Page 270 of 442

SECTION 3 – 1
cclvi
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three−way catalytic convertercclvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution cclviii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine cclix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch cclx
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Parking brake cclxi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
How to start the engine cclxii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission cclxiii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control cclxix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . .
Electronic modulated suspension cclxxii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system cclxxiii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle stability control system cclxxvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system cclxxviii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. .
Brake pad wear limit indicators cclxxxii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page 273 of 442
STARTING AND DRIVING
cclix
To allow proper operation of your vehicle’s
ventilation system, keep the inlet grilles in front of the
windshield clear of snow, leaves, or other
obstructions.
If you smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle, drive with
the windows open and the trunk lid closed. Have the
cause immediately located and corrected.BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, seat cushion angle,
seat cushion height, head restraint height and steering wheel
angle.
3. Vehicles with power adjustable pedals — Adjust the position
of the accelerator and brake pedals.
4. Adjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors.
5. Lock all doors.
6. Fasten seat belts.
Remember to check that the service reminder indicators
function when turning the key to “ON”, and check the fuel
gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.
Page 296 of 442
STARTING AND DRIVING
cclxxxii
BRAKE PAD WEAR LIMITINDICATORS
The brake pad wear limit indicators on your disc brakes
give a warning noise when the brake pads are worn to the
extent that replacement is required.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise while driving, have the
brake pads checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible. Expensive rotor damage can result if the
pads are not replaced when needed.
Page 347 of 442

MAINTENANCE
cccxxxiii
Battery
Check the battery condition by the indicator color. See page
cccxcix for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make
sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page ccclxvii 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 ccclvi 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 ccclxviii 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 caution” on page cclviii.)
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 freeplay. Be alert for changes
in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive freeplay
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.
Page 388 of 442

CHASSIS
ccclxxiv
1Summer tire or all season tire: An all season
tire has “M+S” on the sidewall. The tire not
marked with “M+S” is a summer tire. For details,
see “Types of tires” on page ccclxxxii.
2Tire size: For details, see “Tire size” on page ccclxxv.
3DOT and Tire Identification Number (TIN): For
details, see “DOT and Tire Identification Number
(TIN)” on page ccclxxv.
4Uniform tire quality grading: For details, see
“Uniform tire quality grading” that follows.
5Location of the tread wear indicators: For
details, see “Checking and replacing tires” on
page ccclxxxiv.
6Tire ply composition and materials: Plies mean
a layer of rubber −coated parallel cords. Cords
mean the strands forming the plies in the tire.
7Radial tires or bias ply tires: A radial tire has
“RADIAL” on the sidewall. A tire not marked with
“RADIAL” is a bias−ply tire.
8“TUBELESS” or “TUBE TYPE”: A tubeless tire
does not have a tube inside the tire. A tube type
tire has a tube inside the tire and the tube
maintains the air pressure.
9Load limit at maximum cold tire inflation
pressure: For details, see “Checking and
replacing tires” on page ccclxxxiv.
10Maximum cold tire inflation pressure: This
means the pressure to which a tire may be
inflated. For details about recommended cold tire
inflation pressure, see “Specifications” on page
ccclxiii.
Page 398 of 442

CHASSIS
ccclxxxiv
CHECKING AND REPLACING TIRES
When to replace your tires
1New tread2Tread wear indicator
3Worn tread
Replace the tires when the tread wear indicators
show. The location of tread wear indicators is
shown by the marks such as “TWI” or “
Δ” marks,
etc., molded on the sidewall of each tire. The tires on your Lexus have built
−in tread wear
indicators to help you know when the tires need
replacement. When the tread depth wears to 1.6 mm
(0.06 in.) or less, the indicators will appear. If you
can see the indicators in two or more adjacent
grooves, the tire should be replaced.
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost if the tread
wears down below 4 mm (0.16 in.).
If you have tire damage such as cuts, splits,
cracks deep enough to expose the fabric, or
bulges indicating internal damage, the tire should
be replaced.
If a tire often goes flat or cannot be properly repaired
due to the size or location of a cut or other damage,
it should be replaced. If you are not sure, consult
with your Lexus dealer.
If air loss occurs while driving, do not continue driving.
Driving even a short distance can damage a tire
beyond repair.
Any tires which are over 6 years old must be
checked by a qualified technician even if damage
is not obvious.
Tires deteriorate with age even if they have never or
seldom been used.