IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR LEXUS
vi
Tires and loading on your Lexus
Underinflated or overinflated tire pressure and the
excess load may result in the deterioration of steering
ability and braking ability, leading to an accident.
Check the tire inflation pressure periodically and be
sure to keep the load limits given in this Owner's
Manual. For details about tire inflation pressure and
load limits, see pages 574 and 483.
Scrapping of your Lexus
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your
Lexus contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped
with the airbags and seat belt pretensioners left as they are,
this may cause an accident such as a fire. Be sure to have the
systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner removed
and disposed of by a qualified service shop or by your Lexus
dealer before you scrap your vehicle.
On±pavement and off±road driving tips
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class. Utility vehicles
have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of
vehicles. This vehicle will handle and maneuver differently
from an ordinary passenger car because it is designed for
off±road use also. In addition, this vehicle has a higher ground
clearance and center of gravity than that of an ordinary
passenger car. This vehicle design feature causes this type of
vehicle to be more likely to rollover. Failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of control, accidents or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. Be sure to read
ªOff±road vehicle precautionsº on page 459 and ªOff±road
driving precautionsº on page 464.
Leak detection pump
This pump performs fuel evaporation leakage check. This
check is done approximately five hours after the engine is
turned off. So you may hear sound coming from underneath
the luggage compartment for several minutes. It does not
indicate a malfunction.
GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
63
IF THIS INDICATOR OR
BUZZER COMES ON...
DO THIS.
(k)Take vehicle to Lexus
dealer.
(l)Stop and check.
(m)Stop and check.
(n)Replace engine oil.
(o)
Adjust tire inflation
pressure. If light
remains, contact
Lexus dealer.
(p)Fill up tank.
IF THIS INDICATOR ORBUZZER COMES ON...DO THIS.
(q)Add washer fluid.
(r)Key reminder buzzerRemove key.
GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
72
(n) Engine Oil Replacement Reminder Light (for vehicles sold in U.S.A.)
This light acts as a reminder to replace the engine oil.
This light will come on when the ignition key is turned to ªONº
and will go off after about a few seconds.
When you drive for about 7200 km (4500 miles) after the
engine oil replacement, this light illuminates for about 3
seconds and then flashes for about 12 seconds with the
ignition key turned to ªONº position. If you continue driving
without the engine oil replacement, and if the driving range
exceeds 8000 km (5000 miles), the light will come on after the
ignition key is turned to ªONº position. The light will remain on\
thereafter.
If the light is flashing, we recommend that you replace the
engine oil at an early opportunity depending on the driving and
road condition. If the light comes on, replace it as soon as
possible.
You need to reset the light after the engine oil replacement.
Reset the light by following the procedure below:
1. Turn the ignition key to the ªACCº or ªLOCKº position with
the odometer reading shown. (For details, see ªOdometer and
trip meterº on page 61.)
2. Turn the ignition key to the ªONº position while holding down
the trip meter reset knob.
Hold down the knob until the light goes off. Before the light
goes off, it illuminates for 3 seconds, flashes for 2 seconds and
illuminates for 1 second. If the system fails to reset, the light will remain flashing. In this
case, return to step 1 and try again.(o) Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the tire pressure of one or more of your
tires
(including the spare tire) is low. The light comes on when
the ignition key is turned to the ªONº position. It goes off after
a few seconds. This indicates that the tire pressure warning
system is functioning properly.
If the warning light comes on, stop your vehicle in a safe place
as soon as possible and check that the inflation pressure of all
tires (including the spare tire) is as specified on the tire and
loading information label. (See ªChecking tire inflation
pressureº on page 574.) The light should go off a few minutes
after the tire pressure is adjusted.
If the warning light blinks, the tire pressure warning system
may be malfunctioning. Contact your Lexus dealer.
For details, see ªTire pressure warning systemº on page 446.
(p) Low Fuel Level Warning Light
This light comes on when the fuel level in the tank becomes
very low. Fill the tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the tank,
the low fuel level warning light may come on earlier than usual.
STARTING AND DRIVING
446
TIRE PRESSURE WARNINGSYSTEM
The tire pressure warning system is designed to provide
warning when tire inflation pressure of one or more of
your tires (including the spare tire) is low. The low tire
pressure warning light comes on to inform you that low
tire inflation pressure may hamper driving.
