Page 317 of 539
STARTING AND DRIVING
298
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2. Adjust seat cushion length, seat position, seatback angle,
seat cushion angle, seat cushion height, head restraint height
and steering wheel angle.
3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts.
Remember to check that the service reminder indicators
function when turning the ignition switch to “ON”, and check the
fuel gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.
SMART IGNITION SWITCH WITH STEERING LOCK
31L345a
Carrying a smart key allows you to start the engine
without the key being inserted into the ignition switch.
The smart key system can be deactivated using a key cancel
switch. For details, see “Deactivating the smart key system”
on page 34.
Page 393 of 539
STARTING AND DRIVING
374
PRE COLLISION SAFETY SYSTEM
(Vehicles with dynamic radar cruise control)
When the pre collision safety system detects what it
perceives to be an unavoidable collision, the front seat
belts are quickly drawn back by the retractors
(pre collision seat belts) and more powerful braking is
applied according to the amount of pedal depression to
help reduce injury to the occupants and damage to the
vehicle body. In addition, the electronically modulated air
suspension works to help regulate the vehicle not to pitch
forward so much.
Pre collision sensor
The millimeter wave radar sensor detects vehicles or
objects near or on the road your vehicle is traveling and
determines the possibility of a collision based on the
object position, vehicle speeds and the course you are
traveling.
The pre −collision sensor will operate in the following
conditions:
When the ignition switch is turned on.
When the vehicle speed is about 5 km/h (3 mph) or over.
(The pre−collision safety system does not work with the
vehicle stopped.)
31L359a
1
Millimeter wave grille cover
2Millimeter wave radar sensor
The millimeter wave radar sensor is installed in the front grille
of the hood.
The millimeter wave radar sensor cannot detect plastic objects
such as pylons, and may not detect people, animals, bicycles,
motor cycles, trees, snowbanks, etc. as objects with which
your vehicle may collide.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
375
CAUTION
To ensure that pre collision safety system will function
properly while driving, observe the following. Failure to
follow these instructions could reduce the
effectiveness of the pre collision safety system in case
of vehicle accident:
Always keep the millimeter wave radar sensor and
grille cover clean. When cleaning, use a soft cloth
and be careful not to damage the sensor and grille
cover.
Avoid strong impacts around the millimeter wave
radar sensor. An incorrect millimeter wave radar
sensor alignment will result in system malfunction.
A special device is required to adjust the millimeter
wave radar sensor alignment. Be sure to have the
sensor adjusted by your Lexus dealer.
Do not disassemble the millimeter wave radar
sensor.
Do not affix a sticker (including a transparent sticker)
or attach an accessory around the millimeter radar
sensor or the grille cover.
Do not modify or paint the grille cover. When
replacing the cover, be sure to use a genuine cover.
Pre collision seat belts (Front seat belts only)
When the pre collision sensor detects an object or
vehicle with which your vehicle might collide and
determines that a collision may be unavoidable, the seat
belts are quickly drawn back by the retractors to enhance
the effects of the seat belt pretensioners. The
pre collision seat belts also work as well when hard
braking.
The pre −collision seat belts will operate in the following
conditions:
When the ignition switch is turned on.
When the vehicle speed is about 5 km/h (3 mph) or over.
When the approaching speed in regard to the object or the
vehicle exceeds about 30 km/h (18 mph).
When the front seat occupants wear the seat belts.
Page 396 of 539
STARTING AND DRIVING
377
Pre collision safety failure warning
31L589
If there is a problem somewhere in the pre collision safety
system, the master warning light comes on, a warning
tone sounds, and either of the following messages may
appear.
w278
The above message appears in the following conditions:
The millimeter wave radar sensor or the grille cover is
dirty.
Clean the grille or sensor with a soft cloth to remove the dirt.
The pre collision seat belts are activated repeatedly for
a short time.
The system turns of f temporarily for overheating protection,
but turns back on after a while.
w277
If there is a problem somewhere in the pre collision safety
system, the above message appears.
If the above message appears, the pre −collision safety system
may not operate. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.
Page 397 of 539
STARTING AND DRIVING
378
Precaution for pre collision safety system
It should be noted that the pre−collision sensor may detect the
following as the objects with which your vehicle might collide,
and the pre −collision safety may operate, even though there
is no possibility of collision.
When traveling through a curve, there is an object on the
edge of the road.
When traveling through a curve, another vehicle is passing
from the opposite direction.
When traveling across a narrow iron bridge.
When there is a metallic object on the road.
When there is a steel plate on the road at a construction site.
When there is a bump on the road.
When waiting to turn to the left in an intersection, and
another vehicle is passing from the opposite direction.
If your vehicle approaches another vehicle ahead very
quickly.CAUTION
Do not rely solely on the pre collision safety system
to avoid accidents. Your safe and attentive driving
practices are still the best way to avoid accidents and
you are always responsible for the operation of the
vehicle and the safety of your passengers. When
driving, always pay attention to the surrounding
conditions and the course you are driving.
The pre collision sensor’s collision detection
performance is limited. The sensor is able to detect
a forward object within 10 degrees on either left or
right side. If it is out of the range, or if there is no or
weak millimeter wave reflection, the sensor could not
detect the object and the system does not work
properly.
Even if the pre collision safety is operative in an
unavoidable collision, unless the seat belts are worn
and the brake pedal is depressed, the pre collision
seat belts and pre collision brake assist system will
not work.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
379
NOTICE
Even if there is no object with which your vehicle may
collide, the pre collision safety system may be
activated as follows:
The pre collision seat belts work to quickly draw
back the front seat belts by the retractors
(pre collision seat belts).
The pre collision brake assist system works to apply
more powerful braking than normal braking.
Page 424 of 539
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
405
B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning.
Check the following.
Is the cooling fan operating?
Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the
engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out
under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the
acceptable range, turn off the engine and call your Lexus
dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant
temperature has cooled to normal, continue driving your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your
vehicle overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible
by your Lexus dealer.
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 “P”.
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. Otherwise, personal injury
may occur.
Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle
is supported by the jack.
Page 447 of 539
MAINTENANCE
428Battery
Your Lexus has a maintenance free battery. You do not have
to add distilled water. For longer life of the battery, however,
see page 496 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 466 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 452 for additional
information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in
the “HOT” or “COLD” range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 467 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 “Engine exhaust cautions” on page 297.)
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, 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 ha s 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.
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.
