STARTING AND DRIVING
235
IGNITION SWITCH WITH STEERINGLOCK
SS31002
ªSTARTº ± Starter motor on. The key will return to the
ªONº position when released.
For starting tips, see page 237.
ªONº ± Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the ªONº position if the engine
is not running. The battery will discharge and theelectronic ignition system could be damaged.
ªACCº ± Accessories such as the radio operate, but the
engine is off. If you leave the key in the ªACCº or ªLOCKº position and open
the driver's door, a buzzer will remind you to remove the key.*
NOTE: *The volume or interval of beep sound can be
changed. Ask your Lexus dealer for details.
SS31003
ªLOCKº ± Engine is off and the steering wheel is locked.
The ignition key can be removed only at this position.
Manual transmission: To turn the key from ªACCº to the
ªLOCKº position, you must push in the key.
Automatic transmission: To turn the key from ªACCº to the
ªLOCKº position you must put the transmission selector lever
in the ªPº position and you must push in the key.
Once you remove the key, the engine immobilizer system is
automatically set. See ªEngine immobilizer systemº on page
12.
04 06.30
STARTING AND DRIVING
241
5. Release
the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress the
accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting.
In normal cruising, the vehicle will start in the first gear and
automatically shift up to the most suitable gear. On inclines,
declines or winding roads, etc., the vehicle shifts up and down
automatically according to the running conditions to obtain the
suitable driving power and engine braking.
When the lever is in ª3º position, the automatic transmission
system will select the most suitable gear for the running
conditions such as hill climbing, hard towing, etc.
If you need to accelerate rapidly while driving, depress the
accelerator pedal to the full throttle position. This provides
more acceleration by automatically downshifting the
transmission to the next lower gear or beyond, depending on
the vehicle speed.
If engine braking is needed, such as in descending a long hill,
see ª(c) Using engine brakingº.
(b) Driving in M mode
If the change lever is shifted to M position, the shift range
position can be switched over between 5 and 2 using the
shift switch on the steering wheel instead of operating the
change lever. The first shift range position is on 5 when
the change lever is shifted to M position.
SV31024
1ªMº position
When the selector lever is put in the ªMº position, the M MODE
indicator is shown on the instrument cluster.
04 06.30
STARTING AND DRIVING
243
Warning tone sounds twice in any of the following cases:
You attempt to downshift the transmission when it is not
possible to downshift due to the high vehicle speed.
You attempt to downshift from ª2º position.
You attempt to upshift from ª5º position.
If the ªMº indicator flashes, there is a problem somewhere
in the system. In this case, it should be noted that you
cannot downshift or upshift the transmission using the
switches on the steering wheel. Consult with your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible. The transmission works
exactly in the same way as when you put the selector lever
in the ªDº position.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed could cause the vehicle
to skid or spin.
(c) Using engine braking
SV31023
To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the
transmission in the way described below:
1Shift into the ªMº position, and you push the transmission
down shift switch. The transmission will downshift to
fourth gear and engine braking will be obtained. This is
effective only when you are driving in the ªDº position or
in fifth gear (ªMº position).
When the cruise control is being used, even if you
downshift from ª5º to ª4º, engine braking will not be
enabled because the cruise control is not cancelled. If you
need to decrease the vehicle speed, see page 251.
2Shift into the ª3º position. The transmission will downshift
to third gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower
than the speed listed below and stronger engine braking
will be obtained.
04 06.30
STARTING AND DRIVING
260In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:
The light does not come on after the ignition key is turned
to ªONº.
The light remains on after the ignition key is turned to ªONº.
The light comes on while driving.
The ªTRAC OFFº indicator/warning light will come on when the
ªVSCº warning light comes on even if the ªTRAC OFFº switch
is not pushed.
ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM
The electronic throttle control system always maintains
appropriate engine output in relation to the accelerator
opening in all driving conditions.
SV31038
You can select the snow mode by pushing the ªSNOWº
switch. The ªSNOWº indicator light will come on.
Snow mode: Decreases the engine output to minimize rear
wheel spinning on snowcovered or slippery roads.
To return to the normal mode, push the ªSNOWº switch again.
The ªSNOWº indicator light will go off.
When you turn the ignition switch off in the snow mode, the
mode automatically changes to the normal mode.
