STARTING AND DRIVING
264
CAUTION
If the ªABSº warning light remains on together with the
brake system warning light, immediately stop your
vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
In this case, not only the anti±lock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.
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
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 ªABSº
warning light on page 54 or 263.
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
DRIVING TIPS
273
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKEYOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Improving fuel economy is easy ± 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 ± but gently. Remember,
however, that on cold winter days this may take a little longer.
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 signals 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 moderate 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.
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
CHASSIS
349
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
SV63001
To check the fluid level, simply look at the see±through
reservoir. The level should be between the ªMAXº and
ªMINº lines on the tank.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the
brake pads wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is
high.
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.
Refilling brake fluid:
1. Turn the ignition switch off.
2. Depress the brake pedal more than 40 times.
3. Remove the reservoir cap by hand. Add brake fluid up to the
ªMAXº line. If you do not follow the procedure above, the reservoir may
overflow.
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.
04 06.30
CHASSIS
373
REPLACING WHEELS
When to replace your wheels
If you have wheel damage such as bends, cracks or heavy
corrosion, the wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace a damaged wheel, the tire may slip off the
wheel or cause loss of handling control.
Replacement with used wheels is not recommended as they
may have been subjected to rough treatment or high mileage
and could fail without warning. Also, bent wheels which have
been straightened may have hidden structural damage and
therefore should not be used. Never use an inner tube in a
leaking wheel which is designed for a tubeless tire.
Wheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure
that they are equivalent to those removed in load capacity,
diameter, rim width, and offset.
Correct replacement wheels are available at your Lexus
dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type may adversely affect
handling, wheel and bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer/odometer calibration, stopping ability, headlight
aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and tire or snow
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
CAUTION
Observe the following instructions. Otherwise, an
accident may occur resulting in death or serious
injuries.
Do not use wheels other than the manufacturer's
recommended size, as this may cause dangerous
handling characteristics resulting in loss of control.
04 06.30
ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
378
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
1 D FR P/W20Power window system
2 TAIL10Tail lights, Side marker lights,
License plate lights,
Parking lights
3 GAUGE10
Back±up lights, Power window,
Gauges and meters,
Service reminder indicators and
buzzers,
Emergency flashers,
Windshield defogger,
Outside rear view mirror
defogger
4 DOOR20Door lock system
5 PANEL7.5
Instrument panel lights,
Seat heater, Cigarette lighter,
Automatic transmission system,
Traction control system,
Rear fog light, Ashtray light
6 WASHER15Windshield washer,
Headlight cleaner
7 STARTER7.5Starting system
8 FR DEF20Windshield wiper deicer
9 A/C10Air conditioning system
10 SEAT HTR15Seat heater
11 CIG15Cigarette lighter, Power outlet
12 S/ROOF30Moon roof
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
13 ECU±IG10
Radiator fan,
Anti±lock brake system,
Moon roof, Shift lock system,
Air conditioning system,
Door lock system,
Headlight beam level control,
Theft deterrent system
14 SRS±ACC10SRS system
15 STOP15Stop lights, Shift lock system,
Anti±lock brake system
16 WIPER25Windshield wipers
17 RADIONO.210Audio system, Air conditioning,
Outside rear view mirror,
Shift lock system
18 DOOR DL15Power seat system
19 DOME7.5
Interior lights, Trunk light,
Vanity lights,
Ignition switch light, Map light,
Door courtesy lights
20 FR FOG15Fog lights
21 P FR P/W20Power window system
22 PWR
OUTLET15Power outlets
23 ECU±B27.5Theft deterrent system,
Door lock system
24 D RR P/W20Power window system
25 MIR HTR15Outside rear view mirror
04 06.30
ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
379
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
26 MPX±B10
Power window system,
Air conditioning,
Gauges and meters,
Theft deterrent system
27 P RR P/W20Power window system
28 SRS±B7.5SRS system, Door lock system
29 TV7.5Television
30 OBD7.5On±board diagnosis system
31 IGN7.5
SRS system,
Multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system,
Cruise control system
32 ECU±B120
Theft deterrent system,
Door lock system,
Interior light, Trunk light,
Vanity light, Ignition switch light,
Map light, Door courtesy lights,
Power window system,
Air conditioning,
Gauges and meters
33 ALT±S7.5Charging system
34 ETCS15Electronic throttle control
system
35 AM220
Starting system, SRS system,
Multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system, Cruise control
system
36 HORN10Horn
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
37 RADIONO.120Audio system
38 TURN±HAZ15Turn signal lights
39 EFI25
Multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system,
Emission control system,
Engine immobilizer system
40 DRL NO.230Daytime running light system
41 DRL NO.17.5Daytime running light system
42 H±LP L LW R15Left±hand headlight
(low beam), Fog lights
43 H±LP R LW R15Right±hand headlight
(low beam)
44 ABS27.5Anti±lock brake system
45 SPARESpare fuse
46 SPARESpare fuse
47 SPARESpare fuse
48 H±LP LUPR10Left±hand headlight
(high beam)
49 H±LP R UPR10
Right±hand headlight
(high beam),
Service reminder indicators and
buzzers
04 06.30