GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
56
(d) SRS Warning Light
The indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned to
the “ON” position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This
means the SRS airbags and seat belt pretensioners are
operating properly.
The SRS warning light system monitors the airbag sensor
assembly, front airbag sensors, side and curtain shield airbag
sensor assemblies, curtain shield airbag sensor assemblies,
driver’s seat position sensor, driver’s seat belt buckle switch,
front passenger occupant cassification system and indicator
light, front passenger seat belt buckle switch, inflators, seat
belt pretensioners, roll sensing of curtain shield airbags off
indicator light, interconnecting wiring and power sources.
If any of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a
malfunction of the airbags or seat belt pretensioners. Contact
your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned
to the “ON” position or remains on for more than 6 seconds
or flashes.
The light comes on or starts flashing while driving.
The SRS warning light will come on and front passenger
occupant classification indicator light will indicate “OFF” if
there is a malfunction in the front passenger occupant
classification system.
(e) Engine Oil Replacement Reminder Light (U.S.A. only)
The light acts as a reminder to replace the engine oil.
This light will come on when the ignition key is turned to “ON”
and will go off after about a few seconds.
When you drive for about 7200 km (4500 miles) after the
engine oil replacement, this light illuminates for about 3
seconds and then flashes for about 12 seconds with the
ignition key turned to “ON” position. If you continue driving
without the engine oil replacement, and if the driving range
exceeds 8000 km (5000 miles), the light will come on after the
ignition key is turned to “ON” position. The light will remain on\
thereafter.
If the light is flashing, we recommend that you replace the
engine oil at an early opportunity depending on the driving and
road condition. If the light comes on, replace it as soon as
possible.
You need to reset the light after the engine oil replacement.
Reset the light by following the procedure below:
1. Turn the ignition key to th e “LOCK” position with the
odometer re ading shown. (For details, see “Odometer and trip
meter” on page 51.)
2. Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position while holding down
the “ODO/TRIP” knob.
Hold down the knob until the light goes off. Before the light
goes off, it illuminates for 3 seconds, flashes for 2 seconds and
illuminates for 1 second.
DRIVING TIPS
314
CAUTION
Always observe the following precautions to help
minimize the risk of serious personal injury or damage
to your vehicle:
Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take
unnecessary risks by driving in dangerous places.
Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving
off road. A bad bump could jerk the wheel and injure
your hands. Keep both hands and especially your
thumbs on the outside of the rim.
Always check your brakes for effectiveness
immediately after driving in sand, mud, water or
snow.
After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand,
rivers, etc., check that there is no grass, bush, paper,
rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped on the
underbody. Clear off any such matter from the
underbody. If the vehicle is used with these materials
trapped or adhering to the underbody, a breakdown
or fire could occur.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing
a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is
moving.
When driving off road or in rugged terrain, do not
drive at excessive speeds, jump, make sharp turns,
strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You
are also risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s
suspension and chassis.
NOTICE
If driving through water, such as when crossing
shallow streams, first check the depth of the water
and the bottom of the river bed for firmness. Drive
slowly and avoid deep water.
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that
water damage to the engine or other components
does not occur.
Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe
engine damage.
Water entering the automatic transmission will cause
deterioration in shift quality, locking up of your
transmission accompanied by vibration, and
ultimately damage.
Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings,
causing rusting and premature failure, and may also
enter the differentials, transmission and transfer
case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
Sand and mud that has accumulated in brake drums
and around brake discs may affect braking ef ficiency
and may damage brake system components.
DRIVING TIPS
316Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
See page 412 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy
summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Lexus dealer
− they will be pleased to help.
Check the electronic ignition system for loose
connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de −icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto
parts stores. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute
because it may damage your vehicle’s paint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility
it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into “P” and block the front
wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water
accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism may
freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release. Keep ice
and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering
difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you
carry some emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains,
window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.