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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■To avoid accident or injury
●The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus the weight of cargo) must not exceed
2000 lb. (907 kg).
●Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle
weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
●Never load more weight in the back than in the front of the trailer. About 60% of
the load should be in the front half of the trailer, and the remaining 40% in the
rear.
■Hitches
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the hitch
ma
nufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of towing a
higher weight, the operator must never exceed the maximum weight rating speci -
fied for the trailer hitch.
• If you wish to install a trailer hitch, your Lexus dealer should be consulted.
• Use only a hitch that conforms to the total trailer weight requirement.
• Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
• Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
• Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer. After r
emoving the hitch, seal any mounting holes in the vehicle body to prevent
entry of any substances into the vehicle.
■When towing a trailer
●If the total trailer weight exceeds 1000 lb . (450 kg), trailer brakes are required.
●Never tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehicle's
braking effectiveness.
●Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the
trailer and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, there is
danger of the trailer wandering into another lane.
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2-5. Driving information
Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. The three main
causes of vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed and
improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when towing.
• Before starting out, check the tra iler
’s lights and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
• Practice turning, stopping and reversi ng with the tr
ailer attached in an
area away from traffic until you be come accustomed to the feel of the
vehicle.
• Reversing with a trailer attached is dif
ficult and requires practice. Grip
the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the left to
move the trailer to the left. Move yo ur hand to the right to move the
trailer to the right. (This is gene rally opposite to reversing without a
trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have someone
guide you when reversing to redu ce the risk of an accident.
NOTICE
■When installing a trailer hitch
●Use only the position recommended by your Lexus dealer. Do not install the
trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.
●Do not use axle-mounted hitches as they can cause damage to the axle housing,
wheel bearings, wheels or tires.
■Brakes
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable federal and
sta
te/provincial requlations.
■Do not directly splice trailer lights
Direct splicing may damage your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunc -
tion.
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253
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• Moves smoothly
(without uneven pedal effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission
“Park” mechanism• Can hold the vehicle securely on a incline with the selector lever in “P”?
Brake pedal
• Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clearance and correct amount of free play?
Brakes
• Not pull to one side when applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints• Move smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Function properly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly? ( P.311)
Pa r k i n g b r a ke• Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on a incline?
Seat belts• Does the seat belt system operate smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats• The seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
•No strange noise?
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271
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Be careful because brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damage painted
sur
faces.
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discom for
t, seek medical attention.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads wear or
whe
n the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious mechanical prob -
lem. Have the system checked by your Lexus dealer.
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328
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on...
If the brake system warning light comes on, stop the vehicle immediately.
The following warning indicates a possible problem in the brake system.
Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
Immediately stop the vehicl e in a safe place and contact y
our Lexus
dealer.
* Parking brake engaged warning buzzer:
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driv en at a speed of approximately 3 mph (5
km/h) or more.
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights turn on or
flash. If a light turns on or flashes, but then turns off, this does not necessarily
indicate a malfunction in the system.
Warning lightsWarning light/Details
(U.S.A)
(Canada)
Brake system warning light (Warning buzzer)*
• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake booster system This light also comes on when the parking brake
is not released. If the light turns off after the
parking brake is fully released the system is
operating normally.
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330
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the following warning lights come on, have the vehicle inspected
immediately.
Failing to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to a
system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Warning lightsWarning light/Details
(U.S.A)
(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The electronic en gine contr
ol system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The electronic automatic tr
ansmission con-
trol system.
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system; or
• The seat belt pretension system.
Automatic headlight leveling system and adaptive
front lighting system
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The automatic head light leveling system; or
• The adaptive front lighting system, if the light
flashes.
(U.S.A)
(Canada)
ABS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The Anti-lock Braking System ABS; or
• The brake assist system.
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5
When trouble arises
333
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■If the electronic engine control system warning light remains on while driving
First check the following:
• Check fuel level, if the fuel tank is empty, refuel immediately.
• Check the fuel tank cap is loose tighten it securely.
The light will go off after driving regularly for some time.
If the light does not go off even after several trips, contact your Lexus dealer as soon
a
s possible.
■Front passenger detection sensor an d passenger’s seat belt reminder
●If luggage is placed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger detection
sensor may cause the warning light to flash and a chime to sound, even if a pas -
senger is not sitting in the seat.
●If a cushion is placed on the seat, the sensor may not detect a passenger, and the
warning light may not operate properly.
CAUTION
■If both the ABS and brake system warning lights remain on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact your Lexus dealer. The
v
ehicle will become extremely unstable during braking, and the ABS system may
fail, which could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
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5
When trouble arises
335
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Failing to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to the
system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Warning message and
lightDetails
(flashes)
Brake wear warning
Indicates that your brake pads have worn down
enough to require replacement.
and
VSC and TRAC warning
Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle stability
control system or the traction control system.
These systems do not work while the warning
message is displayed, however, it is no problem
to continue normal driving.
Tire pressure warning system failure warning
Indicates a malfunction in the tire pressure
w
arning system. The system does not work
while the warning message is displayed, how -
ever, it is no problem to continue normal driving.
(flashes)
Steering lock cable failure warning
Indicates that the interlock cable for the steer -
ing lock is faulty.