04 06.30
DRIVING TIPS
269
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VARIOUSCONDITIONS
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you
much better control.
Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle.
Avoid driving onto high, sharp±edged objects and other
road hazards. Failure to do so can lead to severe tire damage such as a tire burst.
Drive slowly when passing over bumps or travelling on a
bumpy road. Otherwise, the impact could cause severe damage to the tires and/or wheels.
When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch
the curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking
brake, and place the transmission in ªPº (automatic) or in first or reverse (manual). If necessary, block the wheels.
Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get
the brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you and then press the pedal lightly.
If you do not feel a normal braking force, the brakes are
probably wet. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously while
lightly pressing the brake pedal with the parking brake
applied. If they still do not work safely, pull to the side of the road and call a Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is
fully released and that the parking brake reminder
light is off.
Do not leave your vehicle unattended while the
engine is running.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear,
and poor fuel economy.
To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed
and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and not work
properly. See page 243.
Be careful when accelerating, upshifting,
downshifting or braking on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed, such as sudden
acceleration or engine braking, could cause the
vehicle to skid or spin.
Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the
legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140 km/h
(85 mph) unless your vehicle has high±speed
capability tires. Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may
result in tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine
whether the tires on your vehicle are high±speed
capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.
04 06.30
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
286
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line.
Move cautiously off the road to a safe place ± well away
from the traffic. Avoid stopping on the center divider of
a highway. Park on a level spot with firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Firmly set the parking brake and put the transmission
in ªPº (automatic) or reverse (manual).
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side away
from traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.
CAUTION
When jacking, be sure to observe the following to
reduce the possibility of personal injury:
Follow jacking instructions.
Do not put any part of your body under a vehicle
supported by a jack. Personal injury may occur.
Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle
is supported by the jack.
Stop the vehicle on a level firm ground, firmly
set the parking brake and put the transmission
in ªPº (automatic) or reverse (manual). Block
the wheel diagonally opposite to the one being
changed if necessary.
Make sure to set the jack properly in the jack
point. Raising the vehicle with jack improperly
positioned will damage the vehicle or may allow
the vehicle to fall off the jack and cause
personal injury.
Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is
supported by the jack alone.
Use the jack only for lifting your vehicle during
wheel changing.
Do not raise the vehicle with someone in the
vehicle.
When raising the vehicle, do not put an object
on or under the jack.
Raise the vehicle only high enough to remove
and change the tire.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving with a deflated tire.
Driving even a short distance can damage a tire
and wheel beyond repair.
04 06.30
MAINTENANCE
310Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 349 for
additional information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and
the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 333 for additional
information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in the
ªHOTº or ªCOLDº range depending on the fluid temperature.
See page 350 for additional information.
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell
exhaust fumes, have the cause located and corrected
immediately. (See ªEngine exhaust cautionº on page 233 in
Section 3±1.)
Vehicle interior
Items
listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlight, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal
lights, and other lights are working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers function properly. Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified free play. Be alert for changes
in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive free
play or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters,
seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly. Check that the head
restraints
move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold
securely in any latched position. For folding±down rear
seatbacks, check that the latches lock securely.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors
and anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the
belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal ef fort
or catching.
Clutch pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and freeplay. Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
In a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
04 06.30
INTRODUCTION
322
POSITIONING THE JACK
SV61006
Front of vehicle
When jacking up your vehicle with the jack, position the
jack correctly as shown in the illustration.
Jack position
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front± Front crossmember
Rear± Rear differential
Support position and Pantograph jack position
. . . .
CAUTION
When jacking, be sure to observe the following to
reduce the possibility of personal injury:
Follow jacking instructions.
Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle
supported by a jack. Personal injury may occur.
Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is
supported by the jack.
Stop the vehicle on a level firm ground, firmly set the
parking brake and put the transmission in ªPº
(automatic) or reverse (manual). Block the wheel
diagonally opposite to the one being changed if
necessary.
Make sure to set the jack properly in the jack point.
Raising the vehicle with jack improperly positioned
will damage the vehicle or may allow the vehicle to fall
off the jack and cause personal injury.
Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is
supported by the jack alone; use vehicle support
stands.
Do not raise the vehicle with someone in the vehicle.
When ra ising the vehicle, do not place any objects on
top of or underneath the jack.
04 06.30