Low tire pressure warning light
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the ªONº
position. It goes off after a few seconds. This indicates that the
tire pressure warning system is functioning properly. If the low tire pressure warning light comes on or blinks,
do the following.
If the warning light comes on:
Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible and
check that the inflation pressure of all tires (including the
spare tire) is as specified on the tire and loading
information
label. (See ªChecking tire inflation pressureº
on page 574.) If the warning light comes on even after tire
inflation pressure adjustment, you may have a flat tire. If
you have a flat tire, replace it with the spare tire. For
details, see ªIf you have a flat tireº on page 497.
The warning light goes off a few minutes after air is put into the
deflated tire.
This warning light may turn on due to natural causes such as
natural air leaks or tire pressure changes caused by
temperature. In this case, adjusting the tire pressure will turn
off the warning light.
STARTING AND DRIVING
448
NOTICE
Do not use liquid sealants for a flat tire as air pressuresensors will be damaged.
When the tires must be repaired or replaced, havethem repaired or replaced by the nearest Lexusdealer or authorized tire dealer. The tire pressuresensors will be affected by the installation or removal
of tires.
The tire pressure warning system is not to be used as a substitute for regular inspections. Be sure to check
the air pressure in the tires on a regular basis.
When the tires must be replaced, replace the grommets for air pressure sensors as well.
If the warning light blinks:
The tire pressure warning system may be malfunctioning.
Contact your Lexus dealer.System malfunction
The tire pressure warning system does not function
properly under certain circumstances. In the following
cases, the low tire pressure warning light may not come
on even if the tire inflation pressure is low, or it may come
on when the tire inflation pressure is actually normal.
Electric devices or facilities using similar radio wave
frequencies are nearby.
A radio set to similar frequencies is in use.
A lot of snow or ice covers the vehicle, in particular, around
the wheels or wheel housings.
The tires are not equipped with an air pressure sensor.
Tire chains are used.
STARTING AND DRIVING
450
CAUTION
When the tire pressure monitoring system warning light
is lit, one or more of your tires is significantly
under±inflated. You should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure as indicated on the vehicle's tire information
placard. Driving on a significantly under±inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under±inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and
stopping ability. Each tire, including the spare, should
be checked monthly when cold and set to the
recommended inflation pressure as specified in the
vehicle placard and owner's manual.
For vehicles sold in U.S.A.
DRIVING TIPS
478
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: 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure
recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the
total trailer weight.
Trailer lights
Your vehicle is equipped with a wire harness stored in the rear
end underbody. Use either of them to connect and operate the
trailer lights. However, the 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.
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 ªOwner's Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenanceº.
Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after
approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.
DRIVING TIPS
482
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKEYOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Improving fuel economy is easy Ð just take it easy. It will help
make your vehicle last longer, too. Here are some specific tips
on how to save money on both fuel and repairs:
Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. Check
the pressure every two weeks, or at least once a month.
Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel.
Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess
weight puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater
fuel consumption.
Avoid lengthy warm±up idling. Once the engine is
running smoothly, begin driving Ð but gently. Remember,
however, that on cold winter days this may take a little
longer.
Always keep the automatic transmission selector lever
in the ªDº position when engine braking is not required.
Driving with the overdrive off will reduce the fuel economy.
(For details, see ªAutomatic transmissionº on page 403.)
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts.
Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait and you
are not in traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start
again later.
Avoid engine over±revving. Use a gear position suitable
for the road on which you are traveling.
Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing down.
Stop±and±go driving wastes fuel.
Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking. Maintain a
steady pace. Try to time the traffic si gnals so you only need
to stop as little as possible or take advantage of through
streets to avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper distance from
other vehicles to avoid sudden braking. This will also
reduce wear on your brakes.
Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever possible.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. This causes
premature wear, overheating and poor fuel economy.
Maintain a m oderate speed on highways. The faster you
drive, the greater the fuel consumption. By reducing your
speed, you will cut down on fuel consumption.
Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid hitting
the curb and slow down on rough roads. Improper
alignment not only causes faster tire wear but also puts an
extra load on the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.
Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud, etc. This
not only lessens weight but also helps prevent corrosion.