Page 413 of 668

SECTION 3 ± 1
392
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converters393
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Engine exhaust caution 396
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Before starting the engine 398
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Ignition switch 398
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Parking brake 400
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How to start the engine 401
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Automatic transmission 403
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Four±wheel drive system 411
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Rear view monitor system 415
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Cruise control 419
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Rear height control air suspension 422
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Electronic modulated suspension 429
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Active traction control system 430
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Vehicle stability control system 433
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Downhill assist control system 436
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Hill±start assist control 439
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Brake system 442
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Tire pressure warning system 446
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Brake pad wear limit indicators 456
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Limited±slip differential 457
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Page 414 of 668
STARTING AND DRIVING
393
THREE±WAY 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 idle or park your vehicle over anything that
might burn easily such as grass, leaves, paper or
rags.
Page 415 of 668
STARTING AND DRIVING
394
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 416 of 668
STARTING AND DRIVING
395
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 theªOwner's Manual Supplement/ScheduledMaintenanceº.
Page 513 of 668

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
492
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 ªACCº or ªLOCKº and try starting the
engine again.
2. The engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking.
See ª(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 ªForewordº.)(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 ªSTARTº 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 ªForewordº.)
(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 571 of 668
ENGINE
550
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.