only after performing
the following:
1. Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle
and trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release your brakes
slowly until the blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the parking brake firmly.
5. Shift into “P” and turn off the engine.
When restarting out after parking on a slope:
1. With the transmission in “P” position, start the engine. Be
sure to keep the brake pedal depressed.
2. Shift into the “3”, “2”, “L” or “R” position.
CHASSIS
364
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
To check the fluid level, simply look at the see through
reservoir. The level should be between the “MAX” and
“MIN” lines on the tank.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the
brake pads wear. So be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious
mechanical problem.
If the level is low, add FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703
brake fluid to the brake reservoir.
Remove and replace the reservoir cap by hand. Add brake
fluid up to the “MAX” line.
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once opened, brake fluid
absorbs moisture from the air, and excess moisture can cause
a dangerous loss of braking efficiency.
CAUTION
Take care when filling the reservoir because brake fluid
can harm your hands or eyes. If fluid gets on your hands
or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean water
immediately. If you still feel uncomfortable with your
hands or eyes, go to the doctor.
NOTICE
If you spill some of the fluid, be sure to wipe it off to
prevent it from damaging the parts or paintwork.
ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
393
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
18ABS No.240
Anti−lock brake system,
vehicle stability control system,
traction control system, brake
assist system
19MAIN40
All components in “HEAD LH
LWR”, “HEAD RH LWR”, “HEAD
LH UPR”, “HEAD RH UPR” and
“DRL” fuses
20ABS No.330
Anti −lock brake system,
vehicle stability control system,
traction control system, brake
assist system
21HTR50Air conditioning system
22RDI30Electric cooling fan
23SPARE5Spare fuse
24SPARE10Spare fuse
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
25ABS NO.150
All components in “RDI FAN”,
“ABS No.2”, “ABS No.3”, “CDS”,
“HTR (50 A)” and “ADJ PDL”
fuses and anti −lock brake
system, vehicle stability control
system, traction control
system, brake assist system
26ALT120
All components in “DEF”, “PWR
NO.1”, “PWR NO.2”, “PWR
NO.3”, “PWR NO.4”, “STOP”,
“DOOR NO.2”, “OBD”, “PWR
SEAT”, “FUEL OPEN”, “FOG”,
“AMP”, “PANEL”, “TAIL”,
“AM1”, “CIG”, “POWER
POINT”, “RAD NO.2”,
“ECU− ACC”, “GAUGE1”,
“GAUGE2”, “ECU− IG”,
“WIPER”, “WASHER”, “HTR
(10 A)”, “SEAT HTR” and
“SUN− SHADE” fuses
27SPARE15Spare fuse
28A/C10No circuit
29DRL5Daytime running light system
30HEAD RH
LW R15Right −hand headlight (low
beam)
31HEAD LH
LW R15Left −hand headlight (low
beam) and front fog lights
